Eclipse Aviation Sponsors Last Public Viewing Prior to the Flyer's Re-enactment on the 100th Anniversary of Flight near Kitty Hawk, N.C.
WHO:
Organizers of the Experimental Aircraft Association's (EAA) Countdown to Kitty Hawk presented by Ford Motor Company, a centennial celebration of the Wright brothers' first powered flight, and Eclipse Aviation, an Albuquerque, N.M., manufacturer of affordable jet aircraft.
Speakers at a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony for Countdown to Kitty Hawk around 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7 include:
- Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation
- Edsel B. Ford II, great-grandson of automotive legend Henry Ford
- Shelley Longmuir, president of NBAA
- Tom Poberezny, EAA president and U.S. Centennial of Flight commissioner
- Bruce Williams, business-development manager, Microsoft Flight Simulator
WHAT:
EAA's reproduction of the 1903 Wright flyer will be the centerpiece of a touring exhibit celebrating the 100th anniversary of powered flight at the National Business Aviation Association's (NBAA) 56th Annual Meeting & Convention in Orlando, Fla. The flyer is part of Countdown to Kitty Hawk, which is led by EAA, presented by Ford Motor Company and supported by Microsoft Flight Simulator, Eclipse Aviation and Northrop Grumman Corp.
EAA's Wright flyer reproduction, the world's most authentic reproduction, will be on display Oct. 7-9. The Wright flyer will travel the country this year and fly near Kitty Hawk, N.C., on Dec. 17, 2003, the 100-year anniversary - at the exact date, time and place where the Wright brothers enacted their first flight. Along with the flyer, the display includes exhibits focusing on aviation, innovations and heroes including:
- Interactive exhibits, including a contest to select Eclipse Aviation's "Greatest Aviation Innovations of the First 100 Years" - This program allows visitors to vote for aviation's greatest innovations - including the Wright flyer, the jet engine and air traffic control - in the exhibit. Voters will be eligible to win deluxe travel packages to Kitty Hawk for the historic re-enactment of the Wrights' first-powered flight on Dec. 17, 2003. On Wednesday, Oct. 8, Eclipse will announce the Greatest Aviation Innovation over the past century and the winner of the trip to Kitty Hawk.
- Digital reproductions of Wright brothers' documents from the Library of Congress archives.
- "Microsoft Flight Simulator" virtual cradles of the 1903 Wright Flyer, which allow visitors to use their hands, hips and heads to attempt to relive the Wright brothers' first flight.
WHEN:
- 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7 (Ribbon-cutting ceremony around 10 a.m.)
- 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8
- 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9
WHERE:
EAA's Countdown to Kitty Hawk exhibit at NBAA in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
WHY:
- 2003 is the 100th anniversary of powered flight. This display celebrates 100 years of aviation innovation, including Eclipse Aviation, which represents the future of aviation and jet transportation.
- Orlando is the last public venue for EAA's 1903 Wright flyer prior to the re-enactment of the Wright brothers' first powered flight on Dec. 17, 2003, near Kitty Hawk, N.C.
NOTE: Media credentials are required for the event. Video b-roll also is available.
CONTACTS:
Brian Ellis
EAA's Countdown to Kitty Hawk
804.675.8140 – work
804.563.4150 – cell
cell bellis@crtpr.com
Andrew Broom
Eclipse Aviation
505.724.1369 – office
505.400.7577 – cell
andrew.broom@EclipseAviation.com
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