Image of the Air Force wings with the museum name underneath

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week
FREE Admission & Parking

Mastering Flight at Huffman Prairie

During 1904-1905, the Wrights continued researching the mysteries of flight at Huffman Prairie near the Simms Station trolley stop (now part of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio). 

In September 1904 Wilbur Wright reached a significant milestone. After ascending over Huffman Prairie in the Flyer II, Wilbur turned around and landed near his takeoff spot, making history's first full-circle airplane flight.

In October 1905, however, they decided to discontinue their flying experiments until they received a patent on their invention. Though this patent was not issued until May 22, 1906, the Wrights offered their invention to the U.S. government twice in 1905. Their offers were rejected, for few people actually believed they had invented a successful flying machine.

Click here to return to the Wright Brothers Overview.

 

Find Out More
Line
Other Resources
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
Line
Note: The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the National Museum of the USAF, the U.S. Air Force, or the Department of Defense, of the external website, or the information, products or services contained therein.