Nova: Wright Brothers' Flying Machine (2004)

The Nova documentary on the Wright Brothers' Flying Machine is quite impressive. It not only puts into perspective the incredible advances in aeronautical design from a century ago that two bicycle-shop owners developed from scratch in just ten years but it showcases the authentic recreation and test flight program for several of the Wrights' original designs, again virtually from scratch (though with the advantage of computer-aided techniques to rediscover the long-lost blueprints using only a few surviving parts and one photo). Much of the Wrights' genius came through their approach to engineering design; esp., for example, their characteristically homebrew development of a wind tunnel and a wind-lift measuring system enabled them to build and test a full range of small-scale wing designs without the need to construct full-scale models or to actually fly them. The Wrights' approach relied on their own flight tests as the only reliable source of data and saw airflow control as pivotal, however, they designed a means of control into the structure but left the use of the control up to the pilot. The program shows how the Wrights' innovative hip harness and foot-control pedals work in actual test flights! For anyone who loves kites, gliders, airplanes, or aeronautical history, this 60-minute documentary comes highly recommended. Seeing their designs in flight is amazing! 4.5 stars.