<P> The Flyer was based on the Wrights' experience testing gliders at Kitty Hawk between 1900 and 1902 . Their last glider, the 1902 Glider, led directly to the design of the Flyer . </P> <P> The Wrights built the aircraft in 1903 using giant spruce wood as their construction material . The wings were designed with a 1 - in - 20 camber . Since they could not find a suitable automobile engine for the task, they commissioned their employee Charlie Taylor to build a new design from scratch, effectively a crude gasoline engine . A sprocket chain drive, borrowing from bicycle technology, powered the twin propellers, which were also made by hand . </P> <P> The Flyer was a bicanard biplane configuration . As with the gliders, the pilot flew lying on his stomach on the lower wing with his head toward the front of the craft in an effort to reduce drag . He steered by moving a cradle attached to his hips . The cradle pulled wires which warped the wings and turned the rudder simultaneously . </P> <P> The Flyer's "runway" was a track of 2x4s stood on their narrow edge, which the brothers nicknamed the "Junction Railroad ." </P>

What type of plane is the wright flyer