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On Dec. 17, 1903, at 10:35 a.m., the world's first successful powered aircraft lifted off the beach at the Outer Banks for a 12-second, 120-foot journey. A new industry was born and a new way of life followed closely behind.
Driven by two brothers unwavering in their task, that flight accomplished what people had only imagined since the beginning of time. Realizing this dream took more than wings, wheels and a motor -- it took the spirit of adventure, the tenacity brought on by risk and failure, and the desire to achieve a freedom which humans had never before experienced.
In 1998, the United States Congress passed the Centennial of Flight Commemoration Act, Public Law 105-389, 105th Congress (Nov. 13, 1998), as amended by Public Law 106-68, 106th Congress (Oct. 6, 1999).
This law established the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission to assist in the commemoration of the centennial of powered flight and the achievements of the Wright brothers' first powered flight at Kill Devil Hills, N.C., on Dec. 17, 1903, and to serve as a national and international source of information for activities commemorating this historic event. Congress also intends that the Commission encourage more than a celebration of this single achievement, to include a commemoration of the full 100 years of aviation history that followed.
Under this mandate, the Commission plans to coordinate and encourage national and international celebrations of the Wright brothers' achievement and its impact on the world in a fashion that inspires the next generation of inventors.
No invention has made such an indelible imprint on our world as the airplane. In 2003, the national celebration Centennial of Flight: Born of Dreams - Inspired by Freedom will commemorate the world's rich history of aviation accomplishments through events, symposiums, air shows, special programming, exhibits, tours, educational outreach and more.
The United States Congress charges the Commission with playing the leading role in coordinating and publicizing activities celebrating the achievements of Wilbur and Orville Wright and commemorating a century of powered flight. The Commission has the authority to make broad recommendations to the President of the United States, Congress and federal agencies on the celebration.
The Commission's primary responsibilities are:
Under the Centennial of Flight Commemoration Act, the Commission is also required to make recommendations concerning the issuing of commemorative postal stamps; commemorative coins and medals; the publication of books and educational materials; the production of conferences and educational programs; and the creation of competitions and awards.
Comprehensive documentation on the activities of the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission and its Centennial Partners can be found in the National Plan. This document is available both online (www.centennialofflight.gov) and in hard copy by request.
The Centennial of Flight Commission's outreach plan includes support for marquee activities being planned by state commissions and organizations in North Carolina, Ohio and across the country. Events include national symposiums, Wright Flyer tours and reenactments, special exhibits and new museum openings, spectacular air shows, festivals, and much more.
As we approach 2003, the Centennial of Flight Commission will work to create national exposure for the celebration year and provide comprehensive information about celebration activities, historical materials and educational resources. Visit www.centennialofflight.gov for more information on all of the exciting activities being planned.
An equally important goal of this celebration will be to encourage the values that have characterized 100 years of aviation history: ingenuity, inventiveness, persistence, creativity and courage. These values hold true not just for pioneers of flight, but also for all pioneers of invention and innovation, and they will remain an important part of America's future.
Using the story of aviation, the Commission hopes to inspire a new generation of inventors in children around the world and ignite a new level of enthusiasm for perseverance and determination in the quest for ingenuity.
J. R. ("Jack") Dailey, retired United States Marine Corps general and pilot, assumed the duties of director of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in January 2000. General Dailey came to the Museum from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), where he had been the associate deputy administrator since retiring from the United States Marine Corps in 1992. At NASA, he led the agency's reinvention activities and was the administrator's most senior advisor.
His career in the Marine Corps spanned 36 years and included extensive command and staff experience. He has flown over 6,000 hours in a wide variety of aircraft and helicopters. During two tours in Vietnam, he flew 450 combat missions. He was appointed to the grade of general and named assistant commandant of the Marine Corps in 1990. He has numerous decorations for his service in the Marine Corps.
While at NASA, General Dailey served on the President's Management Council, co-chaired the Aeronautics and Astronautics Coordinating Board, and was a national delegate to the Research and Technology Organization supporting NATO. He currently serves as national commander of the Marine Corps Aviation Association and is a member of the Early and Pioneer Naval Aviators Association (Golden Eagles).
General Dailey will lead the effort to open the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, a 710,000-square-foot-facility at Washington Dulles International Airport in December 2003, which will display more than 180 aircraft and 100 spacecraft currently in storage.
General Dailey was born on Feb. 17, 1934, in Quantico, Va., and earned his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1956.
Sean O'Keefe serves on the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission as the administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. O'Keefe was appointed to the position on Dec. 21, 2001, by President George W. Bush, and previously served as the deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Prior to his appointment at OMB, O'Keefe was the Louis A. Bantle Professor of Business and Government Policy, an endowed chair, at the Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He also served as the director of National Security Studies, a partnership of Syracuse University and Johns Hopkins University for delivery of executive education programs for senior military and civilian Department of Defense managers.
O'Keefe has served in a number of public service roles, including Secretary of the Navy, comptroller and chief financial officer of the Department of Defense for then Secretary Dick Cheney, staff member of the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations, and staff director of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.
In 1993, President Bush and Secretary Cheney presented O'Keefe with the Distinguished Public Service Award. He was also the recipient of the Department of the Navy's Public Service Award in 2000, and a faculty recipient of Syracuse University's Chancellor's Award for Public Service in 1999.
President, First Flight Centennial Foundation
Richard T. Howard is president of the First Flight Centennial Foundation. He is also chairman of the board of Howard Management Group, which specializes in construction of municipal and federal utility and heavy civil projects.
Prior to his current positions, Howard had the overall responsibility for an international construction organization, ranked in the top 100 in the world. From 1960 to 1985, he was president and CEO of Howard Corporation. He held the same positions from 1978 to 1985 at Paul N. Howard Company. Before his positions as president and CEO, he was the managing director for Howard International Establishment, Howard of Saudi Arabia, Howard of Egypt and Howard Construction Services, UK, where he was responsible for project management and general management of operations for domestic and foreign constructions.
Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration
Marion Blakey was sworn in September 13, 2002, as the 15th administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. As administrator, Blakey is responsible for regulating and advancing the safety of the nation's airways as well as operating the world's largest air traffic control system. Prior to being named FAA administrator, Blakey served as chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
At the FAA, Blakey, continues a long career of public service. In addition to NTSB Chairman, Blakey has held four previous Presidential appointments, two of which required Senate confirmation. From 1992 to 1993, Blakey served as administrator of the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Prior to her service at NHTSA, she held key positions at the Department of Commerce, the Department of Education, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the White House and the Department of Transportation.
