APEX, N.C. — One hundred years ago, two brothers from Ohio harnessed the technology of their time and gave the world the first powered flight in history.

A century later, an Apex computer company pulls from the work of Orville and Wilbur Wright to lend a hand in building replicas of our time.

Kent Misegades is the president of CEI. His company's software was key to building Wright flier replicas for the Centennial of Flight celebration.

"I'd say the effort that's gone into these things is on par with any other modern aircraft developments," Misegades said.

CEI's computers crank out calculations for cutting-edge aircraft.

"It takes billions of numbers and turns them into images that anyone can understand," Misegades said.

Misegades not only helps design planes, he flies a Cessna 170. He sums up his passion in a single word: freedom.

"Just the freedom. No traffic, no signs," he said.

Looking into his computer, he looks into the past.

"I think Orville and Wilbur would've used whatever tools that they thought would get them in the air first. And they did," Misegades said.

Misegades said it is obvious the Wrights were ahead of their time.

"Given the knowledge at that time, they did a pretty darn good job. I think it'll fly. I don't think I would want to fly it," he said.

Misegades is headed to the coast for the Centennial celebration. He said this will not be a business trip. His computer is staying in Apex.