Fantastic Flying Machines

Fantastic Flying Machines

Introduction Imagine if you could fly like a bird. Where would you go? What would you see? Today, many people can fly thanks to fantastic flying machines.

People have always wanted to fly. They watched birds fly, and some tried tying wings to their arms. Long ago, an artist even drew plans to make a helicopter. He drew his idea, but he didn't build it.

History of Flight People kept trying to fly. Two French brothers made the first hot-air balloon. Another man made the first glider that worked. Later, someone made a better glider that could sail in the air for a long time.

Brothers named Orville and Wilbur Wright studied all of these ideas. They thought about how some ideas worked and why some didn't work. They tested their own ideas. Finally, they designed an airplane that worked. One day, Orville flew the plane for one full minute. It flew for 260 meters (850 ft). People could fly!

Airplanes Airplanes have changed a lot since the early days of flight. Today's large airplanes carry about 450 people on trips. They also carry people's bags and cargo. Has your family flown on one?