"John Carrier" wrote:

Over the past couple days I've watched TV stories about a couple of programs
to celebrate the Wright Centennial (Dec 17th) with reenactments of the
famous flight. The key ingredient to both efforts (are there more?) is a
reproduction Wright Flyer in 1903 trim. This is trickier than it might seem
... the Smithsonian flyer was damaged after the fourth flight and was
modified several times between 1903 and its presentation to the museum.
Notes/blueprints are not extensive. It's obviously a challenge to reverse
engineer the machine to an authentic configuration, right down to the
engine.

The Wright Experience is sponsored by Ford, EAA and others. They've got a
towed glider and a flight simulator for training. Several pilots chosen.
Scott Crossfield is a consultant (and test pilot for the glider!).

The Wright Stuff appears to be smaller scale. Never the less, their product
appears to be of similar quality and authenticity to the other program. The
apparent lack of flight training (the guy is practicing in a Citabria) looks
like a large hurdle. I suspect the flyer needs rather specialized technique
compared to conventional aircraft.

Anyone know of any other efforts in the reenactment effort?

I watched the same show and was impressed by their efforts to
duplicate the Wright Flyer -- esp. the engine as you said (the engine
was built from scratch in Germany). However, I was diappointed when
they said to tune in (next month?) for the next episode as they kinda
left ya dangling...

-Mike Marron