# ![](media/image1.png){width="1.2041666666666666in" height="1.0104166666666667in"}*Born of Dreams -- Inspired by Freedom*

# The Centennial of Flight Commemoration Act

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, 105^th^ Congress (Nov. 13, 1998),
as amended by Public Law 106-68, 106^th^ 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 U.S. Commission's Responsibilities

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:

-   To generate publicity for the celebration.

-   To encourage individuals and organizations across the country to
    conduct commemorative activities.

-   To give advice and recommendations to individuals and organizations
    conducting commemorative activities.

-   To maintain a Web site and a national calendar of events.

-   To send representatives to international meetings.

-   To maintain a speakers bureau.

-   To supervise staff operations.

-   To sponsor meetings.

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]{.underline}) and in hard copy by request.

#  

# Commission Support for 

# National Activities

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](http://www.centennialofflight.gov/) for
more information on all of the exciting activities being planned.

# The Spirit of Flight

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.

![](media/image1.png){width="1.2041666666666666in"
height="1.0104166666666667in"}

> ***U.S. Centennial of Flight Commissioners***

**General J. R. ("Jack") Dailey**

**Director, Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum**

**U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission Chairman**

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

#### Administrator, NASA

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.

####  

#### Richard T. Howard

**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.

**Marion Blakey**

**Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration**

Marion Blakey was sworn in September 13, 2002, as the 15^th^
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.

**J. Bradford Tillson**

**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.

**Tom Poberezny**

**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.

**Sherry Foster**

**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.

> ![](media/image1.png){width="1.2041666666666666in"
> height="1.0104166666666667in"}***First Flight Centennial***
>
> ***Federal Advisory Board Members***

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:

-   Most effective application of Commission resources in order to
    achieve the goals established in the Act.

-   Formulations of recommendations to Congress and the executive branch
    on how to best promote national awareness of the Centennial.

-   Identification of ways to increase the visibility of Centennial
    activities.

-   Individuals and organizations that can be encouraged to participate
    in the Centennial.

Dr. Tom Crouch, senior curator for aeronautics at the Smithsonian's
National Air and Space Museum, chairs the Board.

##### Statutory Members

##### 

##### 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

##### Appointees of the President of the United States 

##### 

##### 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

**Appointees of the Speaker of the House**

Mr. Terry Kohler

Windway Capital Corporation\
Sheboygan, WI

Ms. Mary Mathews

Carillon Historical Park\
Dayton, OH

Dr. Neil Armstrong\
Lebanon, OH

##### Appointees of the Majority Leader of the Senate 

##### 

##### 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

> ***U.S. Centennial of Flight***
> ![](media/image1.png){width="1.2041666666666666in"
> height="1.0104166666666667in"}***Key Players***

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.

# Inventing Flight: the Centennial Celebration presented by DP & L Foundation\*

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/](http://www.inventingflight.com/)

#### First Flight Centennial Foundation\*

The First Flight Centennial Foundation, a non-profit organization, was
formed in North Carolina for the purpose of celebrating the 100^th^
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:

-   First Flight Centennial Pavilion, a semi-permanent structure housing
    exhibits and programming at Wright Brothers National Memorial during
    the centennial year and beyond.

-   Gala Series in North Carolina planned for the Triangle, the Triad
    and Charlotte in Fall 2003.

-   Strategic funding for the First Flight Centennial Celebration at
    Wright Brothers National Memorial (Dec. 13-17, 2003).

-   Capital projects such as the completed Wright Memorial restoration,
    refurbishing the Monument Plaza, and designing and building a new
    pilot facility at First Flight Airstrip.

-   Initiating commemorative partnership programs, including a U.S. Mint
    commemorative coin in 2003.

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/](http://www.firstflightcentennial.org/)

**First Flight Centennial Commission\***

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/](http://www.firstflightnc.com/)

**National Park Service**

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."

