"An uninterrupted navigable ocean that comes to the threshold of every man's door, ought not to be neglected as a source of human gratification and advantage."
—Sir George Cayley, English engineer, 1816

Between the first flights of the Wright brothers in 1903 and the outbreak of World War I in 1914, the airplane grew from an ancient dream into a reality that would shape the future.

Early Flight uses artifacts like the Lilienthal Glider, 1909 Wright Military Flyer, and the Blériot XI to explore how in one short decade people in America and around the world were pushing boundaries, setting records, participating in air shows, and turning the aircraft into a technology that would usher in the aerial age.

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Location in Museum

National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Gallery 103
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Take a Look Inside the Gallery

A view of the Early Flight gallery. Several biplanes are on view suspended from the ceiling.

A view inside the gallery.

An image from inside the early flight exhibit. A panel says "The Roar of the Crowd" and there is a photo of Harriet Quimby. Propellers are hung on the wall.

A section of the exhibit that looks at the public enthusiasm for aviation.

Preview the exhibit with a teaser video... ...or take a step inside! Take A Virtual Tour of the Exhibition
Innovative People in Early Flight Flight Before the Airplane

In this Exhibit

Lilienthal Glider

Object

1909 Wright Military Flyer

Object

Curtiss B-8, V-8 Engine

Object

Blériot XI

Object

Ecker Flying Boat

Object

Curtiss D-III Headless Pusher

Object
See more objects in this exhibit
Dive Deeper into Early Flight
 Power and Control in the Air The Airplane in Early 20th Century Culture The Wright Brothers The Military Gets Its Wings The Roar of the Crowd The Fastest Man on Earth First American Women in Flight Early Mexican Aviators at the Moisant Aviation School Take a Step Behind the Scenes The Conservation of the Wright Military Flyer

Follow along as our experts conserve the 1909 Wright Military Flyer, which will be on display in the Early Flight gallery.

 Explore Photo Album

The Museum gratefully acknowledges those who have generously supported this gallery.

Glenn and Donna Boutilier

Richard W. McKinney and Catherine M. Barry

Diane Steed

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