Introduction to the National Aviation Day
National Aviation Day was established in 1939 by President Franklin Roosevelt to celebrate the history and progress of aviation over the decades and to commemorate the birth anniversary of Orville Wright, on August 19th, 1871.
The United States of America observes 19th August as National Aviation Day every year to honour the contribution of Orville Wright and his brother, Wilbur Wright, who together became and was known as the Wright brothers. Together they were attributed for the invention, building, and flying of the world’s first motor-driven airplane on December 17, 1903.
The History:
In honour of National Aviation Day, we’re taking a look at the evolution of the aviation industry and how it has changed over the years.
Even before the invention of the so-called airplane by the Wright brothers, the Chinese Emperor Wang Mang, during the 1st Century AD, asked one of his soldiers to wrap two wings onto his back and reported that he flew some 100 meters.
Later in the year 1799, the model for a modern airplane was developed by English engineer Sir George Cayley, who described a fixed-wing machine with lift, propulsion, and control mechanisms. And, thus, is regarded as the “father of aviation.”
The aviation industry has come a long way since the Wright brothers made their historic flight of a heavier-than-air aircraft on a spit of land four miles south of Kitty Hawk in 1903. What started as a novelty has become a critical part of the global transportation system, carrying billions of passengers and tons of cargo every year.
The Importance:
National Aviation Day strives to raise awareness of the role that aviation has played in improving our lives. As the only other option for international travel is by sea, which is quite expensive and time-consuming, we wouldn’t have the globalized world we do today without advancements in aviation technology. Therefore, since aviation is a very swift kind of transportation, it is the only reason we are able to move quickly both internationally and domestically.
Throughout the years, aviation has evolved and changed the world in many ways. It has connected people and cultures, opened up new trade routes and opportunities, and played a vital role in times of conflict.
Today, aviation is more important than ever. It plays a vital role in the global economy and is a key driver of tourism and trade. It also plays a role in disaster relief and humanitarian aid, as well as in transporting goods and services.
Celebrating the Day with the Community
Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kill Devils Hills in North Carolina to celebrate the achievements of the Wright Brothers.
Alternatively, you can also learn about modern-day aviation technology and the time it evolved. You can even participate in fun activities like making paper planes or airplane models made from Legos. You can even use simple glider kits or foam gliders.
Use easy-to-assemble bird gliders in addition to the kites so that the kids can colour them before assembling and setting them to fly. Participating in a Kite-Flying Contest for fun is yet another fantastic idea for celebrating National Aviation Day.
National Aviation Day: A Day for All
So, what does the future of aviation hold?
Innovations in aircraft design, propulsion, and navigation have made flying safer, faster, and more efficient. And as the industry has grown, so has the demand for skilled workers.
We’re already seeing a shift towards more electric and hybrid-electric aircraft, as well as autonomous drones. And as the industry continues to grow, we can expect to see even more amazing innovations in the years to come.