U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission

The Act that established the Centennial of Flight Commission states that the Centennial of Flight Commission shall be composed of six members. The six members represent the First Flight Centennial Foundation of North Carolina; Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003 of Ohio; aeronautical societies, foundations and organizations outside of Ohio and North Carolina, represented by the President of the Experimental Aircraft Association; the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum; the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Also, the Act established a First Flight Centennial Federal Advisory Board to advise the Centennial of Flight Commission. The Advisory Board is composed of 19 members, five of whose positions are included by statute and 14 other U.S. citizens meeting various statutory criteria. Six of these positions were appointed by the President of the U.S., four by the Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate, and four by the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Centennial of Flight Commission is actively developing partnerships and relationships with other organizations involved in the centennial commemoration. The Centennial of Flight Commission's mission is to unify the efforts of all of the organizations and promote the significance of historical aviation achievements. The Act specifically states that the Centennial of Flight Commission is to provide advice and recommendations on the most effective ways to "encourage and promote national and international participation and sponsorships," and "initiate contact with individuals and organizations that have an interest in aviation to encourage such individuals and organizations to conduct their own activities in celebration of the centennial of flight." As of November 2001, the Centennial of Flight Commission has signed Memorandum of Agreements with Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003; American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics; Aviation Week Next Century of Flight; FAA; Aero-Club of France; the Experimental Aircraft Association; Aviation World's Fair 2003; First Flight Centennial Commission; and First Flight Centennial Foundation.

The Centennial of Flight Commission approved a two-tiered system to recognize centennial events. Calendar of Events special recognition is very inclusive and the criteria are articulated on the Centennial of Flight Commission Web site. "Centennial Partner" recognition will be reserved for organizations that have a more significant impact on the success and outcome of the centennial commemoration. The criteria for "Centennial Partner" include: exceptionally relevant to the centennial of powered flight or the history of aviation; strong educational focus; leaves a tangible legacy; plan or process in place to measure success against objectives; national impact; collaboratively working with other organizations with common goals and objectives for the benefit of the centennial celebration and the public interest; and formal memorandum of agreement with the Centennial of Flight Commission in place.

Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003

Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003 was founded in 1989 to promote aviation, the Wright brothers and especially Dayton, Ohio's role in the birth and future of aviation. Drawing from the rich history of the Wright brothers, Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003 will launch a once in a lifetime event culminating in the Centennial Celebration in July 2003. Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003 is partnering with some of the greatest names, faces and locations in aviation and aerospace to bring a truly special series of personalities, events and programs to Dayton in 2003. Their partners include: the U.S. Air Force Museum; the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park; the National Aviation Hall of Fame; Carillon Historical Park; Cityfolk; the Dayton Air Show; the Experimental Aircraft Association; American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics; International Council of Aeronautical Sciences; Perpetual Motion Films; Centennial of Flight Commission; Aviation Week and Space Technology; Aviation History; and the Lightship Group. Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003, a not for profit corporation, was incorporated by a group of community leaders in 1989 as "The 2003 Fund, Inc.," an outgrowth of the Dayton Foundation. Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003 is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of community and business leaders, including representatives from North Carolina.

First Flight Centennial Foundation

The First Flight Centennial Foundation is a nonprofit organization formed for the purpose of celebrating the 100th anniversary of powered flight. The objectives include improving Wright Brothers National Memorial, helping to produce the First Flight Centennial event onsite in December 2003, and sharing the story of the Wright brothers and their achievements through specific events and activities. The Foundation is working with partners including: the Centennial of Flight Commission, First Flight Centennial Commission, National Park Service, Experimental Aircraft Association, First Flight Society and others. The First Flight Centennial Foundation was incorporated in North Carolina in 1995 and is governed by its Board of Directors under the bylaws.

Experimental Aircraft Association

The Experimental Aircraft Association is a membership-based association comprised of 170,000 aviation enthusiasts. The Experimental Aircraft Association began as a group dedicated to the pursuit of making aviation more affordable through homebuilt and restored aircraft. The organization has grown over nearly 50 years to include many constituents with a common goal, including providing activities with airplane building, restoring, flying, exploring and learning. The Experimental Aircraft Association's Countdown to Kitty Hawk is an initiative designed to celebrate the accomplishments of Wilbur and Orville Wright. As creators of the first homebuilt aircraft, the Wright brothers are viewed by Experimental Aircraft Association members as their direct "forefathers." The Experimental Aircraft Association is partnering with many organizations including: the Centennial of Flight Commission, The Wright Experience, National Park Service, First Flight Centennial Commission, First Flight Centennial Foundation, Sun N' Fun Experimental Aircraft Association Fly-In, Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003, Library of Congress, Ford Motor Company and the Discovery Channel.