From 1993 to 2001, Blakey was the principal of Blakey & Associates, a Washington, D.C. public affairs consulting firm with a particular focus on transportation issues and traffic safety.
Chairman, Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003
President and CEO, Cox Ohio Publishing
Brad Tillson serves on the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission as chair of Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003, a Dayton-based organization planning a series of activities celebrating the centennial of powered flight in 2003.
Tillson is a native of Paris, Texas, but grew up mostly in New Bedford, Mass. He graduated from the Loomis School in Windsor, Conn., in 1962, and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Denison University in Granville, Ohio, in 1966. Tillson served in the United States Navy from 1966 until 1969, including three tours with Commander, Carrier Division One, in the Vietnam War Zone. After two years as a reporter with the Charlotte (N.C.) News, Tillson joined the Dayton Daily News in 1971. He held a variety of reporting and editing positions and was named editor of the newspaper in 1984 and publisher in 1988. He was named president and CEO of Cox Ohio Publishing in 1996. Cox Ohio Publishing has annual revenues of more than $130 million, more than 1,400 employees and includes the Dayton Daily News, Springfield News-Sun and two distribution companies. It is owned by Atlanta-based Cox Newspapers.
President and CEO,
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
Throughout his life, Tom Poberezny, chief executive officer of the 170,000-member worldwide organization headquartered in Oshkosh, Wis., has shown himself to be, as one colleague described him, "an aviation visionary with a hands-on approach." In his early years, he performed as an internationally renowned pilot, famous for his aerobatic prowess. In 1973, Poberezny won the U.S. National Aerobatic Championship. He was also a member of the U.S. Aerobatic team that captured the 1972 world title in Salon, France. Subsequent to the world championship, he joined Gene Soucy and the late Charlie Hillard to form the "Eagles" Aerobatic Team (originally known as the "Red Devils"), which was one of the premier acts in the aviation industry for a quarter of a century.
Since Poberezny was first elected president of the EAA in 1989, membership has increased by more than 40 percent, and the EAA has grown into one of the nation's foremost voices for the individual aviation enthusiast. In 1972, he spearheaded the highly successful "Wings on Dreams" campaign that raised the funds that made the construction of the EAA's impressive Aviation Center in Oshkosh possible. This Center is the site of Pioneer Airport and houses the EAA AirVenture Museum that attracts more than 175,000 visitors a year. Poberezny also serves as chairman of the annual EAA AirVenture Fly-In Convention in Oshkosh. This world-class aviation event attracts more than 12,000 airplanes and an attendance of more than 750,000 each year, and is carried out with the help of more than 4,500 volunteers.
Executive Director, U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission
Sherry Foster began her career at NASA Headquarters in 1973 as a program analyst in the Office of Institutional Management. In 1979, she accepted an Inter-governmental Personnel Act assignment with the city of Savannah, Ga., as special assistant to the assistant city manager. She later joined the Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology (OAST) at NASA Headquarters in 1981 as manager of Aeronautics Program Support.
From 1984 to 1985, Foster served as acting assistant director of the Office of Aerospace Research Division and as staff assistant to the deputy and associate directors at the Ames Research Center in California. Upon her return to NASA Headquarters, Foster was appointed deputy director for Institutions for OAST. She served as director of Institutions for OAST from March 1986 to July 1988, when she became the director of the Management Operations Directorate at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center until October 2000 when she began her current position.
Foster was awarded Headquarters' Exceptional Performance Awards in 1976 and 1982, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal in 1986, the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Executive Award in 1993, the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal in 1994, and the Presidential Rank of Distinguished Executive Award in 1996.
The legislation of the Centennial of Flight Commemoration Act provides for the establishment of the First Flight Centennial Federal Advisory Board. The Advisory Board shall offer advice and counsel to the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission on matters related to the act including, but not restricted to:
Ms. Gale Norton
Secretary of the Interior
Dr. James H. Billington
The Librarian of Congress
Dr. James G. Roche
Secretary of the Air Force
Mr. Gordon R. England
Secretary of the Navy
Mr. Norman Y. Mineta
Secretary of Transportation
Ms. Patty Wagstaff
Patty Wagstaff Airshows, Inc.
St. Augustine, FL
Dr. Tom Crouch
Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
Washington, D.C.
Mr. Todd M. Hamilton
Grey Rock Capital Partnerships
Chicago, IL
Ms. Martha King
King Schools, Inc.
San Diego, CA
Dr. John Howard Morrow, Jr.
University of Georgia
Athens, GA
Dr. Kathryn Sullivan
Center of Science and Industry
Columbus, OH
Mr. Terry Kohler
Windway Capital Corporation
Sheboygan, WI
Ms. Mary Mathews
Carillon Historical Park
Dayton, OH
Dr. Neil Armstrong
Lebanon, OH
Dr. Peggy Baty Chabrian
Women in Aviation International
Temple Terrace, FL
The Honorable Lauch Faircloth
Clinton, NC
Dr. Sylvia Stewart, DVM
Jackson, MS
Mr. Robert R. Ferguson III
Midway Airlines Corporation
Morrisville, NC
The following organizations are notable participants of the Centennial of Flight: Born of Dreams - Inspired by Freedom national commemoration. Each is developing major activities or assisting in the development of activities for 2003. Those organizations that have been marked with an asterisk (*) are official partners of the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission.
Founded in 1989, Inventing Flight is the state of Ohio commission charged with promoting aviation, the Wright brothers, and the role of Ohio in the birth and future of flight. Inventing Flight will celebrate expanding the boundaries of human experience through new discoveries with a yearlong tribute to the amazing determination and ingenuity of these two pioneers. In addition to a wealth of aviation-related events taking place throughout the city, 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.
J. Bradford Tillson, chairman of Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003, is a U.S. Centennial of Flight Commissioner.
Press inquiries:
Natasha Baker
Phone: 937.913.2837
E-mail: nbaker@dkburnap.com
www.inventingflight.com/
The First Flight Centennial Foundation, a non-profit organization, was formed in North Carolina for the purpose of celebrating the 100th anniversary of powered flight. 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. As a fundraising partner of the National Park Service, the Foundation has the distinct honor of providing opportunities for on-site recognition of sponsors and donors, as well as designation as an Official First Flight Centennial Sponsor.
The Foundation's major projects include:
Dick Howard, president of the First Flight Centennial Foundation, is a U.S. Centennial of Flight Commissioner.
