Wright Flyer I

First flight of the Wright Flyer I, December 17, 1903.
Orville piloting, Wilbur running at wingtip.

The Wright brothers, Orville (August 19, 1871 – January 30, 1948) and Wilbur (April 16, 1867 – May 30, 1912).

They were two Americans credited with inventing and building the world's first successful airplane and making the first controlled, powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight, on December 17, 1903.

The brothers' fundamental breakthrough was their invention of three-axis control, which enabled the pilot to steer the aircraft effectively and to maintain its equilibrium.
This method became standard and remains standard on fixed-wing aircraft of all kinds.

In 1900 the brothers journeyed to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina to begin their manned gliding experiments.
Wilbur chose the location on the basis of a reply to his first letter to Octave Chanute, whose suggestions included the Atlantic coast for regular breezes and a soft sandy landing surface.

The Wright brothers flew gliders aircraft in 1900, 1901 and 1902.

In 1903 the brothers built the powered Wright Flyer I, using their preferred material for construction, spruce, a strong and lightweight wood, and Pride of the West muslin for surface coverings.
They also designed and carved their own wooden propellers, and had a purpose-built gasoline engine fabricated in their bicycle shop.

Source: Wikipedia