Why was gliding so dangerous in the wright brothers time?

Gliding was indeed considered dangerous during the Wright brothers' time due to several reasons:

1. Lack of Control: Early gliders had limited control surfaces, making it challenging to maneuver and maintain stability. The Wright brothers themselves experienced several crashes and injuries during their early gliding experiments.

2. High Speeds: Gliders relied on gravity for lift and could reach high speeds, especially during descents. Without effective controls, pilots had limited ability to slow down or change direction, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.

3. Unreliable Materials: The materials available at the time, such as wood, fabric, and wire, were not very reliable and could fail unexpectedly. Structural failures during flight were a significant concern and contributed to the danger of gliding.

4. Limited Understanding of Aerodynamics: Aeronautical knowledge was still in its early stages, and the Wright brothers had to learn about the principles of flight through experimentation. Without a deep understanding of aerodynamics, they faced many unknowns and challenges that made gliding hazardous.

5. Inhospitable Landing Sites: Given the limited control and unpredictable nature of gliding, suitable landing sites were hard to find. Rough terrains, obstacles, and strong winds posed additional risks to pilots.

Despite these dangers, the Wright brothers persevered, conducting systematic experiments and gradually refining their designs until they achieved controlled and sustained flights. Their contributions to aviation not only revolutionized transportation but also paved the way for advancements in aircraft design and safety.