What aspect of the Wright Brothers' approach to flying was revolutionary?

The Wright Brothers' revolutionary approach to flying centered on employing empirical testing and adaptation. They understood that building a successful flying machine required not just theoretical knowledge but practical experimentation. By rigorously testing various wing shapes, control methods, and propulsion systems, they gathered data that informed their design decisions. This hands-on approach allowed them to refine their aircraft incrementally, learning from each flight.

Their methodical experimentation included the use of a wind tunnel, which was an innovative tool at the time that enabled them to test different airfoil shapes and understand lift and drag more effectively. This scientific approach to solving problems was a significant departure from earlier attempts at flight, which often relied on intuition or untested ideas without a systematic basis for improvement. Thus, their commitment to empirical testing and adaptation laid the groundwork for future developments in aviation.