-   *Wright Brothers National Memorial, N.C.*

> The NPS will be hosting the celebration at the site of man's first
> heavier-than-air, powered flight. The celebration will be held at
> Wright Brothers National Memorial, Dec. 13-17, 2003, and will feature
> five days of exhibits, speakers and demonstrations that will showcase
> this remarkable achievement and celebrate one of this country's and
> the world's greatest accomplishments. The highlight of the celebration
> will be the re-creation of the first flight on Dec. 17, 2003, at 10:35
> a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Additional events will take place in the
> surrounding communities.

-   *National Park Service and the Dayton Aviation Heritage, National
    Historical Park, Ohio*

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park plans to open new
facilities or expand existing interpretive visitor facilities at all
four units of the National Park in 2002-2003. These include the
Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center and the Aviation Trail Visitor Center
and Museum located at the Wright Cycle Company building complex; the
Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center located at the Wright
Memorial at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base; and the John W. Berry, Sr.
Wright Brothers Aviation Center located at Carillon Historical Park. The
Ohio Historical Society will be expanding the visitor facilities at the
Paul Laurence Dunbar State Memorial.

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/](http://www.nps.gov/)

Larry Blake (Ohio)

Phone: 937.225.7705

Email: <Lawrence_Blake@nps.gov>

[www.nps.gov/](http://www.nps.gov/)

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'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/](http://www.centennialofflight.af.mil/)

# American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics\*

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
100^th^ 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/](http://www.flight100.org/)

**EAA\***

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 100^th^ anniversary of the Wright brothers' achievement. The centerpiece of this celebration is the flight of EAA's 1903 Wright Flyer reproduction -- the only accurate flying reproduction of the original -- 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/](http://www.countdowntokittyhawk.org/)

# Aviation Week\*

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]{.underline}, 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 100^th^ anniversary of powered flight in 2003 and position itself
for generations to come. 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 its
    bold vision of the future.

-   Inspire young people to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace.

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:

[www.aviationnow.com](http://www.aviationnow.com/)

**NASA\***

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/](http://www.nasa.gov/)

**FAA (Federal Aviation Administration)\***\
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](http://www.faa.gov/education/index.htm)

## Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum\*

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/](http://www.nasm.edu/)

**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. 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/](http://www.wrightexperience.com/)

**Festival of Flight 2003\***

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 82^nd^
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/](http://www.festivalofflight.org/)

# GE Presents Centennial of Flight at 

# Rockefeller Center\*

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 29-Aug. 18, 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>

### Space Day Foundation\*

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](http://www.spaceday.org/)

**Aviation Foundation of America\***

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](http://www.nationalairtour.org/)

![](media/image1.png){width="1.2041666666666666in"
height="1.0104166666666667in"}

## 

## *Media Patrons* 

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 -- 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:

-   The ability to reach millions of viewers/readers through multiple
    channels.

-   The ability to create a national impact, generating at least 15
    million impressions.

-   The ability to offer content/programming relevant to the Centennial
    celebration, which must include an educational component.

To date, the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission has selected one
organization as a Media Patron, Third Millennium Entertainment.

**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 100^th^ 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>

## 

## *Major Activities in 2003* 

![](media/image1.png){width="1.2041666666666666in"
height="1.0104166666666667in"}

## 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**](http://www.centennialofflight.gov/)[.]{.underline} 

## 

## [December 2002]{.underline}

**December 17: Centennial of Flight Commemoration National Kick off,**

**Washington, D.C.**

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.

#### [April 2003]{.underline}

#### April 2-5: National Congress on Aviation and Space Education, Dayton, Ohio

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.

#### [May 2003]{.underline}

**May 1: Space Day**

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.

#### 

#### May 10-11: Air Power 2003, Wright-Patterson AFB Open House, Dayton, Ohio

"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.

**May 16-26: Festival of Flight 2003,**

**Fayetteville, N.C.**

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.

