Wright Bros. got too much credit

Re Those oddball brothers and their flying

machine, Insight Sept. 12 The Wrights did not solely invent practical aircraft. The airplane as we know it evolved through history in many forms, with some patents for flight controls being taken out in the mid 1800s.

Clement Ader made the first, as we know it, brief powered flight in 1890. This was followed by attempts by Russian aviators in the mid 1890s. There is also the debate on the efforts of Gustav Whitehead, who apparently flew out over the Atlantic (and returned) in about 1900, three years before the Wrights’ first few hops that ended up in wreckage.

The Wright Flyer was far from practical. It was heavy and underpowered and had to be coaxed into the air with a catapult. It had no wheels to enable manoeuvring on the ground.

Despite the Wrights’ massive contribution to the understanding of flight dynamics and control, the Flyer was a bear to fly. The drooped wings (anhedral) and front stabilizer design led to dangerous flight characteristics, certainly not a “practical” aircraft. What followed were more conventional aircraft from Bleriot and Santos-Dumont and others with powerful engines, wings in front and stabilizer at rear, wings raked upwards lending inherent stability and that could take off on wheels under their own power.

The Wrights’ efforts resulted in sustained flight, an aviation first. However I think we should be more careful with the words “invent” and “practical.” Mark Steele, Peterborough, Ont.

Plenty for pulpit pondering

Re Owning up to our sins, Opinion Sept. 14 Wonderful column by Dow Marmur. Anglicans also have prayers saying “we have sinned.” Ten days of repentance would be good for us all. What a wonderful concept, looking after one’s own soul and another’s body.

This column should be read from pulpits everywhere. There is much to be learned from it. Much to ponder. Belle Steeves, Toronto