Press inquiries:
Ferg Norton
Phone: 919.840.2003
E-mail: fnorton@firstflightcentennial.org
www.firstflightcentennial.org/
The North Carolina First Flight Centennial Commission's mandate is to "develop and plan activities to commemorate the centennial of the first flight and other historical events related to the development of powered flight." The Commission includes the governors of North Carolina and Ohio, the chair of the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission, and leaders from throughout North Carolina.
The Commission's fundamental task is to remind the world what a magnificent achievement the first flight was; to educate the public on what flight has meant to the world; and to commemorate that achievement in North Carolina, the United States and throughout the world. This will be done through events, educational activities and partnerships with all organizations that want to join in celebrating a century of flight.
Press inquiries:
Kim Sawyer
Phone: 252.441.6291
Email: KimSawyer2003@earthlink.net
www.firstflightnc.com/
The mission of the NPS is "to promote and regulate the use of the...national parks...which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."
Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003 is the lead Centennial organization for the Dayton community, providing outreach programming and activities for Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. In addition to outreach activities and events planned by Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003, Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park will continue to be active in its participation in national and regional air shows.
Press inquiries:
Lola Hilton (North Carolina)
Phone: 252.441.4434
Email: lolahiltonnps@aol.com
www.nps.gov/
Larry Blake (Ohio)
Phone: 937.225.7705
Email: Lawrence_Blake@nps.gov
www.nps.gov/
In January 2001, the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force established the U.S. Air Force Centennial of Flight Office to research, plan and coordinate the U.S. Air Force's active participation in the worldwide celebration. The U.S. Air Force Centennial of Flight Office's objectives are to build, maintain and strengthen relationships within the worldwide aviation community through the support of, and participation in, Centennial of Flight activities; and to research, develop, coordinate and support opportunities (both internal and external) to promote a deeper understanding of America's Air Force as part of our proud heritage and our vision.
Press inquiries:
Lt. Col. James Shepherd
Phone: 703.617.0996
E-mail: centennial@pentagon.af.mil
www.centennialofflight.af.mil/
For more than 65 years, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has been the principal society of aerospace engineers and scientists. Officially formed in 1963 through a merger of the American Rocket Society (ARS) and the Institute of Aerospace Sciences (IAS), AIAA is the world's largest professional organization devoted to advancing engineering and scientific pursuits within aviation, space and defense on behalf of government, industry and academia.
AIAA launched the Evolution of Flight campaign in May 1999 to mark the 100th anniversary of 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. Through programs and events, AIAA will honor individuals in aerospace history whose legacy continues to impact society. They will 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.
Press inquiries:
Merrie Scott
Phone: 703.264.7530
E-mail: Merries@aiaa.org
www.flight100.org/
EAA is a growing and diverse international organization of more than 170,000 members with a wide range of aviation interests and backgrounds. It was founded as the Experimental Aircraft Association in 1953 by a group of individuals in Milwaukee, Wis., who were interested in building their own airplanes. Through the decades, the organization expanded its mission to include antiques, classics, warbirds, aerobatic aircraft, ultralights, helicopters and contemporary manufactured aircraft.
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 this celebration is the flight of EAA's 1903 Wright Flyer reproduction Ð the only accurate flying reproduction of the original Ð at Kitty Hawk, N.C., on Dec. 17, 2003, 100 years to the date of that remarkable first flight.
Tom Poberezny, president and CEO of EAA, is a U.S. Centennial of Flight Commissioner and a nationally recognized authority on significant contributions to aviation, including the Wright brothers and the 1903 Wright Flyer.
Press inquiries:
Jonathan Rhudy
Phone: 804.675.8132
E-mail: jrhudy@crtpr.com
www.countdowntokittyhawk.org/
With nearly 50 products and services, and a core audience of some one million professionals and enthusiasts, the Aviation Week division of The McGraw-Hill Companies is the world's premier multimedia information and service provider to the aviation and aerospace market. The cornerstone of the Aviation Week portfolio is Aviation Week & Space Technology, the world's leading aviation and aerospace industry magazine covering technology, business and operations in the commercial, military and space markets for more than 100,000 paid subscribers in 130 countries. Its Internet portal, www.aviationnow.com, offers the industry's most reliable, real-time news, information and e-business features.
Aviation Week's The Next Century of Flight is a multimedia education initiative dedicated to helping the global aerospace industry capitalize on the 100th anniversary of powered flight in 2003 and position itself for generations to come. The program has three core objectives:
The program harnesses nearly 50 different information products and services, including its Internet portal and partnerships with institutions and companies around the world, to tell the story of aviation's first century and its vision for the next. With McGraw-Hill Education Publishing, they expect to connect The Next Century of Flight message to 30 percent of U.S. classrooms by 2003, 40 percent by 2005.
Press inquiries:
Chris Meyer
Phone: 212.904.3255
Email: chris_meyer@aviationnow.com
www.aviationnow.com
The administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Sean O'Keefe, is one of the six members who serve on the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission. NASA, by supporting the Centennial of Flight Commission in observing the Centennial Flight anniversary, will carry out the element of its mission "to inspire the next generation of explorers." In addition, NASA Headquarters and the nine NASA Field Centers located across the nation are planning education-based activities to celebrate the Centennial. NASA also offers a variety of educational resources for all ages on its Web site.
The guiding principles for U.S. exploration of air and
space have remained remarkably consistent for more than 80 years. In 1915, when aviation was still in its infancy, Congress created an organization that would "supervise and direct the scientific study of the problems of flight, with a view to their practical solutions." That organization, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, evolved into NASA in 1958 when Congress formed a civilian agency to lead "the expansion of human knowledge of phenomena in the atmosphere and space."
Press inquiries:
Michael Braukus
Phone: 202.358.1979
E-mail: michael.braukus@hq.nasa.gov
www.nasa.gov/
The FAA's role in the observance of this anniversary includes support for the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission, of which the FAA's administrator is a member. The FAA's own programs in observance of the Centennial include outreach events organized in partnership with schools and the aviation community. The agency's aviation education home page also provides a special Web page with material about the Wright brothers.
The FAA is the sector of the U.S. government primarily responsible for the safety of civil aviation. The FAA was originally designated the Federal Aviation Agency when established by the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. The present name was adopted in 1967 when the FAA became a component of the Department of Transportation.
