As the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers’ first
flight approaches, organizations across the country are
preparing to take part in the national celebration,
“Centennial of Flight: Born of Dreams — Inspired by
Freedom.” The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission, which is
coordinating the celebration, has announced that seven
organizations, listed below with their Web site addresses,
have been designated official partners of the Commission.

“Centennial partners have a huge impact on the success and
outcome of the Centennial celebration,” Gen. J.R. “Jack”
Dailey, Chairman of the Commission, said. “These
organizations have been given partnership status because
they have proven that their events and materials are
exceptionally relevant to the centennial of powered flight
or the history of aviation and also have a strong
educational focus. Everyone has similar goals and
objectives; by working together we will only make the
celebration stronger.”

* AIAA’s Evolution of Flight Campaign is designed to mark
the 100th anniversary of powered flight; recognize the
achievements of men and women who challenged history; and
lay the groundwork for the next 100 years of innovation in
aviation and space technology. The AIAA will honor
individuals in aerospace history, encourage new talent in
the sciences to ignite innovation in the aerospace
industries and bring the leaders of the community together
to shape a common vision for the future. Highlights of the
campaign include: The International Air and Space Symposium
and Exposition. The Next 100 Years. in Dayton, Ohio; 1903
Wright Flyer Tour and Exposition; Class of 2003 Ambassadors;
graduate awards/student scholarships; student branch
activities; and a lecture series. http://www.flight100.org/

* Aviation Week’s “The Next Century of Flight” is dedicated
to helping the global aerospace industry capitalize on the
100th anniversary of powered flight and position itself for
generations to come. Since it was launched in 1998, “The
Next Century of Flight” has connected with millions of
professionals and enthusiasts around the world via original
Aviation Week articles and essays, curriculum support for
students and teachers, and related partner programs, all
promoted by an integrated event and media marketing
campaign. http://www.aviationnow.com/NextCentury

* Aviation World’s Fair 2003 will be a celebration that
embraces all nations and all aspects of aviation. The Fair,
which will be held April 7-27, 2003, in Newport News, Va.,
will gather together the global aerospace community to
present the complete picture of aviation, promote the unique
contributions aviation has made to society, and educate and
inspire the next generation of aerospace industry and
aviation leaders. The event will be both a time capsule of
the past 100 years and a window through which to view the
future of aviation. http://www.awf2003.com/

* EAA’s centennial celebration, “Countdown to Kitty Hawk
presented by Ford Motor Company,” includes a series of
activities to mark the 100th anniversary of the Wright
brothers’ achievement. The centerpiece of the celebration
and a highlight of the Centennial events will be the flight
of EAA’s 1903 Wright Flyer reproduction — the only accurate
flying reproduction of the original — at Kill Devil Hills,
N.C., on Dec. 17, 2003, 100 years to the minute after that
remarkable first flight. Tom Poberezny, president and CEO of
EAA, is a Centennial of Flight Commissioner and a nationally
recognized authority on significant contributions to
aviation and the 1903 Wright Flyer.
http://www.countdowntokittyhawk.org/

* The First Flight Centennial Commission is charged with
developing and planning activities to commemorate the
centennial of the first flight in North Carolina with
Centennial partners nationwide. The Commission’s programs
include public awareness, education and special events.
Activities in 2003 include: events at Wright Brothers
National Memorial December 13-17; Fayetteville Festival of
Flight May 16-26; World Flight 2003 invitational fly-in for
pilots; First Flight Symphony; North Carolina Class of 2003;
and legacy projects in the visual and performing arts at the
Outer Banks and across the state.
http://www.firstflightnc.com/

* The First Flight Centennial Foundation is located in
North Carolina. The Foundation’s objectives include
improving Wright Brothers National Memorial, helping to
produce the First Flight Centennial event on site in
December 2003, and sharing the story of the Wright brothers
and their achievements through specific events and
activities. The Foundation, which is a fundraising partner
of the National Park Service, has several major projects
planned, including: the construction of a semi-permanent
centennial pavilion at the Wright Brothers National
Memorial, a gala series and capital improvements to the
Wright Memorial. Dick Howard, president of the Foundation,
is a Centennial of Flight Commissioner.
http://www.firstflightcentennial.org/

* Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003 is charged with promoting
aviation, the Wright brothers, and the role of Ohio in the
birth and future of flight. The height of activities in
Dayton will occur July 3-20, 2003, when Deeds Park, a 12-
acre site near downtown Dayton, will be transformed into
Celebration Central. Other activities will include: a hot-
air balloon race, Dayton Air Show, International Airship
Meet, National Aviation Hall of Fame Ceremonies,
commissioned symphonic works, photography exhibits,
Inventing Flight Class of 2003, curriculum and choreographed
dance works. J. Bradford Tillson, chairman of Inventing
Flight: Dayton 2003, is a Centennial of Flight Commissioner.
http://www.inventingflight.com/

More information on the Commission can be found at:
http://www.centennialofflight.gov