Orville Wright (August 19, 1871 - January 30, 1948) and Wilbur Wright (April 16, 1867 - May 30, 1912), are generally credited with the design and construction of a practical airplane, and making a controlled, powered, heavier-than-air flight, along with many other aviation milestones.
Their accomplishments have been subject to many counter-claims by some people and nations. Much controversy persists around the many competing claims of early aviators. See first flying machine for more discussion.
Currently, their feat is officially recognized by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) as being the first controlled, powered, sustained (from takeoff to landing) flight involving a heavier-than-air vehicle, using mechanically unassisted takeoff (thrust/lift created chiefly by onboard propulsion).
