Etheridge, W. C. Brinkley of Manteo, and Johnny Moore of Nags Head arrived. After running the engine and propellers a few minutes to get them in working order, I got on the machine at 10:35 for the first trial. The wind was blowing a little over ... 27 miles.... On slipping the rope the machine started off increasing in speed to probably 7 or 8 miles... Mr. Daniels took a picture just as it left the tracks. I found the control of the front rudder quite difficult.... As a result the machine would rise suddenly to about 10 ft. and then as suddenly, on turning the rudder, dart for the ground. A sudden dart when out about 100 feet from the end of the tracks ended the flight. Time about 12 seconds (not known exactly as watch was not promptly stopped.) ...

This excerpt describes the first successful operation of
a
This breakthrough led to today's
industry.