In Depth: The Engine
full control The F-19 Wood and Wire The Cockpit In the Air
Full Control

The Wrights' aircraft from 1900-1905 all had the pilot operating the machine while lying on the lower wing. The controls which evolved, while practical, are far different from today's standard aircraft controls.

The Wright Story
Flyer cockpitWilbur's accident in 1908...
Education Feature: The development of an unusual system
One Airplane's Story

All that remains of an aircraft called F-19 is the controls and a few other parts. These unique artifacts yielded invaluable information for the new set of controls, as well as a fascinating glimpse into early aviation.

The F-19 The Builder: a yacht designer under contract with the Wrights.
Hamilton and Atwood The Pilots: Charlie Hamilton and Harry Atwood, one a daredevil and one an entrepreneur.
The White House Landing The White House Landing: a momentous afternoon in Washington, D.C.
George A. Gray George A. Gray: the last known pilot of F-19, whose wife wrote a first-hand account of flying in the machine.
the controls The Remains: What's left over after a crash in Canada, and over 80 years of obscurity.
©2001, The Wright Experience™

Credits