Chapters 9-10 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 9: the Conquering Heroes

On September 3, 1908, Orville began the demonstration flights from the parade grounds at Fort Myer, Virginia. Thousands of people began to gather to watch Orville fly. Each day Orville broke records and regularly made flights lasting an hour or more.

Orville received a letter from Wilbur:

"'The newspapers for several days have been full of stories of your dandy flights,' wrote Wilbur from France, 'and whereas a week ago I was a marvel of skill, now they do not hesitate to tell me I am nothing but a 'dud' and that you are the only genuine skyscraper. Such is fame! Your flights have naturally created an immense sensation in Europe and I suppose that America is nearly wild.'" (Chap. 9, p. 99)

Disaster struck on September 17 when Orville and Lieutenant Thomas Selfridge were involved in a...