The 1900 glider produced
only about half the lift the Wrights had predicted. For all
their careful planning, something was obviously very wrong.
Still, they were pleased with their first visit to Kitty Hawk.
Their testing
had validated many of their design concepts, the control method
in particular. They had enjoyed their stay at the little fishing
village and spent only $15 to build the glider. Wilbur and
Orville planned to return the next year with an improved aircraft.
“If
you are looking for perfect safety, you will do well
to sit on a fence and watch the birds; but if you really
wish to learn, you must mount a machine and become acquainted
with its tricks by actual trial.”
Wilbur Wright, on learning to ride a flying machine
