Washington, D.C.
Sept. 10, 2003

International interest in the Centennial of Flight: Born of Dreams - Inspired by Freedom celebration continues to soar as the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' first powered flight approaches in December. The Yugoslav National Aeroclub is the most recent organization to sign a memorandum of agreement with the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission. As a result of the agreement, the Commission will provide outreach support to the Aeroclub, and the Aeroclub will help promote the international centennial of flight commemoration. The Yugoslav National Aeroclub will pay tribute to the achievements of the first century of manned flight with a number of activities, including a memorial rally celebrating the 90th anniversary of the first Serbian Aeronautical Act; an airshow to commemorate the 75th anniversary of scheduled air transport; a national glider championship; a national paragliding championship; regular articles about the Centennial celebration in the organization's bi-monthly magazine, Nasa Krila (Our Wings); and more.

Initially founded by former military pilots who were fascinated by the Wright brothers and dreamed of flying in peace, the Yugoslav National Aeroclub began as the Serbian Aero Club in 1921. The pilots were determined to create civil aviation in their country and succeeded in accomplishing their vision, developing the aeronautical industry and sports, air transport and general aviation. The more than 60,000 members built the Home of Aero Club under the patronage of the Royal Family. In World War II, Nazi soldiers disbanded the Aero Club, and, after the victory, the new regime confiscated the Home and set up a new state youth organization for air sports, the Aeronautical Union of Yugoslavia. After initially remarkable results, the Union had to dramatically decrease its activities, due mainly to the prohibition of private ownership of aircraft.

In 1993, however, members restored the organization as the Yugoslav National Aeroclub, an association of various professional and air sports clubs and organizations. Since then, the Aeroclub has made wide-ranging efforts to attract more youth and institutions into the organization, and to regain its home and other properties. The U.S. Congress created the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission to coordinate the celebration of the 100th anniversary of powered flight. The national awareness campaign, Centennial of Flight: Born of Dreams - Inspired by Freedom, promotes activities that commemorate the past 100 years of flight. Organizations that work closely with the Commission will receive recognition as participants in the national campaign.

A complete listing of Centennial events can be found on the Internet at http://www.centennialofflight.gov.

The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission was created by Congress to expand national and international interest in the commemoration of the centennial of powered flight. The Commission is coordinating a national outreach campaign and advising the President, Congress and federal agencies on the most effective ways to encourage and promote national and international participation in 2003. Its members include the director of the National Air and Space Museum, the administrators of NASA and the FAA, the presidents of the Experimental Aircraft Association and First Flight Centennial Foundation of North Carolina, and the chairman of Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003. More information about the Commission can be found on the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission Web site at http://www.centennialofflight.gov.

Contact:

Julie Breissinger
U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission
804.675.8167
jbreissinger@crtpr.com