Essay Sample: The Wright Brothers, and Their Journey to Success

Hi, I'm Wilbur Wright, son of Milton Wright. My brother and I have this idea of creating a fully flyable and sustainable aircraft. We are going to start to construct the aircraft in our bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio, which is where we live. Before we start on our project, we need to find a place that will be windy, so that the wind could really help us off the ground and help the aircraft glide in the air. 

“Got it”, said Orville. “How about we find a beach that has a lot of wind.” “That's a good idea”, I said. Let’s try to find a beach on the East Coast near us. I heard some of the beaches on the East Coast have a lot of wind.” “How about we do some research on some beaches near us to test our aircraft before we make it, because we don't want to run into a situation where we have the aircraft but we don't have a place to test it on.” 

About 20 minutes later, an unexpected surprise entered our store. Orville’s best friend Thomas Magnum entered the bicycle shop. Thomas then realizes that Orville, his best friend and Wilbur Wright, his best friend's brother, were the owners of the bicycle shop. Thomas then says, “I didn't know you guys worked here. I was just trying to come in and get a bike for my wife and I.” Orville said, “Wow that's amazing! What a coincidence!” “My wife and I just got back from a beach called Devil Hills just south of Kitty Hawk, Nc. The winds there were crazy; they were probably like 20 mph.”

Orville then said, “Wait a minute, why don’t we test our project there in Kitty Hawk?” “That’s an amazing idea, thanks Thomas.” I said. Thomas then said,”Oh no problem, what project are you guys thinking about doing.” Orville and I looked at each other wondering if we should tell him for two reasons. The first reason is that if we tell someone else other than us two, rumors could spread. Then people will maybe think that it's a great idea and then they would try to complete the project before us. The other reason being we are sort of embarrassed to tell other people about our project because some people may think it's crazy and they will also maybe think that we are weird. 

We then both nodded at each other and thought that if it does go bad, then it is what it is. So I said, “We are planning on building an aircraft that would make traveling around the world a lot easier and faster.” Thomas then said, “Wow that’s an amazing idea! I should go out to the streets and tell every man or woman we see go by about this brilliant idea.” We then both spoke at the same time,” No No No No! Please do not tell anyone. We must keep this a secret between us three.” Thomas asked why. I said, ”Because we do not want anyone to steal our idea, and complete this project before us because then they would get the credit for it. We would have no reason or explanation for them stealing our ideas.” Thomas then said, ”But what if I tell them it was the Wright brothers’ idea first, and they told me they were going to create it first.” Orville then said, “Thomas, they aren't going to believe one person’s claim, and us claiming it for ourselves certainly  won't change a single thing. They will just go with the man or woman who finished the project first.” “Oh that makes a lot more sense now,” Thomas said. “Well, can I get this two seat bike for me and my wife,” Thomas asked. “Yes, why not? How about 50% off for it?” Orville said. “Thanks man,” Thomas said. “Alright, have a great day and I wish both of you guys very good luck on your fantastic project,” Thomas said.

“Hey Thomas, one more thing before you leave,” Orville said. Thomas responded with, “Yes, what is it?” Thomas said. “Make sure to tell absolutely no one about our idea,” Orville said. “You can count on me,'' Thomas said. “I hope we can”, Orville and I said at the same time. 

“Okay, now we need to just focus on building this aircraft,” I said. “For sure,” Orville said. “I'm thinking we develop a light weight engine so that the wind can glide us through the air easily, because if we had a heavy weight engine it would bring the aircraft down onto the ground. And the wind would be able to do anything about it,” I said. “Yea, that sounds like a plan. I'm going to start researching Devil Hills in Kitty Hawk to see if it is the right place to test our aircraft.” Orville said. “Sounds like a plan,” I said. 

About twenty minutes later, we were finally done brainstorming whether we should test our aircraft that is soon to be made in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. It was a close call, but we finally decided that we would find the windiest day in Kitty Hawk and test our aircraft once we finished it. It was only a close call because Kitty Hawk isn't that close to Dayton, Ohio, but we only chose it because of its high speed winds. 

After years of exploring the critical elements of control and starting out with just kites, we made the adjustments that needed to be made and we finally had what we thought was the completed version of our aircraft. Now it was finally time to start testing out our big project. 

Today December 14, 1903 is the day that we are finally going to test our aircraft. We had to decide who would be the first to attempt this feat. After the flip of a coin, I won the chance. The test didn’t go perfectly, and while we damaged the wing, we knew the glider would work. A few days later, after the aircraft was repaired and the wind conditions were just right, we got another chance on December 17 to fly again. It was Orville’s turn this time and while it lasted only twelve minutes, it was the first controlled flight ever! I think I can speak for both me and Orville. We are both super excited for this event to take place because we were the first ones to accomplish this great feat.