Press inquiries:
Les Dorr
Phone: 202.267.3461
E-mail: les.dorr@faa.gov
www.faa.gov/education/index.htm
The mission of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is to "commemorate, educate and inspire." In October 2003, the museum will celebrate the upcoming centennial with the new exhibition, The Wright Brothers & The Invention of the Aerial Age. A thorough presentation of the Wrights' technical achievements will be paired with a rich examination of the cultural impact of early powered flight. The centerpiece of the gallery will be the original 1903 Wright Flyer, displayed on the ground for the first time since acquired by the Smithsonian in 1948. Visitors will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to study up close the intricate workings of the world's first airplane.
In December 2003, the museum will open its 760,000 square foot companion facility at the Washington Dulles International Airport in Northern Virginia. The much-anticipated Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center will house 80 percent of the unparalleled national collection that has not been generally accessible to the public.
Gen. J.R. "Jack" Dailey is the director of NASM and serves as chairman of the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission.
Press inquiries:
Peter Golkin
Phone: 202-357-1552
E-mail: pgolkin@nasm.si.edu
www.nasm.edu/
The Wright Experience was founded in 1997 to preserve the legacy of the Wright brothers and other early aviators and aircraft inventors; create a living classroom that provides inspirational examples of innovation and discovery for school children and people of all ages; and provide for the remanufacture of original Wright brothers' aircraft. They will attempt to fly their reproduction of the 1903 Wright Flyer at Kitty Hawk, N.C., on Dec. 17, 2003.
Press inquiries:
Mike McCall
Phone: 540.955.2100
E-mail: mmc129@cs.com
www.wrightexperience.com/
From May 16-26, 2003, Festival of Flight in Fayetteville, N.C., will present a series of aviation-related events well suited to this city, which claims Pope Air Force Base, Fort Bragg's prestigious 82nd Airborne and some 50,000 military residents to its credit. A general aviation air show and arts festival will open the 11-day celebration, followed by an extensive exposition that will feature the past, present and future of aviation. Exhibitors include NASA, the Smithsonian Institution, all branches of the military, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, AIAA's Evolution of Flight, commercial aviation companies and manufacturers. Each day will also include a flyover of a replica 1910, 1911 or 1912 Wright brothers' airplane, as well as demonstrations of moon buggies on a recreated lunar surface. The festival will conclude with a thrilling military air show at Pope Air Force Base, Memorial Day ceremonies and a parade. With an emphasis on education, Festival of Flight has also developed a yearlong curriculum that will culminate with 1,000 students being sponsored each day for exclusive access to the Festival's exposition. Celebrity speakers, hands-on wing construction with Nick Engler and a live satellite link with the International Space Station are among the special programs planned for student audiences.
Press inquiries:
Margee Herring
Phone: 910.763.4439
E-mail: mherring@go-adpr.com
www.festivalofflight.org/
Rockefeller Center is a global cultural landmark and commercial business center located in New York City. Owned by Tishman Speyer Properties, Rockefeller Center produces public events and exhibitions that are both educational and entertaining.
To honor the Centennial in the spirit of the Wright brothers' brilliant creativity, Rockefeller Center will host a Centennial celebration to be held July 28-Aug. 17, 2003. The event will present the historical, political and social growth of aviation, beginning with the miraculous first flight and leading up to the most current, awe-inspiring discoveries of the day. Combining objects from NASA, U.S. Air Force, Naval Aviation, EAA and the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, among others, the display will offer a celebration of the greatest achievements in aviation innovation and future endeavors.
Press inquiries:
Bob Lawson Rubenstein Associates, Inc.
Phone: 212.843.8024
E-mail: rlawson@rubenstein.com
The Space Day Foundation provides a platform around which diverse organizations in government, business and education can convene to develop programs and generate resources that will help motivate students to pursue careers in math, science, engineering and technology, using space as a motivating catalyst. The Foundation is guided by a prestigious Council of Advisors co-chaired by former Senator John Glenn and Dr. Vance Coffman, CEO and chairman of Lockheed Martin Corporation, and a Board of Directors. In addition, over 75 Space Day Partners and Associates representing a wide array of nonprofit, governmental, educational and corporate organizations play a major role in supporting Space Day events and activities across North America and collaborating to develop and implement Space Day educational programs.
Press inquiries: Linda Walker-Hill
Phone: 703.425.6532
E-mail: lwh@erols.com
www.spaceday.org
The Aviation Foundation of America, in celebration of the centennial of flight, is sponsoring the re-creation of the National Air Tours (originally held every year from 1925 through 1931). Envisioned to include approximately 25 vintage aircraft and other golden-age aircraft representative of the progress of aviation, the tour will fly the 1932 route that was planned but never flown. Overall, the tour will fly more than 4,000 miles, visiting more than two dozen cities from Dearborn to Wichita, across the south to Kitty Hawk, Dayton and back to Dearborn.
Press inquiries: Greg Herrick
Phone: 651.255.1999
E-mail: info@NationalAirTour.org
www.nationalairtour.org
The Media Patron program was created in an effort to further the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission's mission to inform and educate people of all ages about the history and development of powered flight. The goal of the program is to generate widespread awareness for the Centennial of Flight: Born of Dreams Ð Inspired by Freedom commemoration.
Media outlets that are selected must be able to generate in-kind media exposure through multiple distribution channels. In exchange for the exposure, approved media outlets will be designated as "Media Patrons." In essence, the Commission will exchange the value of the media exposure for the right to use the Centennial logo and "Patron" designation.
In order to be designated as a Media Patron, media outlets must meet several criteria, including but not limited to:
To date, the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission has selected one organization as a Media Patron, Third Millennium Entertainment.
Third Millennium Entertainment's programs will include a network or cable TV special under the Centennial of Flight theme, "Born of Dreams-Inspired by Freedom," and unique educational, aviation-specific documentaries including "We Fly," "Women in Flight" and "Centennial of Flight Moments," which will highlight the 100 most significant people, places and events in aviation history in a program that will air 100 days before the 100th anniversary. Other venues in which the Commission, its partners and Third Millennium Entertainment will work together include made-for-TV events and special programming related to the Centennial of Flight celebrations.
Press inquiries:
Dann Moss
Phone: 703.790.1949
Email: dannmosstv@aol.com
The following is a list of major events, symposiums and tours planned for the Centennial celebration. (The following list of highlighted activities is current as of Nov. 1, 2002.) For a complete listing of activities, visit www.centennialofflight.gov.
The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission will kick off the Centennial year with a special ceremony and Presidential proclamation at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum.
