Oklahoma City, OK
April 14, 2003

On December 17, 2003, the world will celebrate the accomplishments of Orville and Wilbur Wright by commemorating 100 years of powered flight. Oklahomans will join in on the yearlong celebration through hosting their own events.

Organizations and communities across the state have partnered together to form a coalition called the Oklahoma Centennial of Flight Commission (OCOFC). The main goal of the OCOFC is to promote and encourage the Centennial of Flight celebration state wide by holding a variety of events across Oklahoma. Many programs, events, and airshows have the Centennial of Flight theme this year and are working closely with the OCOFC.

A memorandum of agreement has already been entered into between the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission and the Oklahoma Centennial of Flight Commission in order for the OCOFC to use the official U.S. Centennial of Flight logo and other media contacts.

"This Commission gives us the opportunity to help provide aviation education opportunities state wide as we participate in planning celebration activities," said Barbara Huffman, from The Oklahoma Aviator newspaper.

Katheryn Pennington, Executive Director for the Tulsa Air and Space Museum commented, "The local Tulsa group of the Oklahoma Centennial of Flight Commission is a group of private and public companies and organizations working together to honor the accomplishments of the Wright Brothers."

"The Tulsa area Commission wants to inspire a whole new generation of inventors and dreamers and wants Oklahomans to celebrate this momentous event," added Ms. Pennington.

With the OCOFC, organizations and individuals can collectively work together, resulting in the promotion of aviation and the 100th Anniversary of powered flight!

Please contact Erin Wright at (405) 604-6901 or by email at erin.wright@oac.state.ok.us to list an event, get involved, learn more about participating organizations, or obtain further information on the Oklahoma Centennial of Flight Commission.

Come to the Claremore Airport on April 25th and 26th and help make aviation history. As part of the Centennial of Flight celebration and the Oklahoma Centennial of Flight Commission, the Claremore Airport will be holding the largest Young Eagle event ever.

And just what is a Young Eagles event? The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) began the Young Eagles Program with a mission to help young people discover aviation as well as their own potential. The goal of flying one million Young Eagles by the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' achievement on Dec. 17, 2003 is very real and attainable. Youngsters ages 8 through 17 will be flown by experienced, registered pilots and best of all the flights are free of charge; only a parental permission slip is required!

A brief aviation ground school training, Otto the Clown and his helicopter, and other aviation-related events, along with hot dogs, will round out the airport experience.

"Our hope is to fly more children on Friday and Saturday than we have ever flown before in a Young Eagles program," said Sherri McKenzie, Claremore's Airport Manager.

"All parents need to do is bring as many children as they can and a signed permission slip," added Ms. McKenzie.

To obtain permission slips, contact Tom Egbert at (918) 341-6377 or the Claremore Airport office at (918) 343-0931. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity for future Oklahoma aviators to experience this unique, free day of aviation education!

Contact:

Erin Wright Aviation & Government Affairs Liaison
Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission
3700 N. Classen Blvd., Ste. 240
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
(405) 604-6901
(405) 604-6919 Fax
erin.wright@oac.state.ok.us