On December 17, 1903, the Wright Brothers made history with the first powered flight. Each year, the First Flight Society marks the anniversary with a morning ceremony at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, followed by a luncheon at noon. This December marks the 122nd year since that moment on the sands of Kitty Hawk. One of the big moments each year is when the First Flight Society adds a new name to the Paul E. Garber Shrine, which honors people or groups who pushed aviation forward with true “firsts.” This time, the recognition goes to William P. Lear. Long before the Learjet became a symbol of modern business flying, Lear was already reshaping the industry with inventions like the Lear F-5 Autopilot. His later founding of Lear Jet industries only cemented how much he changed the direction of private aviation.
A highlight of the celebration is the annual induction into the Paul E. Garber Shrine, which recognizes individuals and organizations responsible for groundbreaking achievements in aviation. This year’s honoree is William P. Lear, known for a long list of aviation innovations, including the Lear F-5 Autopilot, who later founded Lear Jet Industries and helped launch the era of modern business jets.
The morning program begins a bit earlier this year. Events start at 8:30 a.m., moved up by half an hour to make room for a special addition: Shanda Lear-Baylor, Bill Lear’s daughter, will share memories of her father. A new portrait of Lear will also be unveiled during the ceremony. Afterward, the gathering shifts to a granite boulder that marks the exact spot where the Wrights launched their first flight. Since 1928, wreaths have been placed here as a tribute to those who witnessed that historic moment. Nearby, another unveiling will take place, which is an aircraft built by students of First Flight High School. The project began in 2023 as part of the school’s Aviation Program, which immerses students in hands-on aeronautics, engineering, leadership, and teamwork. For many of these students, this is their first step into a world the Wright Brothers opened more than a century ago.
The morning events wrap up at 10:35 a.m., the precise minute Orville lifted off in 1903. A formation of aircraft will pass overhead in a commemorative flyover. Throughout the day, visitors can watch demonstrations of the replica 1903 Wright Flyer and explore the lower atrium of the Wright Brothers Monument, only if the weather permits. All activities are free, and families are encouraged to join the park’s Junior Ranger program. The memorial grounds will remain open until 5 p.m. At noon, the First Flight Society hosts its annual luncheon, held this year at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head. The keynote speaker will be Jeff Coggins, Chief Pilot and Assistant Director of Operations at Phoenix Air Group, presenting “The History of Learjet.” A silent auction will also take place, offering a variety of unique items. After lunch, members of the First Flight Society are invited to remain for a short membership meeting. Luncheon tickets are priced at $75, but anyone purchasing online by December 10 can take advantage of an early-bird rate of $60. For more information and to support First Flight Society, firstflight.org.
