Experience the thrill of pioneer flight with a ride in the Wright “B” Flyer, a modern lookalike of the Wright brothers’ first production airplane.

Based on Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport in Miamisburg, Ohio just south of Dayton, Wright “B” Flyer Inc. operates a fleet of flying and non-flying airplanes built to resemble the Wright Model B, produced by the Wright Company in its West Dayton factory beginning in 1910.

The original Model B was a workhorse for both military and civilian customers. The modern lookalike made its first flight in July 1982. Since then, it has promoted Dayton’s aviation heritage with regular flights at the Dayton Air Show and appearances around the U.S. and overseas. For example, it was displayed at Tempelhof Airport in Berlin, Germany, in 1990 and circled the Statue of Liberty in New York in 2003.

Wright “B” Flyer also displays the non-flying “Valentine Flyer,” a close replica of an original Model “B”. Normally on static display on Huffman Prairie during summer months, it has been displayed at the Farnborough International Air Show in England.

Wright “B” Flyer is also building a new, flyable Model B lookalike that can be efficiently shipped to venues worldwide and flown.

Visit Wright “B” Flyer’s hangar-museum to see the airplanes up close, test your skills on the Wright “B” Flyer flight simulator, and join the nonprofit organization at the honorary aviator level to qualify for a ride on the “B”. (Gift memberships are available in the gift shop.) The museum is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Admission is free!