The National Congress on Aviation and Space Education (NCASE) is the premier aerospace education conference of its kind in the nation. It is also one of the Civil Air Patrol's major contributions to America's education community. The conference's goal is to help teachers inspire their students to excel in science, math, technology and other subjects.
Co-chaired by former Senator John Glenn, this award-winning global celebration, themed Celebrating the Future of Flight, is dedicated to the extraordinary achievements, benefits and opportunities in the exploration and use of space. The goal of Space Day is to advance science, math and technology education, and to inspire young people to realize the vision of our space pioneers.
"Air Power 2003 - Building on the Past, Reaching for the Future" will include static display of aircraft in current Air Force Inventory and exhibits of Wright-Patterson programs. The Air Force Chief of Staff will be invited to open the ceremony near historical Huffman Prairie Flying Field.
With an expected attendance of more than 500,000 people, Festival of Flight will present an arts festival; the launching of hot air balloons; flight demonstrations of Wright brothers' 1910, 1911 and 1912 replicas; educational exhibits from AIAA, NASA, the Smithsonian Institute and other major corporations and aviation organizations; and two air shows (one general aviation and one military) that will demonstrate just how far the Wright brothers' invention has come since that cold December day at Kitty Hawk. There are five themes within the 11-day series of events: commercial aviation, space, humanitarian flight, military transport and combat aircraft. The festivities will culminate on Memorial Day with ceremonies and a parade.
Sponsored by the Students and Faculty of the Air Command and Staff College (ACSC). Every year since 1981, ACSC has brought 16-22 aerospace legends to this capstone event for the academic year.
Dedicated to the full range of aerospace business activities Ð from parts to suppliers to aircraft manufacturers Ð the 45th Paris Air Show is a show "par excellence."
With an expected crowd of up to 500,000 people, Celebration Central at Deeds Point will be the center of all activities associated with Ohio's Centennial celebration, Inventing Flight. Deeds Point will be the main ticketing and transportation hub, and also will be the place to experience the Inventing Flight story. A main stage will host live, interactive musical reviews, showcase performances and be the focal point of a large main plaza surrounded by experiential pavilions. These pavilions will provide a place for guests of all ages to examine the complex aeronautical and astronautical sciences with fun, easy-to-understand demonstrations, displays and exhibits. They include: the Exploration Pavilion, the Innovation Pavilion, the Imagination Pavilion, and the Communications and Community Pavilions.
Part of Dayton's Centennial celebration, this symposium promises to move the aerospace industry into the next century with the inspiration of global perspective and collaborative spirit. A full program of technical sessions is planned highlighting commercial, military, general aviation and space.
EAA's AirVenture Cup Race is being flown to unite aviation's rich history with its promising future. The race course brings together aviation's most historic places: the site of the first powered flight (Kitty Hawk, N.C.), to the home of the Wright brothers (Dayton, Ohio), to the current home of sport aviation (Oshkosh, Wis.). The AirVenture Cup Race attempts to replicate the excitement of the Bendix Trophy Races of the 1930s. What better way to "kick off" EAA's Annual Convention, AirVenture, than with a race that includes these significant cities?
The Centennial of Flight exhibition at Rockefeller Center will commemorate the 100th anniversary of powered flight in one of the most dramatic public spaces in the world. Curated by Josh Stoff, a renowned aviation expert, the three-week event will highlight the greatest achievements in aviation history. Centennial of Flight at Rockefeller Center will enable hundreds of thousands of people to revisit the days when engineers, scientists and dreamers were kings. Between moon rockets, vintage flyers and jets, Rockefeller Center will commemorate 100 years of aviation, ingenuity and human accomplishment in summer 2003.
More than 750,000 people will fly in or drive in to be a part of one of America's most unique annual conventions. EAA's AirVenture Oshkosh is an international gathering of aviation enthusiasts that celebrates aviation history, achievement and learning. From vintage aircraft to supersonic jets, from ultralights and homebuilts to warbirds, you'll find it all on the convention grounds. Combine that with the daily airshows, exhibits, workshops, aviation personalities and more, and it adds up to an unforgettable experience for the entire family.
Wolf Trap and its National Park Partners have established an artistic direction for Face of America 2003 that focuses on capturing the spirit of flight. In addition to a newly commissioned dance by award-winning choreographer Elizabeth Streb, the evening performance of Face of America 2003 will feature a new musical work and filmed montage celebrating the spirit of flight.
Celebratory themes for the five-day event include: The Outer Banks at the Turn of the Century, Precursors to Flight, The Wrights of Dayton, The Wrights as Engineers, Glider Experiments, Powered Flight and A Century of Flight. Daily aerial features in planning include fly-over representation for General Aviation, Commercial Aviation, Future Aviation, Military Aviation and A Century of Flight. A highlight of the celebration will be EAA's Countdown to Kitty Hawk reenactment of the first flight. For additional information, contact the National Park Service or NPS planning partners for the celebration, including: First Flight Centennial Commission (www.firstflightnc.com), EAA (www.countdowntokittyhawk.org), First Flight Society (www.firstflight.org), First Flight Centennial Foundation (www.firstflightcentennial.org) and others. For travel and accommodations information, contact the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau (www.outerbanks.org).
The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is building a new museum for the display and preservation of its collection of historic aviation and space artifacts. Located at Washington Dulles International Airport, the Udvar-Hazy Center will provide much needed space for the objects that tell the history of aviation and space flight.
On Dec. 17, 2003, the EAA will bring an exact reproduction of the Wright Flyer to Kitty Hawk, where it will re-create the first powered flight. On its way, the one-of-a-kind 1903 Flyer will tour the country. Stops will include Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio and more. The following will be on the tour:
In September of 2003, after a hiatus of nearly three quarters of a century, the National Air Tour will again depart from Dearborn, Mich., just as it did between 1925 and 1931. The 2003 Tour will pick up where the '32 tour left off, visiting over two-dozen cities and towns and traveling over 4,000 miles. Many of the towns on this tour were also stops on earlier tours.
A replica 1903 Wright Flyer was built by the Los Angeles Section of AIAA and was wind tunnel-tested in the NASA Ames wind tunnel in March of 1999. Results found that the aircraft was very unstable and almost impossible to fly. AIAA will tour this 1903 Wright Flyer replica to various locations so the public can view it, reference the extensive wind tunnel testing performed, see the many accomplishments and advancements that have been made in flight during the past 100 years, and discover what the industry has to offer in the next 100 years.
