Let’s celebrate National Aviation Day! A day to celebrate all of the growth and advancements made in aviation throughout the years.
This year marks the 82nd celebration of National Aviation day, which occurs each year on August 19th. The First Flight Society holds celebrations each year at Dare County Regional Airport.
What is aviation?
Have you ever traveled in the air to a place that was too far to drive? If you have, then you most likely have been on an airplane! Now, airplanes don’t build or fly themselves which is where aviation comes in.
Aviation is the flying or development of an aircraft, and because of the developments throughout the years, we are able to successfully depend on airplanes as a form of transportation. There are many steps to assemble a plane, such as forming the outside structure and computing the pilot operation board. Aviation not only includes the development of many important components, but it also includes the pilots who fly the plane, which takes lots of skill and lessons.
Why is aviation important?
Aviation is important for so many reasons. Did you know that it’s the only available worldwide rapid transportation? Aviation allows people to connect on a global scale, no matter the distance. Without aviation there would be no planes for the United States Army, so aviation even contributes to our safety as a Country.
Aviation also creates jobs, which allows for international business and generates economic growth. Without aviation, there would be a lack of transported goods, such as clothing items or even pharmaceuticals. It has created over 11 million jobs and brought in over 1.6 trillion in revenue!
What is National Aviation Day?
National Aviation Day was established by Franklin D. Roosevelt in honor of the achievements made in aviation. Some notable contributions were made by Amelia Earheart, the Wright Brothers and other pioneers. 
National Aviation Day occurs on August 19th because it’s Orville Wright’s birthday, and the proclamation for this day was announced while he was still alive. Orville Wright and Wilbur Wright were the first two people to achieve a sustained and controlled flight, and two years later successfully built and flew the first practical airplane.
Want to Learn More?
Be sure to check out the TryEngineering Lesson plan, Take Flight! Be prepared to explore the different factors that impact planes and get ready to design, build, and test simple made gliders!
Still interested in more? Check out these fun facts about flight history.