Did you know that early airplanes shared mechanical features with bicycles? Discover how aviation history began with two wheels in mind.

Before creating the first powered aircraft, the Wright brothers were bicycle mechanics. Their knowledge of chains and gears helped shape aviation.

The Wright brothers' 1903 Flyer used a bicycle-like chain-and-sprocket system to drive its propellers. Learn how it worked.

Bicycles and motorcycles provided inspiration for early aircraft mechanics. But why did engineers turn to chain systems in the first place?

The Wright brothers' Flyer became the first powered aircraft to take flight in 1903, relying on a bicycle-style chain system to turn its propellers.

As aircraft technology advanced, chain drives were replaced by more efficient direct-drive systems. But why?

Chains were heavy, prone to failure, and inefficient in power transmission. Learn why aviation engineers abandoned them.

Direct-drive systems offered greater reliability and efficiency, leading to the end of chain-driven aircraft designs.

Larger, more powerful aircraft engines required reduction gearing to optimize power transfer—eliminating the need for chains.

Some planes, like seaplanes and amphibious aircraft, don’t even need wheels! Explore how they take off and land on water.

While chain drives are gone, the lightweight design principles of bicycles still influence aircraft engineering today.

From the Wright brothers' chain-driven Flyer to today’s lightweight aircraft designs, bicycles and motorcycles have left their mark on aviation.