December 17, 1903, is a date that will be remembered as one of the great moments in history. On an isolated, cold and windswept strip of land near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the Wright brothers accomplished what many thought was impossible - the first powered, successful, heavier-than-air airplane flight in the world - in the Wright Flyer. Their initial flight went 120 feet for 12 seconds. The last flight of the day, piloted by Wilbur, went 852 feet and lasted about a minute. Ironically, after Wilbur landed, a powerful gust of wind flipped the airplane over, severely damaging the craft. It never flew again.
The hurdles the brothers had to deal with were immense: operating with only the funds generated from their bicycle shop business (they built the plane for less than $1,000 – about $35,000 in todays’ money); having to invent and develop not just the airplane but also many of the components, including the 12 horsepower aluminum block engine, a wooden propeller and a wind tunnel to test their theories. Braving constant attacks on their character from people all over the world who relentlessly branded them as frauds, liars and worse, including the US government, the Wright brothers achieved the remarkable! A true testament to ingenuity, commitment, drive, integrity, determination, courage and resourcefulness!
Wilbur Wright was born exactly 158 years ago this month. Along with his brother Orville, they stand as beacons of what can be accomplished in your business or organization – no matter what “headwinds” you might be facing these days!
