He developed the tetrahedral cell with aerodynamic lift and tested a variety of kites formed with these cells. His “Frost King” kite lifted a man, clinging to its rope, off the ground in 1905. Once, he even tied his kite to a galloping horse and hauled it aloft.
His “Cygnet” kite flew for seven minutes at a height of 168 feet with a man on board in 1907.
Formed the Aerial Experiment Association in 1907 with Lt. Thomas Selfridge, Glenn H. Curtiss, J. A. D. McCurdy, and F. W. Baldwin.
His Aerial Experiment Association’s June Bug won the scientific American Trophy in 1908 for the first flight in America of more than one kilometer.
Built the White Wing, the first airplane in America to have hinged ailerons and a tricycle landing gear.