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Plane built by students to be unveiled at 122nd anniversary of first flight

PRE News & Ideas | By Annette Weston
Published December 11, 2025 at 5:02 AM EST
Orville Wright takes off in the first flight of the 1903 flyer as Wilbur Wright assists.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Orville Wright takes off in the first flight of the 1903 flyer as Wilbur Wright assists.

Next week, Wright Brothers National Memorial will celebrate the 122nd anniversary of the first powered, controlled, heavier-than-air flight.

Organizers said this year’s celebration features several historic moments; the First Flight Society will posthumously induct William P. Lear, founder of LearJet, into its Paul E. Garber Shrine.

William P. Lear, the American inventor and businessman who founded Learjet, a leading manufacturer of business jets.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
William P. Lear, the American inventor and businessman who founded Learjet, a leading manufacturer of business jets.

They will also unveil a plane built by First Flight High School students -- the school’s first completed aircraft, and only the second airplane ever constructed on this historic site.

The project began in 2023 as part of the school’s Aviation Program.

For the past two years, students from neighboring First Flight High School have been working diligently on building an operational plane at Wright Brothers National Memorial, signifying the first successful build of a flyable plane since the Wright Brothers in 1903.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
For the past two years, students from neighboring First Flight High School have been working diligently on building an operational plane at Wright Brothers National Memorial, signifying the first successful build of a flyable plane since the Wright Brothers in 1903.

The day will include demonstrations with a replica 1903 Wright Flyer and exploring the Wright Brothers Monument lower atrium. The December 17 event begins at 8:30 a.m., and in honor of the occasion, park entrance fees will be waived.
Annette Weston
Annette is originally a Midwest gal, born and raised in Michigan, but with career stops in many surrounding states, the Pacific Northwest, and various parts of the southeast. An award-winning journalist and mother of four, Annette moved to eastern North Carolina in 2019 to be closer to family – in particular, her two young grandchildren. It’s possible that a -27 day with a -68 windchill in Minnesota may have also played a role in that decision. In her spare time, Annette does a lot of kiddo cuddling, reading, and producing the coolest Halloween costumes anyone has ever seen. She has also worked as a diversity and inclusion facilitator serving school districts and large corporations. It’s the people that make this beautiful area special, and she wants to share those stories that touch the hearts of others. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.
See stories by Annette Weston