World Aviation in 1904

26 May
The Wright brothers begin a series of over 100 flights in Flyer No.II.

20 September
Wilbur Wright makes the first ever circuit flight in an aeroplane.

9 November
Wilbur Wright flies 4.43 kilometres (2.75 miles) at Dayton. This is the firstflight of more than 5 minutes.

Also this year…
Frenchman Robert Esnault-Pelterie flies a glider (sailplane) based on the Wright’s designs, but with ailerons for control. This is the first full-sized aeroplane to feature this innovation.