Charles Knotek: First Controlled, Powered Flight

Artist: Charles Knotek
1933 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1983
Image Size: 16.25 by 12.75 inches
Overall Size: 19.75 by 14.75 inches
Medium: Mixed Media on Cold Press Illustration Board

With a lifelong dream of being able to soar through the heavens like a bird in flight, Orville and Wilbur Wright arrived at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina in September, 1903, with high expectations. After experimenting with various types of gliders, they designed and built an engine wihich generated sixteen horsepower -- just enough thrust to pull the glider off the ground. However, although their machine was designed, many difficulties remained to be faced. First, a storm destroyed their base camp. Once the camp was repaired, it took three weeks to assemble their airplane. Early mechanical problems further delayed the flight, as parts had to be sent to Dayton for service. Then, just as the plane was ready to test, winter set in. Nonetheless, on Monday, December 14, 1903, the Wright Brothers prepared for the first controlled, powered flight. Both were eager to make the first flight, so they tossed a coin, and Wilbur won the first chance to fly. However, the plane stalled before actually achieving flight, and was damaged in the process. On December 17, after three days of repairs, the plane was ready again. This time with Orville at the controls the plane rose triumphantly into the air and soared 120 feet in twelve seconds before returning to the ground. This outstanding event marked the historic first flight of an airplane raised by its own power in full controlled flight.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® Commemorative Cover for the Man's Conquest of the Heavens series issued in 1983.

Artwork Copyright © 1983 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB08154

US$ Price: $1,500.00

Easy Purchase Plan: Buy this ArtworkOriginal with 8 monthly payments. Shipping and handling will be added to the first payment. Payments will be charged automatically as due to your Credit Card.

How to buy Original Artwork:

If you would like to buy Original Artwork, there are several convenient ways:

Use The Artwork Gallery: simply click the "Hang in Gallery" for pictures of interest. This puts the picture in your Personal Artwork Gallery, where you can view or remove it. When you've finished hanging artwork in your Personal Artwork Gallery, Go to your Personal Artwork Gallery and select an option for contacting us or ordering from us from there.

To get in touch with us directly about a piece of Artwork by Phone note the SKU and dial TOLL FREE 1-800-287-4079 from throughout U.S. and Canada.