The first successful powered flight occurred on December 17, 1903. The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, conducted this historic flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Orville piloted the aircraft, known as the Wright Flyer, which remained airborne for 12 seconds covering a distance of 120 feet. This achievement marked the beginning of the modern aviation era and laid the foundation for subsequent advancements in flight technology. The Wright brothers’ pioneering efforts in aerodynamics and design significantly contributed to the development of aircraft as we know them today.