There is no controversy whatsoever among the most knowledgeable people that the Wright Brothers were the first to fly a heavier-than-air, sustained, powered, controlled flight on December 17, 1903. There is zero evidence to the contrary. No credible evidence exists to support any other claims to first flight. As for launching from a rail, that had nothing - nothing - to do with the aircraft getting off the ground. The History Channel should be ashamed for even suggesting there is a legitimate controversy. Viewers deserve better.