GRC NEWS RELEASE 02-083 02-083 For Release: December 16, 2002 Lori J. Rachul Media Relations Office 216/433-8806 Lori.J.Rachul@nasa.gov NASA Glenn to Mark Wright Brothers' First Flight Anniversary On Tuesday, December 17, the 99th anniversary of the Wright brothers' first powered flight, students from Westlake High School will have the opportunity to step back in time to the early 1900's with Orville and Wilbur Wright. Beginning at 12:30 p.m., Orville and Wilbur will discuss their various flight tests and demonstrate many of the technical aspects of their invention by using a full-scale replica of their 1900 machine. They will also provide an explanation of their unique wing-warping technique for roll control, engine development, propellers and wind tunnel testing techniques, which are still in use today. Recreating the role of Wilbur Wright will be Tom Benson, an aeronautical engineer in Glenn's Turbomachinery and Propulsion Systems Division. He is also involved with the development of NASA's Re-Living the Wright Way web site. Orville will be presented by Visitor Center employee Dwayne Hunt. According to Jo Ann Charleston, chief of Glenn's Office of Educational Programs, "This Wright Brothers' dramatization not only conveys little-known facts about the invention of flight, it is also great fun to experience how well Wilbur and Orville are recreated by these two extremely talented men." This is one of many programs and activities Glenn will present to mark the 100th anniversary of flight. Beginning in January, Orville and Wilbur will give public presentations on the third Saturday of each month at Glenn's Visitor Center. Media representatives who plan to attend the demonstration should call Lori Rachul or the Media Relations Office at (216)433-2901 in order to be cleared through security. More information on Re-Living the Wright Way is available at: http://wright.nasa.gov For more information about Glenn's Visitor Center and special events, visit: http://www.grc.nasa.gov/Doc/visitgrc.htm # # # -end-