Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Orville Wright born?
Orville Wright was born in Dayton, Ohio.
What did he do before working on airplanes?
He ran a bicycle repair and sales shop and worked as a machinist and printer — skills that helped with building aircraft parts.
Did he work alone or with others?
He worked closely with his brother Wilbur; their sister Katharine also helped manage business and family affairs.
Did the Wrights patent their invention?
Yes. Orville and Wilbur secured patents for their flying machine (U.S. Patent 821,393) to protect their ideas.
Did Orville start an aviation business?
Yes. The brothers formed a company to build and sell airplanes and to develop their designs further.
How did they test and improve wing designs?
They built and used a wind tunnel to test wing shapes and gather data, which improved their aircraft designs.
Did Orville Wright marry or have children?
No. Orville never married and had no children.
When did Orville Wright die?
Orville Wright died on January 30, 1948, at the age of 76.
