Wright Brothers (Orville & Wilbur):

If its engine stops, it must fall with deathly violence, for it can neither glide like the aeroplane or float like the balloon. The helicopter is much easier to design than the aeroplane, but is worthless when done.

— Wright Brothers (Orville & Wilbur) Modern

First powered flight

Context

Orville Wright, in a letter, expressing a strong negative opinion on helicopters

Date / Period

1907

Source

https://www.greataviationquotes.com/quotes/orville-wright.html

Verification

Unverifiable

Explanation

Found in 1 providers: gemini

Method

Cross Reference

Sources Checked

1 source

More from Wright Brothers (Orville & Wilbur)

"We had taken up the invention of the flying machine as a sport."

Humorous

"No airship will ever fly from New York to Paris. That seems to me to be impossible. What limits the flight is the motor. No known motor can run at the requisite speed for four days without stopping, a…"

Shocking

"I think it will be a long time yet before anyone will be flying at any great height or speed."

Shocking

"The machine itself is but a tool, the spirit that controls it is the thing."

Shocking

"The first great principle of success in flying is to learn to soar without power."

Shocking

View all sayings from Wright Brothers (Orville & Wilbur)