The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C. The Wright Flyer will be displayed on ground level for the first time since the Museum acquired the airplane in 1948 as a part of this unique exhibit.
Located on the grounds of Wright Brothers National Memorial, the Pavilion will house interpretive and educational exhibits for the benefit of visitors. The Pavilion will also house a separate space designed for presentations, educational activities, speaker series and other activities.
This series of events is designed to raise awareness of the First Flight Centennial and North Carolina's role in this historic event. Philanthropic proceeds from the gala series will benefit the objectives of the Foundation. Plans include a major corporate gala in fall 2003, most likely in Charlotte, N.C. Television sponsorship and coverage is being pursued, both to broadcast highlights of the gala events and to televise some aspects of the December 2003 celebration. Additional gala events are being considered for the Research Triangle and the Triad areas.
Visitors to www.centennialofflight.gov will find the most comprehensive calendar of events on Centennial-related activities, as well as a collection of historical and educational resources involving the past 100 years of flight. Kids, educators, enthusiasts and the media will find a wealth of information organized by categories of interest. After choosing one of the four categories on the left side, visitors will be directed to interesting short essays on flight, the Wright brothers and aerospace; video clips about the Wright gliders; free posters and bookmarks available for download; or the latest news on the national celebration. The information in each section is designed to appeal to that specific audience. The homepage features several "links of the day," spotlighting a Centennial Partner, an educational essay and an aviation-related link that changes daily.
About the Commission Ð Information on the legislation, the commissioners, news and meeting minutes.
Calendar of Events Ð A comprehensive list of activities, symposiums, exhibits, air shows, educational activities and more taking place through December 2003.
Wright Brothers' History Ð This section houses the Library of Congress bibliography of Wright-related resources, the Brunsman articles, interactive learning modules from The Wright Experience, short informative essays including "Kitty Hawk by Rail" and "The 1899 Kite," as well as a series of links to other Wright brothers information sources.
History of Flight Ð Browse through a comprehensive library of essays and images on the history of flight. This section also includes a timeline which links to more detailed information about aviation events from before the Wright brothers to the present day.
Sights and Sounds Ð An assortment of images, movies and special collections that capture the accomplishments of the Wright brothers and others who made significant contributions throughout the history of aviation and aerospace.
Licensed Products Ð View collections of souvenirs and gift items to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first powered flight. The companies listed are all official licensees of the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission.
Education Ð Resources that will help educators and their students celebrate 100 years of flight. Teachers can download Wright brothers posters and a Centennial of Flight bookmark, view live Web casts, and access an educational matrix representing more than 50 government, industry and labor organizations promoting aviation and aerospace education.
Related Links Ð Suggested Web sites to visit for information about aviation, aerospace, international celebrations and much more.
On Dec. 17, 1903, the Wright brothers inaugurated the aerial age with their successful first flights of a heavier-than-air flying machine at Kitty Hawk, N.C. This airplane, known as the Wright Flyer, sometimes referred to as the Kitty Hawk Flyer, was the product of a sophisticated four-year program of research and development conducted by Wilbur and Orville Wright beginning in 1899. During the Wrights' design and construction of their experimental aircraft, they also pioneered many of the basic tenets and techniques of modern aeronautical engineering, such as the use of a wind tunnel and flight testing as design tools. Their seminal accomplishment encompassed not only the breakthrough first flight of an airplane, but also the equally important achievement of establishing the foundation of aeronautical engineering.
The Wright brothers had a passing interest in flight as youngsters. But not until 1896, prompted by the widely publicized fatal crash of famed glider pioneer Otto Lilienthal, did the Wrights begin serious study of flight.
Shortly after obtaining aeronautic publications from the Smithsonian Institution, the Wrights built their first aeronautical craft, a five-foot-wingspan biplane kite, in the summer of 1899. The Wrights chose to follow Lilienthal's lead of using gliders as a stepping stone towards a practical powered airplane. The 1899 kite was built as a preliminary test device to establish the viability of the control system that they planned to use in their first full-size glider. This means of control would be a central feature of the later successful powered airplane.
Rather than controlling the craft by altering the center of gravity by shifting the pilot's body weight as Lilienthal had done, the Wrights intended to balance their glider aerodynamically. They reasoned that if a wing generates lift when presented to an oncoming flow of air, producing differing amounts of lift on either end of the wing would cause one side to rise more than the other, which in turn would bank the entire aircraft. A mechanical means of inducing this differential lift would provide the pilot with effective lateral control of the airplane. The Wrights accomplished this by twisting, or warping, the tips of the wings in opposite directions via a series of lines attached to the outer edges of the wings that were manipulated by the pilot.
Encouraged by the success of their small wing warping kite, the brothers built and flew two full-size piloted gliders in 1900 and 1901. Beyond the issue of control, the Wrights had to grapple with developing an efficient airfoil shape and solving fundamental problems of structural design. Like the kite, these gliders were biplanes. For control of climb and descent, the gliders had forward-mounted horizontal stabilizers. Neither craft had a tail. The Wrights' home of Dayton, Ohio, did not offer suitable conditions for flying the gliders. An inquiry with the U.S. Weather Bureau identified Kitty Hawk, N.C., with its sandy, wide-open spaces and strong, steady winds as an optimal test site. In September 1900, the Wrights made their first trip to the little fishing hamlet that they would make world famous.
Although the control system worked well and the structural design of the craft was sound, the lift of the gliders was substantially less than the Wrights' earlier calculations had predicted. They began to question seriously the aerodynamic data that they had used. Now at a critical juncture, Wilbur and Orville decided to conduct an extensive series of tests of wing shapes. They built a small wind tunnel in the fall of 1901 to gather a body of accurate aerodynamic data with which to design their next glider.
The Wrights' third glider, built in 1902 based on the wind tunnel experiments, was a dramatic success. The lift problems were solved, and with a few refinements to the control system, they were able to make numerous extended controlled glides.
During the spring and summer of 1903, they built their first powered airplane. Essentially a larger and sturdier version of the 1902 glider, the only fundamentally new component of the 1903 aircraft was the propulsion system. With the assistance of their bicycle shop mechanic, Charles Taylor, the Wrights built a small, 12-horsepower gasoline engine. While the engine was a significant enough achievement, the genuinely innovative feature of the propulsion system was the propellers. The brothers conceived the propellers as rotary wings, producing a horizontal thrust force aerodynamically. By turning an airfoil section on its side and spinning it to create an air flow over the surface, the Wrights reasoned that a horizontal "lift" force would be generated that would propel the airplane forward. The concept was one of the most original and creative aspects of the Wrights' aeronautical work. The 1903 airplane was fitted with two propellers mounted behind the wings and connected to the engine, centrally located on the bottom wing, via a chain-and-sprocket transmission system.
