Wright Brothers Day

Celebrated on 12/17/2026

Quick Fact

Wright Brothers Day is observed on December 17, the anniversary of the first powered flight in 1903. The flight lasted just 12 seconds and covered 120 feet, less than the wingspan of a modern Boeing 747.

Origins and Establishment of Wright Brothers Day

Wright Brothers Day commemorates the first successful powered flight by Orville and Wilbur Wright on December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The holiday was established by a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress in 1963, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, to honor the Wright brothers' contribution to aviation. The resolution designated December 17 of each year as Wright Brothers Day, encouraging Americans to celebrate with ceremonies and activities.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Initially observed with modest ceremonies, Wright Brothers Day has grown to include events at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, where reenactments and educational programs take place. The day is also marked by aviation museums, schools, and organizations hosting special exhibits, lectures, and model airplane contests. In recent years, the holiday has been used to promote STEM education and inspire future generations of inventors and aviators.

Facts & General Observations

• The first flight lasted 12 seconds and covered 120 feet, with Orville Wright as the pilot.
• The Wright brothers' aircraft, the Wright Flyer, cost less than $1,000 to build in 1903 (equivalent to about $30,000 today).
• December 17 is also Wright Brothers Day in the U.S. state of Ohio, where the Wright brothers were from, and North Carolina, where the flight took place.

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