#### 

**[June 2003]{.underline}**

#### 

#### June 6-9: The Gathering of Eagles, 

#### Maxwell AFB, Ala.

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.

#### June 15-22: 45th Paris Air Show, 

#### Le Bourget, France

Dedicated to the full range of aerospace business activities -- from
parts to suppliers to aircraft manufacturers -- the 45^th^ Paris Air
Show is a show "par excellence."

#### 

#### [July 2003]{.underline}

#### July 3-20: The Centennial Celebration, 

#### Dayton, Ohio

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.

-   July 3 Opening Ceremonies and City of Dayton's Independence Day
    Celebration in Downtown Dayton

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-   July 4-20 Living Heritage Festival produced by Carillon Historical
    Park at the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park Sites

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-   July 4-20 Celebration Central at Deeds Point in Downtown Dayton

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```
-   July 4-6 CITYFOLK Festival

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-   July 4-6 Great American Balloon Festival at the U.S. Air Force
    Museum

-   July 11-13 International Airship Meet

-   July 11-13 Dayton Black Cultural Festival

-   July 14-17 AIAA/ICAS International Air and Space Symposium and
    Exposition. The Next 100 Years

-   July 17-19 National Aviation Hall of Fame Ceremonies

-   July 17-20 Dayton Air Show, Dayton International Airport

-   July 20 Closing ceremonies

######### July 14-17: AIAA/ICAS International Air and Space Symposium and Exposition. The Next 100 Years., Dayton, Ohio 

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.

#### July 27-28: EAA\'s AirVenture Cup Race, Kitty Hawk, N.C. to Oshkosh, Wis.

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?

**GE Presents Centennial of Flight at Rockefeller Center: July 29-Aug.
18, 2003**

The Centennial of Flight exhibition at Rockefeller Center will
commemorate the 100^th^ 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.

**July 29-Aug. 4: EAA AirVenture, Oshkosh, Wis.**

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.

**[September 2003]{.underline}**

**Sept. 6: Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, Vienna, Va.**

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.

**[December 2003]{.underline}**

**Dec. 12-17: First Flight Centennial Celebration, Kitty Hawk, N.C.**

Celebratory themes for the six-day event include: Igniting the
Imagination; Remember the Past, Imagine the Future; Protecting the Home
of the Brave; In History's Footsteps; and 12 Seconds that Changed the
World. 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]{.underline}), EAA
([www.countdowntokittyhawk.org]{.underline}), First Flight Society
([www.firstflight.org]{.underline}), First Flight Centennial Foundation
([www.firstflightcentennial.org]{.underline}) and others. For travel and
accommodations information, contact the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
([www.outerbanks.org](http://www.outerbanks.org/)).

#### 

#### December 11, 2003: Opening Ceremony of the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, Dulles International Airport

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.

#### [Long-term Events in 2003]{.underline}

#### Year-long: *EAA's Countdown to Kitty Hawk presented by Ford Motor Company*

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:

-   Interactive exhibits including opportunities to select the 10
    Greatest Aviation Advances and the Greatest Aviators of the last 100
    years.

-   Wright brothers re-enactments of innovations in their discovery of
    flight.

-   Profiles of other innovators of the time, including Henry Ford.

-   KidVenture: a hands-on learning opportunity for young people.

-   Biographies of candidates to serve as the Pilot of the Century, who
    will fly EAA's 1903 Wright Flyer reproduction on Dec. 17, 2003, at
    Kitty Hawk.

#### Fall 2003: Aviation Foundation of America's National Air Tours

# **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.

#### Yearlong: AIAA's 1903 Wright Flyer Centennial Tour and Exposition

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.

#### Fall 2003: The Wright Brothers & The Invention of the Aerial Age, 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.

#### March-December 2003: First Flight Centennial Pavilion, Wright Brothers National Memorial, N.C.

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.

#### Fall 2003: First Flight Centennial Foundation's Wright Brothers Gala Series

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.