By the fall of 1903, the powered airplane was ready for trial. A number of problems with the engine transmission system delayed the first flight attempt until mid-December. After winning the toss of a coin to determine which brother would make the first try, Wilbur took the pilot's position and made an unsuccessful attempt on December 14, damaging the Flyer slightly. Repairs were completed for a second attempt on December 17. It was now Orville's turn. At 10:35 a.m. the Flyer lifted off the beach at Kitty Hawk for a 12-second flight, traveling 120 feet. Three more flights were made that morning, the brothers alternating as pilot. The second and third were in the range of 200 feet. With Wilbur at the controls, the fourth and last flight covered 852 feet in 59 seconds. With this final long, sustained effort, there was no question the Wrights had flown.
As the brothers and the others present discussed the long flight, a gust of wind overturned the Wright Flyer and sent it tumbling across the sand. The aircraft was severely damaged and never flown again. But, the Wrights had achieved what they had set out to do. They had successfully demonstrated their design for a heavier-than-air flying machine. They built refined versions of the Flyer in 1904 and 1905, bringing the design to practicality.
After 13 years in storage, the 1903 Wright Flyer was repaired and periodically displayed in the United States. In 1927, the aircraft was refurbished extensively, given a new fabric covering and loaned the next year to the Science Museum in London in 1928. Stored underground during World War II, the Flyer was returned to the United States in 1948 and formally donated to the Smithsonian Institution, where it has been publicly displayed ever since. The Flyer was moved in 1976 to the then-new National Air and Space Museum, where it remains the centerpiece of the "Milestones of Flight" gallery. The world's first airplane was covered with new fabric during a major restoration in 1985.
The 1903 Wright Flyer was constructed of spruce and ash covered with muslin. The framework "floated" within fabric pockets sewn inside, making the muslin covering an integral part of the structure. This ingenious feature made the aircraft light, strong and flexible. The 1903 Flyer was powered by a simple four-cylinder engine of the Wrights' own design.
To fly the airplane, the pilot lay prone with his head forward, his left hand operating the elevator control. Lateral control was achieved by warping the wing tips in opposite directions via wires attached to a hip cradle mounted on the lower wing. The pilot shifted his hips from side to side to operate the mechanism, which also moved the rudder.
| Wingspan: | 12.3 m (40 ft 4 in) | Length: | 6.4 m (21 ft) | Height: | 2.8 m (9 ft 3 in) | Weight, empty: | 274 kg (605 lb) | Engine: | Gasoline, 12 hp | Manufacturer: | Wilbur and Orville Wright, Dayton, Ohio, 1903 |
The following lists some of the most important events in the history of flight. Many of these artifacts are located in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum.
Year |
Vehicle/Person | Milestone |
|---|---|---|
1903 |
Wright Flyer | First powered airplane | 1926 |
Goddard Rockets | First liquid propellant rocket | 1927 |
Spirit of St. Louis | First solo transatlantic flight | 1932 |
Amelia Earhart | First woman to fly solo across the Atlantic | 1942 |
Bell XP-59A Airacomet | First American turbojet | 1942 |
Tuskegee Airmen | First group of African-American aviators earn their wings | 1947 |
Bell X-1 (Glamorous Glennis) | First aircraft to travel the speed of sound | 1957 |
Sputnik 1 | First artificial satellite | 1958 |
Explorer 1 | First successful U.S. satellite | 1961 |
Vostok (Yuri Gagarin) | First man in space | 1962 |
Mariner 2 | First interplanetary probe | 1962 |
Mercury (John Glenn) | First American in earth orbit | 1965 |
Voskhod II (Aleksei Leonov) | First space walk | 1965 |
Gemini IV | First American space walk | 1967 |
North American X-15 | First hypersonic, high altitude aircraft | 1969 |
Apollo 11 Command Module | First manned lunar landing | 1976 |
Viking Lander | First spacecraft to operate on Mars | 1981 |
Columbia (OV-102) | First U.S. space shuttle to fly into orbit | 1983 |
Pioneer 10 | First spacecraft to leave solar system | 1987 |
Pershing-II & SS-20 Missiles | First international effort to control nuclear arms | 1999 |
Breitling Orbiter 3 Gondola | First nonstop balloon flight around the world | 2000 |
Bill Shepherd, Yuri Gidzenko, Sergi Krikalev | First International Space Station becomes operational |
The Centennial of Powered Flight commemoration, "Born of Dreams Ð Inspired by Freedom," will celebrate the significance of the first flight of the Wright brothers that occurred on December 17, 1903. That defining moment in history set forth a new era of realized dreams in aviation and space flight that have changed our world forever. To honor the past 100 years of achievements in flight, organizations across the globe are planning exciting events and activities for 2003. Through the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission's "Born of Dreams Ð Inspired by Freedom" campaign, we hope to inspire future generations of aviation and space flight inventors and innovators to realize their dreams.
The centennial celebration is an opportunity for NASA to share and celebrate all we've learned and discovered in the science and technology of flight, so much of which sprung from the events that took place 100 years ago. As we progress through our next century, we anticipate a multitude of extraordinary developments in aerospace and look forward to our role in incubating these advances.
North Carolina is proud of its strong aviation heritage. We want the world to know about the magnificent achievement of the Wright brothers that took place here Ð a 12-second flight that changed the world forever. Throughout 2003, and especially on December 17th, we will celebrate the courage of the Wright brothers, and the innovation and invention that stemmed from their achievements.
The Wright brothers brought us into a new era, the era of flight. In 2003, we will celebrate a century of traveling in airplane, and what a remarkable century it has been. The excitement of the amazing achievements behind us is exceeded only by the possibilities ahead.
The Wright brothers represent innovation, dedication and a sense of adventure Ð the same qualities that lie at the heart of the EAA and its members. We look forward to bringing that historic moment back to life on December 17, 2003, from the sands of Kitty Hawk.
In July, Dayton will bring to life Ohio's and our nation's aviation heritage through a unique, once-in-a-lifetime celebration. The Wright brothers had a dream; our goal is to celebrate the spirit of that dream, and the determination that allowed two bicycle mechanics from Ohio to offer the world perhaps its greatest invention.
