The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission (COFC) and the
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) — the world’s leading
recreational aviation organization, based in Wisconsin — have
signed a memorandum of agreement to jointly publicize the
celebration of the 100th anniversary of the first powered
flight in 2003.
As a result of this agreement, the COFC will provide national
outreach support for the EAA’s “Countdown to Kitty Hawk”
campaign. In turn, the EAA will help promote the Commission’s
national campaign, called “Centennial of Flight: Born of
dreams. Inspired by freedom.”
The EAA has developed an ambitious program to celebrate the
centennial. At the core of its plan for 2003 is the
construction, documentation and testing of the only
historically accurate and flyable 1903 Wright Flyer
reproduction. The EAA’s cross-country tour of the Wright Flyer
will conclude on the sands of Kitty Hawk, N.C., on Dec. 17,
2003. The world will watch in anticipation as the reproduction
Wright Flyer attempts to recreate the monumental first flight
at the exact time and place 100 years later.
“The Wright brothers represent innovation, dedication and a
sense of adventure — the same qualities that lie at the heart
of the Experimental Aircraft Association and its members,”
said Tom Poberzny, President of the EAA. “We look forward to
bringing that historic moment back to life on Dec. 17, 2003,
from the sands of Kitty Hawk.”
“One of the Commission’s fundamental tasks is to educate the
public about the centennial,” COFC Chairman General J.R.
(“Jack”) Dailey said. “The EAA’s touring of the reproduction
Flyer is an important educational tool because it is so
historically accurate. Our hope is that the reconstructed
Flyer reignites the spirit of adventure and innovation that
existed in the Wright brothers 100 years ago.”
The U.S. Congress created the COFC to coordinate the
celebration of the 100th anniversary of powered flight. The
Commission’s national awareness campaign will promote
activities –such as the EAA’s “Countdown to Kitty Hawk” —
that commemorate the past 100 years of flight. Organizations
that work closely with the COFC will receive recognition as
participants in the national campaign.
A complete listing of centennial events and more information
on the COFC can be found on the Internet at:
More information on EAA and “Countdown to Kitty Hawk” is
available at:
www.eaa.org
and
More information also is available from Christian Markow, U.S.
Centennial of Flight Commission, at 804/675-8153, and Randal
Dietrich, Experimental Aircraft Association, at 920/426-6129.