NASA

NASA is proud of its achievements, as well as those of its predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, in the development of aerospace technology and its continued contributions to the next century of flight. The celebration of a century of powered flight offers a unique opportunity to focus attention on the many successes of the Agency, as well as the Agency's contributions to the future of flight. It is also a time to reflect on how the U.S. came to lead the world in flight for a century. Without question, cutting edge aeronautical research has fundamentally altered and improved the transportation and aviation sectors, and the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics and NASA have been at the core of this evolutionary process since 1915. NASA intends to capitalize upon the centennial to accomplish several related objectives, all of which are connected to the three broad goals to collect, preserve and disseminate the history of flight.

NASA has created a single point of contact for Centennial of Flight activities, located in its Office of Aerospace Technology, which will serve as a clearinghouse for centennial activities. The point of contact will coordinate NASA activities and work with a range of other organizations to carry out the celebration. These activities include exhibits, educational, historical and experimental programs and materials. The NASA History Office will support these activities as subject matter experts on the history of flight and the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics and NASA's role in it. NASA is collaborating with other organizations dedicated to furthering aerospace from its past to its future. Partnerships have been formed with outside universities and other educational institutions, publishers, not for profit corporations, and the national and local commissions dedicated to the centennial. Opportunities are being pursued to do the same with other groups.

FAA

The FAA is committed to supporting the Centennial of Flight Commission in areas that include procurement and financial management. The FAA Administrator is a member of the Centennial of Flight Commission. The FAA also will provide historical and educational information, and will cooperate with other organizations in conducting outreach programs and in promoting awareness of the Centennial's significance.

National Air and Space Museum

The mission of the National Air and Space Museum is to "commemorate, educate and inspire." The National Air and Space Museum shall commemorate the national development of aviation and space flight, and will educate and inspire the nation by: (1) preserving and displaying aeronautical and space flight equipment and data of historical interest and significance to the progress of aviation and space flight;
(2) developing educational materials and conducting programs to increase the public's understanding of, and involvement in, the development of aviation and space flight; and (3) conducting and disseminating new research in the study of aviation and space flight and their related technologies.

The National Air and Space Museum's two related principal goals are to conduct active programs in research and collections management to maintain a leadership role in aviation and space history and science, and to enhance the public's access to, and understanding of, the museum's collections and research activities through innovative exhibits, educational programs and outreach in aviation and space.

First Flight Centennial Commission

The overall objective of the First Flight Centennial Commission is to host the centennial anniversary of mankind's first successful powered flight and celebrate the subsequent 100 years of aviation. The First Flight Centennial Commission was created by North Carolina General Statute to "develop and plan activities to commemorate the centennial of the first successful, manned, controlled, heavier-than-air, powered flight and other historical events related to the development of powered flight." Within North Carolina, the First Flight Centennial Commission has partnered with the National Park Service; Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Wright Brothers National Monument; the First Flight Society; North Carolina Department of Transportation, Division of Aviation; First Flight Centennial Foundation; Dare County and Outer Banks communities; and many other public and private organizations.

National Park Service, Wright Brothers National Memorial, North Carolina

Wright Brothers National Memorial was established in 1927 to commemorate the first successful controlled, powered flight accomplished by Wilbur and Orville Wright on December 17, 1903. The Memorial, administered by the National Park Service, encompasses the historic site where the 1903 first powered flights took place. The National Park Service will host a commemorative celebration showcasing the Wright brothers, their accomplishments and their subsequent impact on our world. The National Park Service has multiple partners assisting them in planning and implementing the celebration. Partners include: the Centennial of Flight Commission, First Flight Centennial Commission, First Flight Centennial Foundation, Experimental Aircraft Association, First Flight Society, U.S. Air Force, NASA, FAA, State of North Carolina, and Dare County, N.C.

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park was created by the Dayton Aviation Heritage Preservation Act of 1992, as amended. The purpose of Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park is to: commemorate the legacy of three exceptional men, Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright and Paul Laurence Dunbar, and their lives and works in the Miami Valley; recognize the national significance of the contributions made by Paul Laurence Dunbar and the Wright brothers, and the City of Dayton's role in their contributions; and promote preservation and interpretation of the resources related to the lives of these three men. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park has four partners. The National Park Service operates The Wright Cycle Company building and will operate the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center and Aviation Trail Center and Museum in partnership with Aviation Trail, Inc. upon completion of these facilities. The Ohio Historical Society owns and manages the Paul Laurence Dunbar State Memorial. Carillon Historical Park owns and manages the John W. Berry, Sr. Wright Brothers Aviation Center; and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base owns and manages the Huffman Prairie Flying Field. Wright-Patterson and the National Park Service will operate the Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center.

