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The WRight Perspective: by Joe Bullmer. Article One of Four

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The WRight Perspective     by Joe Bullmer      Since its publication by the Smithsonian in 1987, the 107 page booklet The Wright Flyer, An Engineering Perspectiv e (above), hereinafter referred to as the Perspective , has been considered by many to be the most technically thorough and accurate assessment of the development and characteristics of the earliest Wright aircraft.   It has an impressively technical appearance, is a compilation of papers written by impressively credentialed authors, and carries the authority of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the Smithsonian.   It can be seen online at the wright flyer, an engineering perspective – internet archive      Unfortunately, close examination of the Perspective reveals numerous judgments and opinions which, while popular with both prominent and amateur aviation historians, contradict Wright statements and records.   A number of statements appearing in different sections of the compilation actua