Mark Dusenberry flying his replica Wright Brothers III
plane at Huffman Field, in Dayton

Mark Dusenberry

Mark Dusenberry graduated from the Ohio State University in 1982 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. In 1984 at the age of 24 he received his Masters degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Akron. Mr Dusenberry began working for the Ohio Department of Transportation in 1985. His interest in vintage aircraft would lead him to the 1905 Wright Flyer III since it was the worlds first practical airplane.

In 1995 the dream turned into reality as construction began in earnest on the Wright Brothers 1905 Flyer. Using the plans from blue prints held at Carillon Park in Dayton Ohio and taking meticulous measurements from the Wright Flyer III on display at the Park, Mark built the plane as the Brothers had: with wood, fabric and love.

In 2003 after 10,000 hours of labor the craft was ready and in September of that year she flew. The flight lasted but 5 seconds, but it flew. On October 5, 2005, the 700 pound replica flew from Huffman Prairie just as the Wrights had done 100 years before. Mark has flown more than 40 flights since, each with a duration of 5 to 40 seconds. Mark Dusenberry, yet another Ohioan you should know.