What Are You Doing for National Aviation Day?

Museums and aircraft enthusiasts mark the occasion with fly-ins and reflection.

Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 12:20 PM ET

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National Aviation Day marks the anniversary of Orville Wright's birth. He piloted history's first powered flight in 1903. [Courtesy: National Archives]

Key Takeaways:

National Aviation Day, celebrated annually on August 19 (Orville Wright's birthday), was established by presidential proclamation in 1939.
The day commemorates the significant evolution of aviation, from the "Golden Age" of innovation to current technological marvels.
Various museums and organizations across the U.S., including the First Flight Society, Wright Brothers National Memorial, Wings Over the Rockies, and Henry Ford Museum, host special events to mark the occasion.
Even virtual communities, like Microsoft Flight Simulator users, celebrate with themed fly-ins to historically significant aviation locations.

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Franklin Delano Roosevelt made August 19 the official National Aviation Day with a presidential proclamation in 1939. The date honors Orville Wright’s birthday and the year reflects a particularly exciting time in aircraft development.

It was the tail end of what has come to be known as the Golden Age of Aviation. Only 36 years had passed since Wright made the first powered flight in a kite-like, heavier-than-air craft, but much had changed. Aviation had grown into a bustling, highly competitive industry marked by innovative developments and widespread experimentation.