The History: Tonight, Wilbur will address the Western Society of Engineers in Chicago. His lecture is entitled: "Experiments and Observations in Soaring Flight".

During his presentation he discusses:

• the implications of their laboratory experiments during 1901 (wind tunnel tests);
• the testing grounds at Kill Devil Hills;
• the specifications (length, weight, surface area) of the 1902 glider;
• how hillsides were used in their soaring experiments;
• "well-digging" (tail-spin) and their development of a completely controllable 3 dimensional system;
• the low angle of incidence (angle of attack) they attained;
• the time aloft and distance records they established 622 1/2 feet and 26 seconds;
• the number of glides they made in 1902 - over 1000;

While Wilbur reviewed the 1902 glider in detail he did not discuss the propeller or motor the brothers had just developed for the Flyer.

Wilbur answered questions from the audience - most of which were concerned with bird flight, motors and the amount of horsepower required.

Kill Devil Hills seen from Kitty Hawk, September/October, 1900.