What Would the Wright Brothers Think of Modern Commercial Aircraft?

Welcome to the Chronicles of Aviation: A Visit with the Wright Brothers

Imagine the surprise and disbelief if Orville Wright, the last surviving sibling from the Wright brothers, had stepped out of his time to see the marvels of today's commercial aviation. Would he be astounded, or perhaps even a bit scoffing at the advancements?

From Wood and Wire to Modern Marvels

Orville Wright lived an impressive life, witnessing the transformation of aircraft from rudimentary propeller-driven contraptions to state-of-the-art supersonic jets. His company, Curtis-Wright Corporation, one of the largest aircraft manufacturers of its time, kept him closely connected to the evolving landscape of aviation. The insights of the Wright brothers on how far aviation has come are as valuable now as they were back then.

The Press Conference: A Meeting with Orville

Imagine a press conference where Orville Wright, clad in his practical attire and sporting glasses that probably held several decades of wisdom, shared his thoughts on a modern commercial aircraft. What would he say?

What Would They Think?

“Man, that F-35! Much wow, but some of that stealth technology is like...?lame, let’s say. I mean, it’s new but us pioneers had our own form of stealth, didn’t we? Landings in the dead of night without drawing attention”.

Orville's initial reaction to the F-35 would likely be one of admiration mixed with a touch of skepticism. After all, the F-35’s technology is rooted in advancements that have built upon centuries of innovation and experimentation—innovations that were often quite unconventional by today's standards.

Remembering the Early Days

Orville would undoubtedly have memories of their early experiments, like the “magnificent failure” at the Huffman Prairie Field, which served as a stark reminder of both the challenges and the allure of experimentation. The Wright brothers were pioneers who faced ridicule and skepticism but remained steadfast in their vision. They would probably echo similar sentiments in the face of modern technology.

Admiration and Disappointment

While Orville would be impressed with the complexity and engineering prowess of modern commercial aircraft, he might be a bit disappointed at some aspects of modern aviation. Orville's natural skepticism and critical eye might lead him to comment on advances that, to him, seemed less exciting than 1926's air mail flights.

The Enduring Pioneers

The Wright brothers were not just inventors; they were visionaries who laid down the foundational principles of aviation. They understood that every technological leap moves aviation closer to its ultimate potential. In their time, the modern commercial aircraft might seem like a distant mirage, a dream yet to be realized. But they would likely be proud of the progress, even if it didn't align perfectly with their expectations.

Legacy of Innovation

The legacy of the Wright brothers endures in every aircraft, every flight, and even in the airspace itself. They would have seen the modern commercial aircraft as a celebration of their hard-fought innovations. Yes, modern technology may seem advanced, but every jet and airliner is a continuation of the spirit of the Wrights’ groundbreaking experiments.