Wings Assignment #1

2. Why did it take so long for man to realize the dream of flight?
It took so long for man to realize the dream of flight due to the low availability of materials and the inspiration necessary to create such a breakthrough, according to Crouch on page 20 of Wings.  Crouch quotes aviation author Richard Bach saying that "They could have done it, the Carthaginians. Or the Etruscans, or the Egyptians. Four thousand years ago, five thousand years ago, they could have flown." (19) It was not until the 18th and 19th centuries that the dream of flight was conceivable, and the materials were available for experimenting.  The Industrial Revolution was an era of experimentation and invention that brought with it the determination to lift man into the air, a determination that the ancients lacked.


5. Why did Wilbur and Orville Wright achieve success before their contemporaries?
Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved success before their contemporaries for two main reasons; their background, and their determination.  Crouch states that "Manufacturing bicycles had taught the Wrights a lot about precision crafting in wood and metal and the design and construction of lightweight structures." (60) They also had a background in printing, in which they designed their own presses out of spare and random junk parts.  Both of these previous jobs gave them hands on experience and knowledge that could be added to everything man knew about aviation up to that point. This, coupled with their apparent God-given talent to construct things.
Second, was their determination. Realizing that in order to be successful they had to devote all their time to their task, they were willing enough to take the risk.
As a sort of side note, I personally believe that their family background contributed to their success. Crouch says that the "three youngest Wright children were always careful to recognize their debt to a father who worked hard to spark his children's curiosity and to a patient and understanding mother..." (56) Support from family members will help boost morale. Also, working with your sibling could also have been a factor. Living in the same household for a good portion of your life allows you to understand each other on a level that no friend, apprentice, or hired employee could understand, and would make it easier to work with each other more efficiently and creatively.


7. When and what was La Grande Semaine d’Aviation de Champagne and what significance does it have in aviation history?
La Grande Semaine d' Aviation de Champagne was a full week of flying activities located in the city of Reims, and it lasted from August 22 to August 29, 1909.  This event was significant because it introduced the "airmen and their machines to a wondering public." (114) It resulted in thousands of spectators swarming to the small cathedral town.  It was also significant because many records were set and broken that week. Including the most exciting event, speed runs that would award the James Gordon Bennett Trophy to the winner.  As the Wright Brother's refused to participate in the competitions, the award went to Glenn Curtiss with an average speed of 46.5 m.p.h.