For use in schools and libraries only. Describes events at Kitty Hawk up to the Wright brothers' first flight on December 17, 1903.

The nail-biting account of the Wright brothers' secret flights at Kitty Hawk and their unexpected rise to fame Despite their great achievements following their first powered flights in 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright still enjoyed virtual anonymity until 1908. In seven crucial days in May of that year, however, the eyes of the world were suddenly cast upon them as they sought lucrative government contracts for their flying technology and then had to prove the capabilities of their machines. In these pivotal moments, the brothers were catapulted into unwanted worldwide fame as the international press discovered and followed their covert flight tests, and reported their every move using rudimentary telegraphs and early forms of photography. From the brothers' rise to fame on the historic Outer Banks, to the quickly expanding role of the world press and the flights' repercussions in war and military technology, Tise weaves a fascinating tale of a key turning point in the history of flight.

A time-travel trip aboard the When Machine provides a look at the historic flight of the Wright brothers.

Walsh has created a dramatic, movement-by-movement account of the airplane's invention, development and testing. He shows why the myths about the Wright brothers arose and flourished.

"The stirring story of the Wright brothers, plus a colorful supporting cast of high-flyers during the baby-step era of aviation, (is) entertainingly presented--warts and all."--"Kirkus Reviews."

On December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Wilbur (1867–1912) and Orville (1871–1948) Wright made the first controlled, sustained flights in a power-driven airplane. Relying on the facilities of a bicycle repair shop in Dayton, Ohio, they had constructed, alone, the world's first flying machines. Miracle at Kitty Hawk , an expert selection of 600 out of 10,000 existing letters, allows the reader to follow the excitement of discovery that kept the Wright brothers working on their incredible invention. With little formal education and the slight business background of selling and repairing bicycles, they overcame the problems that defeated the great scientific minds of the day, dealt with large corporations and governments on their own terms, and were recognized by their contemporaries as geniuses. Whether confronting adverse weather conditions, ensuring secrecy, trying to convince the U.S. government that they had actually flown, fighting patent infringements, or responding to public acclaim, these letters reveal the resourcefulness, good humor, and pluck of America's most famous brothers.

This book, published in celebration of the 100th anniversary of powered flight in 2003, tells the story of two 20th century heroes who fashioned from the raw materials of ingenuity and ambition a legacy that will live forever in aviation history. 140 photos.