American History Tellers: The Wright Brothers | Coming Down to Earth | Episode 3
Introduction In the final installment of the three-part series on the Wright Brothers, "Coming Down to Earth," hosted by Lindsay Graham on Wondery's American History Tellers, listeners delve deep into the triumphs, tragedies, and tribulations that shaped the legacy of Wilbur and Orville Wright. This episode meticulously chronicles their journey from pioneering aviators to embattled businessmen, highlighting their relentless pursuit of innovation amidst growing competition and personal loss.
Early Success and Public Recognition By 1908, the Wright Brothers had been advancing aviation technology for eight years, transitioning from experimental gliders to engine-powered aircraft. Despite their innovations, their insistence on secrecy meant limited public exposure, fostering skepticism among the press and scientific communities. This perception began to shift dramatically in the summer of 1908 when Wilbur Wright initiated public flying demonstrations in Le Mans, France.
"When I fly, I am in complete control," Wilbur asserts during a press interaction (00:00), emphasizing his confidence in their innovation. These demonstrations captivated European audiences, earning the Wrights acclaim previously reserved for their French counterparts. Their performances in August and September 1908 silenced many skeptics, with Wilbur's aerobatic skills in Le Mans earning widespread admiration and prompting invitations to larger venues, including military fields (04:24).
Orville’s Demonstrations and Tragic Crash While Wilbur continued to captivate European audiences, Orville took on the responsibility of demonstrating their aircraft to the U.S. Army at Fort Myer, Virginia. His public flights in September 1908 broke numerous records, showcasing the Wrights' superiority in aviation. However, the pressure to meet the U.S. Army's contractual requirements led to mounting stress.
On September 17, 1908, Orville Wright faced the ultimate test when Lt. Thomas Selfridge, a member of the Aerial Experiment Association (AEA), requested a flight. Distrustful of Selfridge’s intentions, Orville reluctantly agreed. The flight initially proceeded smoothly, but a mechanical failure caused the aircraft to crash, resulting in Selfridge's death and Orville sustaining severe injuries (16:12).
"Nerve? Oh, do you mean will I be afraid to fly again?" Orville remarked post-crash, demonstrating his unwavering dedication despite the tragedy (rarely timestamped precisely here).
Wilbur’s Determination and European Triumphs In the aftermath of the crash, Wilbur Wright intensified his efforts to prove the resilience and safety of their aircraft. By December 1908, he secured the 1908 Michelin Cup with a record-breaking 75-mile flight, further cementing the Wrights' reputation. Wilbur's persistence led to extensive flying tours across Europe in early 1909, where he continued to set records and attract high-profile passengers, including royalty and millionaires (18:16).
"Every time we make a move, the people on the streets stop and stare at us," Catherine Wright reflected on their newfound celebrity status, highlighting the dramatic change from their earlier obscurity.
Legal Battles and Rising Competition As the Wright Brothers' fame grew, so did their list of adversaries. Their success attracted competitors like Glenn Curtis, whose advancements in aviation technology threatened the Wrights' dominance. This rivalry culminated in a series of legal disputes over patent infringements, particularly concerning the Wrights' wing-warping technology versus Curtis's ailerons.
"Our patent covers all techniques that mimic our method of controlling the lateral movement in the air," Wilbur declared during a confrontation with Curtis, underscoring their firm stance on protecting their innovations (30:54).
These lawsuits, while initially successful for the Wrights, strained their relationships within the aviation community. Notably, their friend Octave Chanute criticized their aggressive legal tactics, fearing it would alienate other aviators and hinder collaborative progress in aviation (30:54).
Wilbur’s Illness and Untimely Death The relentless legal battles and business pressures took a toll on Wilbur Wright. In May 1912, amidst ongoing lawsuits and mounting stress, Wilbur fell ill with typhoid fever and tragically passed away at the age of 45. His death left Orville devastated, burdened with both personal loss and the escalating challenges of maintaining their business amidst fierce competition and legal obstacles (32:57).
Orville’s Later Years and Legacy Following Wilbur’s death, Orville struggled to keep the Wright Company afloat. By 1915, he sold the company, which later merged into the Wright-Martin Aircraft Company. Seeking solace, Orville retreated from the public eye, dedicating his remaining years to experimentation and reflecting on the profound impact of aviation.
"The only thing I'm afraid of is that I can't get well soon enough to finish those tests next year," Orville mused after his crash, illustrating his enduring commitment to aviation despite personal hardships.
Orville Wright's contributions extended beyond his flying days, influencing future aviation milestones. Honors such as National Aviation Day and the naming of the USS Wright aircraft carrier attest to their enduring legacy. Orville remained a respected figure in aviation until his death in 1948, leaving behind a monumental legacy that inspired generations of aviators, including famed figures like Charles Lindbergh and John Glenn.
Conclusion Episode 3 of American History Tellers intricately weaves the narrative of the Wright Brothers’ pioneering achievements and the ensuing battles that defined their legacy. Through vivid storytelling and insightful quotes, the episode captures the essence of Wilbur and Orville Wright's relentless pursuit of flight, their resilience in the face of adversity, and the lasting impact of their innovations on the world of aviation.
Notable Quotes:
- "When I fly, I am in complete control." – Wilbur Wright (00:00)
- "Nerve? Oh, do you mean will I be afraid to fly again?" – Orville Wright (Post-Crash)
- "Our patent covers all techniques that mimic our method of controlling the lateral movement in the air." – Wilbur Wright (30:54)
- "Every time we make a move, the people on the streets stop and stare at us." – Catherine Wright
Further Reading: For those interested in exploring the Wright Brothers' story in greater depth, recommended books include "The Wright Brothers" by David McCullough and "Birdman" by Lawrence Goldstone.