In 1908 at Fort Myer, Virginia, a demonstration of an early "heavier-than-air" craft was flown by a pair of inventors named Orville and Wilbur Wright. Two navy officers observing the demonstration were inspired to push for the Navy to acquire aircraft of their own. In May, 1911 the Navy purchased their first aircraft. From 1911 to 1914 the Navy received free flying lessons from aviation pioneer Glenn Curtis at North Island, San Diego, California.