The Wright brothers’ success on December 17, 1903, marked the beginning of powered, controlled, heavier-than-air flight. [John T. Daniels/Library of Congress]
Key Takeaways:
National Aviation Day is observed annually on August 19, established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939.
August 19 was chosen to commemorate the birthday of aviation pioneer Orville Wright.
Another significant aviation date is December 17, celebrated as Wright Brothers Day, marking the anniversary of their first powered flight.
The article encourages continuous engagement in activities that promote flying, viewing every day as an opportunity to celebrate aviation.
Monday celebrates National Aviation Day, established in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
August 19 was the chosen day because it also happens to be the birthday of Orville Wright in 1871. Many early aviators had the honor of having their pilot certificates signed by Wright, who lived until 1948.
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Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.
