Let's take a look at the hard work and inspiration, the dreams and defeats, that have made flight possible. Our ability to fly machines of all shapes and sizes has not always been a positive accomplishment. As early as 1200 B.C., kites were used in China for military signaling. People have been thinking of ways to use flying machines in battle ever since. Fortunately we have learned better ways to use our ability to fly.
Medical evacuations can save the life of someone who has an accident far from a hospital.
Search and rescue missions locate people lost on a camping trip or sailors cast adrift. Regular transport flights get essential food and medicine to remote communities. Special planes are used to fight forest fires. Commercial airline travel makes it easy to visit distant friends and family, as well as new countries and cultures. Flight has made the world a plane trip away.