National Aviation Day is observed annually on August 19, commemorating Orville Wright’s birthday and the first powered flight in 1903. Established by President Roosevelt, it promotes public awareness of aviation’s impact and legacy
National Aviation Day is observed on August 19 every year. It commemorates the birthday of Orville Wright, one-half of the pioneering duo behind the world's first successful powered flight. On December 17, 1903, Orville piloted the Wright Flyer and took to the skies for a historic 12 seconds. This groundbreaking achievement paved the way for modern aviation. From military applications to space exploration, the impact of the Wright brothers' invention is still felt today.
According to what Orville wrote in his diary, he assumed control of the Wright Flyer at 10:35 am EST. The plane soared 120 feet at a maximum speed of roughly 6.8 mph and 10 feet above the ground.
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The brother duo took turns flying the aeroplane for three more flights. The final one lasted about 59 seconds and travelled 852 feet. The fourth flight ended violently, causing enough damage to the aircraft to prevent further attempts.
Photo: nasa.gov
Orville, however, was the first one to fly an aeroplane. In honour of that fact, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued a proclamation announcing August 19, Orville's birthday, to be National Aviation Day. Orville was still alive when Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the directive. He lived for another nine years after that.
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USC 36:I:A:1:118, which codified this first proclamation, established a standard for later years. It gives the current US President the power to formally proclaim August 19 as National Aviation Day every year. All federal buildings and facilities are required to fly the American flag in observance of the event. In addition, the proclamation calls on citizens to take part in initiatives that foster and advance public awareness of aviation.
While not all presidents since Franklin D. Roosevelt have made the proclamation annually, the aviation community as a whole acknowledges the day as an opportunity to commemorate the various ways aviation affects our lives and to honour the legacy of Orville Wright and his brother.
