The first successful flight occurred on December 17, 1903, when the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, flew their aircraft, the Wright Flyer, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The flight lasted 12 seconds and covered 120 feet, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. This event laid the groundwork for the development of modern airplanes, revolutionizing transportation and changing the course of human travel forever. The Wright brothers' achievement is celebrated as a pivotal moment in technological advancement and innovation in engineering.