Dayton Aviation Heritage Commission

Congress established the Dayton Aviation Heritage Commission in 1992 as a part of the Dayton Aviation Heritage Preservation Act, in addition to the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. The Dayton Aviation Heritage Commission, while responsible for the development of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park's General Management Plan, is not involved in the day-to-day operation of the park itself. The Dayton Aviation Heritage Commission is comprised of 13 members, all but one of whom are appointed by the Secretary of the Interior. The Dayton Aviation Heritage Commission has representation that reflects the diversity of the park and the community where the sites are located. As a result of the Huffman Prairie Flying Field being located within Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, a commissioner representing the interests of the base is appointed by the Secretary of Defense.

The Dayton Aviation Heritage Commission commissioners, along with their voting alternates, serve three year terms. The current appointees are scheduled to serve until January 2003. Under the terms of the legislation the Dayton Aviation Heritage Commission will cease to exist on January 1, 2004. The Dayton Aviation Heritage Commission meets as required and with regular public meetings scheduled monthly.

The Dayton Aviation Heritage Commission has developed a Preservation and Development Plan for the areas adjacent to the national park sites and other aviation heritage sites located within the Miami Valley. It has specific legislative powers associated with the implementation of the components of the plan including, but not limited to, obtaining property, seeking and accepting donations and providing technical assistance to property owners within the plan area. The Dayton Aviation Heritage Commission is authorized to be appropriated $350,000 annually by Congress to carry out its duties.

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and their industry partners are collaborating on an ambitious Evolution of Flight Campaign to mark the 100th anniversary of flight, recognize the achievements of the men and women who challenged history, and lay the groundwork for the next 100 years of innovation in aviation and space technology. The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics' Evolution of Flight Campaign operates through a partnership with The Boeing Company, General Electric Aircraft Engines, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Pratt and Whitney, Raytheon, Rockwell Collins and Snecma. Advisors to the Campaign include retired astronaut Neil A. Armstrong, experimental test pilot A. Scott Crossfield, and three time U.S. aerobatic champion Patty Wagstaff. Additional support to the Campaign is provided by Aviation Week's Next Century of Flight, the Challenger Center for Space Science Education, the Dayton Air Show, the First Flight Centennial Commission, the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences, Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003, the Centennial Celebration, Microcosm, Inc. and the Centennial of Flight Commission. The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Board of Directors approved the Evolution of Flight Campaign in 1999. The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and their corporate partners provide the funding for the Evolution of Flight Campaign programs.

Aviation Week's The Next Century of Flight

The Next Century of Flight is a multi-year, multimedia global education program dedicated to helping the aerospace industry capitalize on the 100th anniversary of powered flight in 2003 and position itself for generations to come. Since it was launched in 1998, the Next Century of Flight has reached millions of professionals and enthusiasts around the world via Aviation Week, Next Century of Flight editorial content in the form of news, features and commentary, and an aggressive integrated event and marketing campaign. The program has three core objectives: re-ignite the spirit of the global aerospace industry; raise worldwide awareness of the importance of the industry; and inspire young people to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace. Aviation Week's Next Century of Flight program partners include: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics; Bombardier Aerospace; Computer Sciences Corporation; FAA; GIFAS, the French Aerospace Industries Association; Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003, The Centennial Celebration; Macmillan/McGraw-Hill; National Business Aviation Association's AvKids program; Society of British Aerospace Companies; Centennial of Flight Commission; NASA; and the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.

The Wright Experience

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. The Wright Experience's work includes:

• Accurate reproduction aircraft
  • Wright brothers' 1899 kite, 1900 glider, 1901 glider, 1902 glider, 1903 Flyer (in production) and the 1911 Model B.
  • All other significant Wright aircraft in research and planning.
    
    
• Research and Analysis. The Propellers:
  • Using historical research and digital imaging, made complete measurements and plans of the Wright 1903, 1904, 1905 and 1911 propellers.
  • Constructed propellers with authentic materials and techniques, e.g., 1903 Propellers hand carved with period tools.
  • Made wind tunnel tests at Old Dominion University Langley Full Scale Tunnel.
  • Results published in American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics papers and on www.wrightexperience.com.
    
    
• Research and Analysis. The Engines:
  • Original 1910 Vertical Four Engine discovered and acquired in 1999.
  • Full conservation treatment performed at Wright Experience.
  • Engine started for first time in 85 years in 2000.
  • Full dynamometer test at Delphi Automotive Systems in Rochester, N.Y., February 2001. Results published for American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics in June 2001.
  • Engine run at public demonstrations, including AirVenture 2000 and 2001.
    
