The First Flight Society, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, is preparing for its annual National Aviation Day celebration on Aug. 19, bringing vintage aircraft, aviation speakers, exhibitors, and family activities to Dare County Regional Airport in Manteo. The event is part of an important period for the organization as it builds toward the centennial of the First Flight Society in 2027 and the 125th anniversary of the Wright brothers’ first flight in 2028. “We are gaining momentum in 2026, heading towards the centennial of the First Flight Society in 2027 and the 125th Anniversary of the First Flight in 2028,” said Paul Wright Jameson, President of the First Flight Society.
The celebration returns to Dare County Regional Airport after last year’s event was canceled shortly before it was due to take place because of Hurricane Erin. The First Flight Society is hoping for better weather this year as it brings together aircraft and aviation organizations for the Aug. 19 event. Among the highlights will be a flyover by the Bullseye Flight Team, while the DC-3 Society is expected to fly in with vintage aircraft. Other aircraft will include examples from OBX Helicopters, along with Cirrus and Bonanza aircraft. Pilots flying into the airport will give visitors an opportunity to see the aircraft on the ground and speak with those who brought them to the event.
The celebration will also look beyond the aircraft on the ramp, with a series of presentations examining the history of the Wright brothers and their path to powered flight. Chip Walton will discuss the brothers’ work in aerodynamics at 11:30 a.m., followed by Adonis Osekre at 1 p.m., who will focus on their journey toward the first flight. James Charlet will close the speaker program at 2 p.m. with a presentation on common misconceptions about the Wright brothers. WVOD 99.1 FM will broadcast from the airport throughout the day, while exhibitors and food trucks will provide additional activities for visitors. Organizations scheduled to participate include Kitty Hawk Kites, Dare County Radio Control Flyers, The Rogallo Foundation, Outer Banks Forever, the Outer Banks History Center, Elizabeth City State University, College of the Albemarle, the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, and the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.
(Image credit: First Flight Society)
Families will also have plenty to do, with a scavenger hunt planned for younger visitors. Children who complete the activity will receive a flying helicopter lifter, inspired by the small toy that Bishop Milton Wright gave Wilbur and Orville Wright when they were boys, which helped spark their interest in flight. The Wright family connection will continue with a birthday cake celebrating Orville and Katharine Wright, who were both born on Aug. 19. Orville was born in 1871, while Katharine was born in 1874. President Franklin D. Roosevelt later established National Aviation Day in 1939 in recognition of Orville’s birthday.
The First Flight Society is also using the celebration to support the Beach Food Pantry, continuing a partnership that began last year. Visitors are encouraged to bring food donations with them when they attend, particularly those staying in the Outer Banks who can pick up additional items during their grocery shopping. “There are no hurricanes on the horizon this year, so we are optimistic that this year will be a success,” Jameson said. The National Aviation Day celebration will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Dare County Regional Airport. Admission and parking are free. For more information and to support the First Flight Society, click on this link: firstflight.org.
