How did the Wright brothers know they had successfully achieved the first flight? Objective The student will be able to: a) solve the literal equation “Distance/Rate/Speed Formula” d=r * t for r (rate) b) find the rates of the first 5 attempts at flight on December 14 and 17 of 1903 c) determine why the second test, piloted by Orville, was considered the “first flight” Background Wilbur manned the first powered test flight on December 14, 1903 achieving 112 feet in 4 seconds before crashing. The brothers attempted three more times on December 17, 1903 ( 120 feet/12 seconds, 175 feet/13 seconds Duration: 90 Minutes.