It Ain't Over Yet

By ANN Correspondent Rob Milford

Bellyflops in the North Carolina mud aside, creators of the Wright Flyer replica say it ain't over yet. In an exclusive interview with ANN, Wright Experience Founder Ken Hyde says that his 1903 Wright Flyer will fly again at the Wright Brother National Memorial in Kitty Hawk (NC).

Hyde tells ANN that his sponsors have been calling, wanting to know if it is technically and economically feasible to fly the third of three identical aircraft sometime during 2004. “The details are all to be worked out” Hyde said, “But there are other Centennial events possible, and everyone has been very supportive, knowing the aircraft has flown.”

The Wright Experience moved operations to Kitty Hawk in early November, had two successful flights, and one mishap resulting in damage to the aircraft. Hyde built a total of three identical 1903 Flyers, the first used Wednesday for the Centennial, the second purchased by Harry Combs and donated to the National Park Service for display at the Kill devil Hills site, and a third, back in the hanger at Warrenton, Virginia. “That would take about three or four months to do final assembly and check-out’ Hyde tells ANN.

In the meantime, the Wright Experience crew is doing some glider work at Jockey’s Ridge State Park at Nags Head, working with Wright designed gliders, the kind used in 1901 and 1902.

Stay with ANN for the latest updates on the Wright Experience.

FMI: www.wrightexperience.com