UCAP Blog

Yessiree, today’s the birthday of the first human acknowledged and credited for successfully operating a heavier-than-air machine from level ground…

Mr. Wright, Orville, would be 140 today and as he was at his death on Jan. 30, 1948, be even more amazed by the progress of aviation in the post-World War II years…ultralights to light-sport to Very Light Jets (no private jets yet then) to globe-circling machines capable of carrying hundreds — and that’s not mentioning our successful extra-atmospheric forays…lunar to low-earth orbit like the Shuttles just retire.

It’s an amazing legacy of what began with two bicycle mechanics and shop owners.

It was to honor Mr. Orville Wright’s birth that President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared Aug. 19 as National Aviation Day.

Roosevelt’s proclamation was codified (USC 36:A:I:118), which allows the sitting US President to proclaim each August 19 as National Aviation Day, if desired. That proclamation may direct all federal buildings and installations to fly the US flag on that day, and may encourage citizens to observe the day with activities that promote interest in aviation.

Now, in commemoration of National Aviation Day, I’m headed to Dead Cow International for a Dr. Pepper and a look at a couple of taildraggers almost as old as The Leprechaun who runs the field.

And if you can’t commemorate in your own way this day, well, the weekend is here…honor and enjoy in your own way.

But do take a moment to recall the two men who pioneered, nurtured and promoted flight as no others before or since and the impact on the nation where aviation is still more prevalent than in any other.