The people who witnessed the feat thought that it was another expensive, useless thing that the world didn't need, disagreeing with the small population that thought it would actually work. They even laughed at it thinking it had no purpose. They were soon proven wrong. The Wright Brothers meanwhile believed that it was a major invention and could be a safe transportation option. The plane quickly innovated, with many inventors making new plane designs, but with the Wright Brothers still leading the charge.
“So dangerous, that the airplane would always be impractical.” ~ Alexander Graham Bell after hearing that a plane could go 34 miles per hour
"Wilbur Wright after his 59 second flight (the longest one of the day), 1903, Wilbur and Orville: A Biography of the Wright Brothers"
“No more than on the water, there are not so many rocks up in the air, and there’s certainly no more danger.” ~ Wilbur Wright in a 1910 interview in response to a question about flying safety
“Safer. You’re not always wondering what’s going to come round the corner ahead.” ~ Wilbur Wright in a 1910 interview in response to a question comparing flying to driving safety
Military Aviation
In 1909, the Wright brothers invented the Wright Military Plane and sold it to the U.S. Military for an astounding $30,000. The plane’s innovative designs allowed it to fly 125 miles at 40 mph. The military wanted it because of its strategic values and could allow them to attack the enemy from above.
Wright Military Plane, Smithsonian
Wright Military Plane Flying, 1909, Smithsonian
Aviation for Transportation
In 1914, people realized the airplane’s potential for fast and long transportation with the first regularly scheduled airline in the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat line. This also led to sickness being brought longer distances way easier.
Poster about the first airline, 1914, Smithsonian
Early Airfield, 1927, Smithsonian
Aviation for Mail Delivery
Planes were soon fitted to carry mail when people realized its potential for faster delivery of mail. After the development of airmail, mail delivery across the US took only 4 days. Many planes, from private to military, played a part in connecting the world.
Amelia Earhart airmail cover, 1928, National Post Museum
US Airmail Plane, Unknown Date, Smithsonian
Aviation in Entertainment
Many acts also showed the potential of aircraft for stunt flying and entertainment. People realized planes were capable of doing feats such as flying through the Arc de Triomphe. This added a new level of danger that was entertaining to viewers.
Plane Flying under the Arc De Triomphe, Courriers de Nuit