#   {#section-16 .unnumbered}

# 

# ![](media/image1.png){width="1.2041666666666666in" height="1.0104166666666667in"}*U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission* 

# *Web Site*

Visitors to
[www.centennialofflight.gov](http://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.

#### [What's on our Web site?]{.underline}

#### About the Commission -- Information on the legislation, the commissioners, news and meeting minutes. 

**Calendar of Events** -- A comprehensive list of activities,
symposiums, exhibits, air shows, educational activities and more taking
place through December 2003.

**Wright Brothers' History** -- 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** -- 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** -- 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** -- View collections of souvenirs and gift items to
commemorate the 100^th^ anniversary of the first powered flight. The
companies listed are all official licensees of the U.S. Centennial of
Flight Commission.

**Education** -- 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 --** Suggested Web sites to visit for information about
aviation, aerospace, international celebrations and much more.

***A Brief History of the***

> ![](media/image1.png){width="1.2041666666666666in"
> height="1.0104166666666667in"}***Invention of the Airplane***

*Based on a manuscript by*

*Dr. Peter Jakab, Curator of Aviation,*

*National Air and Space Museum,*

*Smithsonian Institution*

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.

Design Features:

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

> ![](media/image1.png){width="1.2041666666666666in"
> height="1.0104166666666667in"}***Milestones of Flight***

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, First International Space Station
becomes operational

Sergi Krikalev

# *Quotes from Commissioners and* 

# ![](media/image1.png){width="1.2041666666666666in" height="1.0104166666666667in"}*Advisory Board Members*

**General J. R. ("Jack") Dailey**

#### U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission Chairman

*The Centennial of Powered Flight commemoration, "Born of Dreams --
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 --
Inspired by Freedom" campaign, we hope to inspire future generations of
aviation and space flight inventors and innovators to realize their
dreams.*

**Sean O'Keefe**

**Administrator, NASA**

*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.*

#### Richard T. Howard 

**President, First Flight Centennial Foundation**

*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 -- a 12-second flight that changed the world
forever. Throughout 2003, and especially on December 17^th^, we will
celebrate the courage of the Wright brothers, and the innovation and
invention that stemmed from their achievements.*

**Dr. Neil Armstrong**

**Astronaut**

*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.*

**Tom Poberenzy**

**President and CEO, EAA**

*The Wright brothers represent innovation, dedication and a sense of
adventure -- 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.*

**J. Bradford Tillson**

**Chairman, Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003**

*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.*

**Dr. Tom Crouch**

**Senior Curator for Aeronautics,**

**Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum**

*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, 'my 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.*

**Sherry Foster**

#### Executive Director, 

#### U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission

#### *I believe our national campaign slogan, "Born of Dreams -- 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.*

#   {#section-18 .unnumbered}

# 

# ![](media/image1.png){width="1.2041666666666666in" height="1.0104166666666667in"} *Who should I call?* 

Media inquiries:

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](mailto:cmarkow@crtpr.com)

**Educational program inquiries:**

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**](mailto:cmarkow@crtpr.com)

# 

# ![](media/image1.png){width="1.2041666666666666in" height="1.0104166666666667in"}*Aviation and Aerospace Authorities*

Below is a list of available spokespersons and authorities in the
aeronautics and astronautics industries that are experts on various
flight-related topics.

# [History and Significance of Flight:]{.underline}

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

# [History of the Wright Brothers:]{.underline}

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

#  [History of Space:]{.underline}

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

**[Technical Experts:]{.underline}**

# 

# *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

#######   {#section-26 .unnumbered}

####### 

####### ![](media/image1.png){width="1.2041666666666666in" height="1.0104166666666667in"}*Frequently Asked Questions*

# 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]{.underline}) 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](http://www.centennialofflight.gov/media/collections.htm)[.]{.underline}

Pictures can also be found on the Wright State University Web site:
[www.centennialofflight.gov/media/col2_set.htm](http://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.]{.underline}

# 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.