Seven organizations designated as partners in the celebration of 100 years of powered flight

Washington, D.C.
February 6, 2002

As the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' first flight approaches, organizations across the country are preparing to take part in the national celebration, Centennial of Flight: Born of Dreams - Inspired by Freedom. The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission, which is coordinating the celebration, recently announced the following seven organizations have been designated as official partners of the Commission: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA); Aviation Week's The Next Century of Flight; Aviation World's Fair 2003; EAA; First Flight Centennial Commission and First Flight Centennial Foundation of North Carolina; and Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003. These organizations were selected as partners because they are developing and/or assisting in the development of major activities to commemorate 100 years of powered flight.

"Centennial partners have a huge impact on the success and outcome of the Centennial celebration," Gen. J.R. "Jack" Dailey, Chairman of the Commission, said. "These organizations have been given partnership status because they have proven that their events and materials are exceptionally relevant to the centennial of powered flight or the history of aviation and have a strong educational focus. Everyone has similar goals and objectives; by working together we will only make the celebration stronger."
Each partner organization has a number of events and activities planned in conjunction with the national celebration.

• AIAA's Evolution of Flight Campaign is designed to mark the 100th anniversary of powered flight; recognize the achievements of men and women who challenged history; and lay the groundwork for the next 100 years of innovation in aviation and space technology. The AIAA will honor individuals in aerospace history, encourage new talent in the sciences to ignite innovation in the aerospace industries and bring the leaders of the community together to shape a common vision for the future. Highlights of the campaign include: The International Air and Space Symposium and Exposition. The Next 100 Years., in Dayton, Ohio; 1903 Wright Flyer Tour and Exposition; Class of 2003 Ambassadors; graduate awards/student scholarships; student branch activities and a lecture series. http://www.flight100.org/
  
  
• Aviation Week's The Next Century of Flight is dedicated to helping the global aerospace industry capitalize on the 100th anniversary of powered flight and position itself for generations to come. Since it was launched in 1998, The Next Century of Flight has connected with millions of professionals and enthusiasts around the world via original Aviation Week articles and essays, curriculum support for students and teachers, and related partner programs, all promoted by an integrated event and media marketing campaign. http://www.aviationnow.com/NextCentury
  
  
• Aviation World's Fair 2003 will be a celebration that embraces all nations and all aspects of aviation. The Fair, which will be held April 7-27, 2003 in Newport News, Va., will gather together the global aerospace community to present the complete picture of aviation, promote the unique contributions aviation has made to society, and educate and inspire the next generation of aerospace industry and aviation leaders. The event will be both a time capsule of the past 100 years and a window through which to view the future of aviation. http://www.awf2003.com/
  
  
• EAA's centennial celebration, Countdown to Kitty Hawk presented by Ford Motor Company, includes a series of activities to mark the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' achievement. The centerpiece of the celebration and a highlight of the Centennial events will be the flight of EAA's 1903 Wright Flyer reproduction - the only accurate flying reproduction of the original - at Kill Devil Hills, N.C., on Dec. 17, 2003, 100 years to-the-minute of that remarkable first flight. Tom Poberezny, president and CEO of EAA, is a Centennial of Flight Commissioner and a nationally recognized authority on significant contributions to aviation and the 1903 Wright Flyer. http://www.countdowntokittyhawk.org/
  
  
• The First Flight Centennial Commission is charged with developing and planning activities to commemorate the centennial of the first flight in North Carolina with Centennial partners nationwide. The Commission's programs include public awareness, education and special events. Activities in 2003 include: events at Wright Brothers National Memorial December 13-17; Fayetteville Festival of Flight May 16-26; World Flight 2003 invitational fly-in for pilots; First Flight Symphony; North Carolina Class of 2003; and legacy projects in the visual and performing arts at the Outer Banks and across the state. http://www.firstflightnc.com/
  
  
• The First Flight Centennial Foundation is located in North Carolina. The Foundation's objectives include improving Wright Brothers National Memorial, helping to produce the First Flight Centennial event on site in December 2003, and sharing the story of the Wright brothers and their achievements through specific events and activities. The Foundation, which is a fundraising partner of the National Park Service, has several major projects planned, including: the construction of a semi-permanent centennial pavilion at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, a gala series and capital improvements to the Wright Memorial. Dick Howard, president of the Foundation, is a Centennial of Flight Commissioner. http://www.firstflightcentennial.org/
  
  
• Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003 is charged with promoting aviation, the Wright brothers, and the role of Ohio in the birth and future of flight. The height of activities in Dayton will occur from July 3-20, 2003, when Deeds Park, a 12-acre site near downtown Dayton, will be transformed into Celebration Central. Other activities will include: a hot air balloon race, Dayton Air Show, International Airship Meet, National Aviation Hall of Fame Ceremonies, commissioned symphonic works, photography exhibits, Inventing Flight Class of 2003, curriculum and choreographed dance works. J. Bradford Tillson, chairman of Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003, is a Centennial of Flight Commissioner. http://www.inventingflight.com/

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. More information about the Commission can be found on the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission Web site at http://www.centennialofflight.gov/

Contact:
Christian Markow
U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission
804.675.8153
cmarkow@crtpr.com