    
• Current Projects:
  • 1901 Glider Wind Tunnel tests with Old Dominion University.
  • 1902 Glider.
  • Construction of flying 1903 and Model B machines.
  • Conservation of engine number 3.
  • Testing of 1903 Flyer fabric.
  • Investigation of Wright Model K propeller.
  • Wind tunnel test of the 1901 glider at the Langley Full Scale Tunnel in December 2001.
  • Continual updates to Web site, www.wrightexperience.com.

Aviation World's Fair 2003

The Aviation World's Fair 2003 will honor the 100th anniversary of controlled, powered flight and the birth of the aerospace industry with an event focused on the Wright brothers' epic triumph, and other milestones of flight. The Aviation World's Fair 2003 will be a celebration that embraces all nations and all aspects of aviation.

The overall objective of the Aviation World's Fair 2003 is to: organize the Aviation Centennial Exhibition; gather together the global aerospace community to present, for the first time in history, 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.

Developments in aviation have occurred on every continent and embraced every nation. From individual accomplishments to national objectives, dozens of countries and thousands of individuals have contributed to aviation's success with each step contributing to the whole, and inexorably linked to the past. The Aviation World's Fair 2003 has therefore invited the world to assemble in America to recognize, celebrate and honor the heritage of global aviation, and to express appreciation to the brave pioneers of the first century of flight.

The Aviation World's Fair 2003 is America's opportunity to host the entire global aerospace community and present the most comprehensive picture of aviation. The Aviation World's Fair 2003 will be both a time capsule of the 100 years that will forever be seen as humankind's entry into the Age of Flight, and a window through which to view the future of aviation.

The Aviation World's Fair 2003 has set up a public-private partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia. Other associates include: the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Tourism Development Corporation, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the First Flight Centennial Commission, the Department of Aviation of North Carolina, Associación Latinoamericana de Aeronáutica, the Winds of Hope Foundation, the Balloon Federation of America, the International Business Aviation Council, the National Aeronautics Association and the Centennial of Flight Commission. Other leading aerospace organizations throughout the world will continue to be added.

Library of Congress

The Librarian of Congress is a statutory member of the First Flight Centennial Federal Advisory Board and will offer advice and counsel to the Centennial of Flight Commission. Further, as custodian of the papers of Wilbur and Orville Wright, the Library of Congress plans to mount a major digitization and exhibition program during the anniversary year of 2003 if sufficient funds can be raised.

U.S. Air Force Centennial of Flight Office

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 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.

U.S. Air Force Museum

The U.S. Air Force Museum serves as the national institution dedicated to acquiring, preserving, documenting, studying and interpreting U.S. Air Force history and culture. To reach an increasingly diverse audience, the U.S. Air Force Museum employs exhibits and educational programs created from their extensive aerospace vehicle, object and reference collections. As the National Museum for the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Air Force Museum is committed to providing educational and entertaining events highlighting the rich heritage and exciting future of military aviation. The U.S. Air Force Museum is intensely involved in planning a number of events, along with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the City of Dayton, in recognition of the first flight and the proud military aviation heritage that followed.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio

The primary objective of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is to join the Dayton community in celebrating the 100th anniversary of powered flight. The 100th anniversary of powered flight offers a unique opportunity to showcase Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Dayton community.

Wright State University, Special Collections and Archives

Wright State University was created October 1, 1967. Named for Dayton's aviation pioneers, Wilbur and Orville Wright, Wright State University serves nearly 16,000 students with programs leading to more than 100 undergraduate and 40 graduate and professional degrees. Special Collections and Archives in the Wright State University Libraries collects, preserves and provides access to primary sources that document the history of aviation and the legacy of the Wright brothers. Special Collections and Archives is the repository for one of the most complete collections of Wright brothers' material in the world. The collection consists of nearly 6,000 items, including personal, family and technical papers, journals, diaries, books, memorabilia and photographs. Special Collections and Archives also holds numerous other aviation manuscript collections documenting the history of aviation worldwide. Wright State University's participation in the celebration of the 100th anniversary of powered flight centers on collecting, preserving and providing access to information on the history of aviation. Wright State University is accomplishing this through public programs such as symposiums, exhibits (both Web-based and live), presentations and lectures, digitization projects to make collections available online, educational materials (Web-based and print), and publications. Special Collections and Archives is working with other organizations and institutions worldwide which are planning events and exhibits by serving as an image and information resource. Wright State University encourages the spirit of invention in the students and community it serves.

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