Text:

The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, are credited with the first sustained and controlled flight
of an airplane on December 17, 1903, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Their invention, the "Wright
Flyer," ushered in a new era of transportation and revolutionized the way we travel. From humble
beginnings as wood-and-fabric contraptions, aircraft have evolved into marvels of engineering,
capable of soaring through the skies at incredible speeds and carrying hundreds of passengers
across continents.
Modern airplanes are complex machines, powered by powerful engines that generate thrust to
propel them forward. Wings, designed with aerodynamic principles in mind, generate lift, allowing
the aircraft to overcome the force of gravity and remain airborne. A network of control surfaces,
such as ailerons, rudder, and elevators, enables the pilot to maneuver the aircraft and maintain its
stability.
Airplanes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own purpose. Commercial jets,
like the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, are designed to efficiently transport large numbers of
passengers over long distances. Smaller propeller planes, like the Cessna 172, are popular for
recreational flying and pilot training. Cargo airplanes, such as the Antonov An-225, are used to
haul vast quantities of freight across the globe.
Flying has become an integral part of our modern world, facilitating international trade, tourism,
and cultural exchange. It has also opened up new possibilities for exploration and scientific
research, allowing us to study the Earth from above and venture beyond our planet's boundaries.

After-Reading Exercise:
● What is the historical significance of the Wright brothers' first flight in 1903?
● Discuss the purposes of different types of airplanes mentioned in the text (commercial jets,
propeller planes, cargo airplanes).
● Can you highlight key advancements in aircraft technology mentioned in the text?