December 17, 2003

WHO:	EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) and Ford Motor Company
WHAT:	A news conference to reveal the authentic reproduction of the 1903 Wright Flyer, the first plane to achieve powered flight nearly 100 years ago. In conjunction with the event, Ford Motor Company will unveil the Lincoln Aviator Kitty Hawk Edition, the official vehicle of EAA's Countdown to Kitty Hawk presented by Ford Motor Company (www.countdowntokittyhawk.com), the national aviation celebration of the centennial of the Wright brothers' first flight. The Flyer being revealed will travel the country this year and fly over Kitty Hawk, N.C., on the 100-year anniversary - at the exact date, time and place where the Wright brothers' enacted their first flight.
WHEN:	Tuesday, March 18, 2003, from 9-10 a.m.
WHERE:	Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, General Aviation Terminal - Hangar 7 Washington, D.C.
WHY:	2003 is the 100th anniversary of flight and the 100th anniversary of Ford Motor Company. EEA's Countdown to Kitty Hawk presented by Ford Motor Company is a yearlong celebration of special events leading up to the re-enactment of the Wright brothers' first powered flight on Dec. 17, 2003, at Kitty Hawk, N.C. Aviation and automotive advancements over the past 100 years are based on similar principles of innovation, determination and imagination to enhance personal mobility.
SPECIAL PROGRAM ELEMENTS:
	Ford Motor Company, the presenting sponsor of EAA's Countdown to Kitty Hawk, will provide test-drives of the Lincoln Aviator after the program concludes. Microsoft "Flight Simulator" will demonstrate a 1903 Wright Flyer virtual cradle to accompany its upcoming "Microsoft® Flight Simulator: A Century of Flight" software program. SPECIAL GUESTS TO INCLUDE: Amanda Wright Lane, great-grandniece of Orville and Wilbur Wright Executives from EAA, Ford Motor Company, Microsoft "Flight Simulator" and Eclipse Aviation U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority officials Ken Hyde, builder of EAA's 1903 Wright Flyer reproduction with The Wright Experience of Virginia A wind tunnel expert from Old Dominion University, where the Flyer was tested in February
TEST-DRIVE OPPORTUNITIES:
	Lincoln Aviator test-drive opportunities are available upon conclusion of program. Please e-mail ntwork1@ford.com to schedule a test-drive.

CONTACTS:

Jonathan Rhudy
Countdown to Kitty Hawk
(804) 675-8132
jrhudy@crtpr.com

Paige Johnson
Ford Motor Company
(313) 248-6820
pjohns29@ford.com

Nick Twork
Lincoln Mercury
(586) 530-8496
ntwork1@ford.com