The U.S. Celebrates National Aviation Day

Tuesday, August 19th is National Aviation Day in the United States – a holiday dedicated to all things aviation. It’s our day as pilots, maintainers, salesmen, executives, ramp agents, and aviation enthusiasts, to celebrate an industry we love.

Some people spend the day remembering aviation’s past, including the many trials and tribulations of the industry. Others will spend National Aviation Day sharing the love of flight with others in hopes of spreading the “flying bug.” And many more will simply go to work or training, taking an extra moment to gaze out at the runway in awe of the beauty of flying. Here are a few ways we’re celebrating National Aviation Day:

Remembering How Far We’ve Come

Aviation in America has an interesting history. During the Civil War, Americans used lighter-than-air vehicles like hot air balloons for reconnaissance. But balloons were quickly replaced with heavier-than-air machines like fixed wing aircraft and gliders. The Wright Brothers completed the first powered flight in the United States in 1903, proving the practical use of airplanes. Shortly after that, the U.S. government purchased a Wright Model A, and during World War I, the use of aircraft quickly gained popularity as a strategic weapon of war.

By World War II, aviation saw many new developments, such as closed cockpits, flaps, instrument flight, radio communications and radar. New, long-range aircraft and floatplanes were developed, and by the end of WWII, the first jet aircraft emerged. Following World War II, Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier, we went to the moon and Boeing started building 747s. All over the course of 100 years!

Sharing the Adventure

For most of us, we came into aviation because we watched airplanes flying overhead or we were offered a ride in a small aircraft and fell in love with flying. By sharing this love of flight with others – by teaching them about the aviation industry, taking them flying or watching airplanes at the airport – we can instill a love of flying in others. By inform the general public about the aviation industry, we’ll help them understand why we’re so passionate about aviation. On National Aviation Day, take time to tell someone else what flying means and help create enthusiasm for the hobby.

Reflecting on the Beauty of Flight

For pilots, flying is everything, and National Aviation Day is a day to take a break from the day-to-day challenges and appreciate flying for what it is. Human flight used to be considered impossible, so the fact that we are flying aircraft small and large all over the world is astonishing. Airline travel can take us across the Atlantic Ocean in a matter of hours. The same trip hundreds of years ago took more than three months, and was a long and dangerous journey.

The idea that we can fly across the world in a passenger jet, or fly around the state of Florida in a small aircraft is amazing. Aviation has come a long way.

Today, when you show up for that cross-country flight you planned, make sure you take a moment to look out the window and remember why you fly!