The History of Aviation
Today's date - 17th December - marks the 122nd anniversary since the Wright Brothers were successfully able to fly a "heavier than air, mechanically propelled aeroplane". On December 17th 1903, the Wright Flyer flew for 12 seconds for 120 feet. They made a total of four flights that day, then a strong gust of wind flipped the plane and wrecked it. But no one was hurt. That plane never flew again, but history was made. From the Library of Congress, Today in History - December 17, First Flight, Telegram — Orville Wright to Bishop Milton Wright, announcing the first successful powered flight December 17, 1903: “Success four flights thursday morning all against twenty-one mile wind started from level with engine power alone average speed through air thirty-one miles longest 57 seconds inform Press home Christmas.” (although all other records list the longest flight as 59 seconds.)
Let's celebrate this achievement by flying in to meet at:
Date: Wednesday 17th December 2025
Time: 12pm to 12.30pm
Location: Runway Bistro Cafe, Wycombe Air Park, Booker, High Wycombe, SL7 3DP
Car parking is available and the 34 bus stops outside the venue (which is every half an hour between Lane End, Handy Cross Park and Ride and Wycombe Bus Station).