What difference did the Wright brothers make? Before 1903, people said that if God had meant for us to fly he would have given us wings. After the Wrights had flown, people were thinking, Ômy heavens, if human beings can fly, what can't we do?' The airplane enabled us to soar over all kinds of obstacles, both geographic and psychological, which had restrained us for millennia.
I believe our national campaign slogan, "Born of Dreams Ð Inspired by Freedom," captures the spirit of the Wright brothers' drive and determination to conquer powered flight. The Wright brothers' discovery continues to change the world we live in. This celebration will pay tribute to their accomplishments and those who have pioneered flight for the past 100 years.
Christian Markow
U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission Outreach
Phone: 804.675.8153
Fax: 804.675.8183
E-mail: cmarkow@crtpr.com
Sherry Foster
Executive Director, U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission
Phone: 202.358.1903
Fax: 202.358.3155
E-mail: sfoster@hq.nasa.gov
Debbie Gallaway
Assistant Director for Programs, U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission
Phone: 202.358.1903
Fax: 202.358.3155
E-mail: debbie.gallaway@hq.nasa.gov
Below is a list of available spokespersons and authorities in the aeronautics and astronautics industries that are experts on various flight-related topics.
Dr. Tom Crouch Senior Curator of Aeronautics Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Washington, D.C.
*Please contact Peter Golkin, Public Affairs Specialist with the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum at 202.357.1552 if you wish to speak with Dr. Tom Crouch or other aviation experts and Wright brothers historians at NASM.
Mr. William Heimdahl
U.S. Air Force Historian
Washington, D.C.
202.404.2167
Mr. Tom Poberezny
President and CEO, EAA
Oshkosh, Wis.
902.426.6129
Dr. Roger Lanius
Co-Chair, History and Education Panel
U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission
Washington, DC
202.357.4406
Dr. Tom Crouch
Senior Curator of Aeronautics
Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
Washington, D.C.
202.357.2518
Mr. Ken Hyde
The Wright Experience
Warrenton, VA
540.347.1909
Dr. Jerry Grey
Director for Aerospace Policy, AIAA
New York, NY
212.595.7102
Dr. John Logsdon
Director Space Policy Institute
George Washington University
Washington, D.C.
202.994.7292
Aerodynamics
Dr. John Anderson
Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
Washington, D.C
.
202.357.2515 (M/T/W)
Aircraft Design
Mr. Daniel P. Raymer
President, Conceptual Research
Sylmar, CA
818.362.3546
Space & Space Transportation
Dr. Jerry Grey
Director for Aerospace Policy, AIAA
New York, NY
212.595.7102
Propulsion
Dr. William Heiser
Professor of Aeronautics Emeritus
USAF Academy, CO
719.333.4010
Propulsion
Dr. Jerry Grey
Director for Aerospace Policy, AIAA
New York, NY
212.595.7102
What is the Centennial of Flight?
The Centennial of Flight is a national celebration commemorating 100 years of powered flight. In 1903, the Wright brothers achieved what man had dreamed about since the beginning of time. In 2003, events and activities will occur across the country to celebrate the achievements of the Wright brothers, those that occurred over the last 100 years and those that are yet to come. 2003 promises to be an exciting and inspiring year.
Where can I find historical information on aviation or space?
The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission's Web site (www.centennialofflight.gov) is a great place to find comprehensive information on the Wright brothers, as well as the significant events that have occurred since 1903. Check out the "History of Flight" section. And, if you want more information, you'll also find links to other sites that house historical content on aviation and aerospace.
Do you have any comprehensive information on the Wright brothers?
Yes. The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission's Web site offers a series of articles covering the history of the Wright brothers, including their days as pressmen. You will also find archived pictures and films of their pioneering efforts, as well as links to the Internet's most credible Wright resources.
Do you have educational resources on the Wright brothers and/or aviation?
Yes. The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission offers several educational resources, which can be found on its Web site. There are a series of interactive educational modules that show users how to fly a plane, as well as PDF files of educational posters. The Commission has also organized a comprehensive list of educational resources into a searchable matrix for students and teachers to explore. If you would like hard copies of some of the above-mentioned items, or are searching for educational information that cannot be found on the U.S. Centennial of Flight Web site, please call Debbie Gallaway at 202.358.1903 for more information.
Where can I find pictures of the Wright brothers' first flight?
The Library of Congress has an extensive collection of Wright-related photography and film. You can access that Web catalog through the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission Web site: www.centennialofflight.gov/media/collections.htm.
Pictures can also be found on the Wright State University Web site: www.centennialofflight.gov/media/col2_set.htm.
What is going to happen in 2003 to celebrate the Centennial of Flight?
Many exciting events will take place throughout 2003. The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission offers the most comprehensive calendar of centennial-related activities which can be found on the Internet at www.centennialofflight.gov/calendar_cf/calendar.cfm.
Does the original 1903 Wright Flyer still exist?
Yes. The original 1903 Wright Flyer is hanging in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. While it is no longer flyable, several groups are creating either reproduction or replica models of the plane for celebrations in 2003. EAA's 1903 Wright Flyer reproduction will be flown at Kitty Hawk, N.C., on Dec. 17, 2003, exactly 100 years after the very first powered flight.
Why was the Commission created?
The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission is charged by Congress with providing recommendations and advice to the President, Congress, and federal agencies on the most effective ways to encourage and promote national and international participation and sponsorships in commemoration of the centennial of powered flight by persons and entities. The Commission's responsibilities include generating publicity for the celebration, encouraging individuals and organizations across the country to conduct commemorative activities, offering recommendations to individuals and organizations conducting commemorative activities, and maintaining a Web site and a national calendar of events.
They are playing the leading role in coordinating and publicizing public activities celebrating the achievements of Wilbur and Orville Wright and commemorating a century of powered flight.
Who sits on the Commission?
The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission is made up of six Commissioners mandated by Congressional law. Each brings his or her own dedication to the public appreciation of the legacy and promise of flight, as well as the enthusiasm of their respective member institutions. They include the director of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, the administrator of NASA, the president and CEO of the EAA, the administrator of the FAA, the president of the First Flight Centennial Foundation of North Carolina and the president of the Ohio centennial organization, Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003.
Is there a way that I can volunteer to help?
The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission does have an interest in accepting assistance from volunteers. If you would like to volunteer services or goods to support the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission, please call 202.358.1903.
Who supports the Commission?
The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission receives its funding from the federal government. It is allowed to access additional funds through licensing of the Centennial of Flight logo.