Wright Brothers

The Wrights viewed Sir George Cayley and Otto Lilienthal as:

• Competition

• Inspiration

• Collaborators

• Students

Analyzing birds in flight led the Wrights to improve which aspect of aircraft design?

• Pilot control systems

• Carrying capacity

• Size and shape of propellers

• Power-to-weight ratio

Adjusting roll, pitch, and yaw allows pilots to counter the effect of:

• Shifting weight

• Engine failure

• Changing winds

• Uneven runways

Compared to steam engines used in other early aircraft, the gas engine in the Wright Flyer was:

• Lighter

• More powerful

• Quieter

• Sturdier

What is the significance of the power-to-weight ratio in aviation?

• The two values must be exactly equal

• If it's too small a plane can't take off

• The engine needs to be the heaviest part of a plane

• Smaller engines increase a plane's stability

Which of the following best describes what the Wrights achieved at Kitty Hawk?

• The first safe and practical flying machine

• The longest flight by a piloted craft up to that point

• The first flying machine to carry multiple passengers

• The first flight by a powered, controlled aircraft

What term best describes the public's initial reaction to the Kitty Hawk flight?

• Indifferent

• Curious

• Outraged

• Celebratory

Which of the following is an opinion?

• The original Wright Flyer was destroyed by wind

• Later designs for the Wright Flyer were faster and sturdier

• The Wrights were more ambitious than other inventors

• Orville Wright sold the Wright Company

Place these events in chronological order: A) Wright Company incorporates; B) Test flight of the first Wright Flyer; C) Wilbur Wright dies; D) the Wrights put on their first air show

• Wright Company incorporates

• Test flight of the first Wright Flyer

• the Wrights put on their first air show

• Wilbur Wright dies

In what way can the Wright Company be considered a success?

• It met the growing demand for faster shipping services

• Orville and Wilbur became instant millionaires

• It remains one of America's oldest family-run businesses

• Air travel is now a standard mode of transportation