Friday, August 19, is not only Orville Wright’s birthday, its National Aviation Day, established in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to celebrate and commemorate the history and development of aviation in America.
NASA has some ideas on how you can mark the day, as do the people who will be gathering at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in North Carolina, at the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park in Ohio, and at the many other national parks around the country with aviation connections.
On Friday there will be also be activities honoring National Aviation Day in a number of airports around the country.
From 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Miami International Airport is inviting travelers to experience what it feels like to be a pilot instead of just a passenger by offering complimentary rides in two flights simulators on loan from Miami Dade College’s Eig-Watson School of Aviation.
The airport will also be offering a variety of fun and educational aviation-themed activities and handing out paper airplanes and other treats and hosting a photo competition for the best aviation photo.
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is celebrating National Aviation Day with a Queen City classic:
Between 3 and 5 pm, 2,000 passengers arriving at CVG will receive a complimentary Cheese Coney – a hot dog in a steamed bun topped with mustard, chili, onions, and shredded cheddar cheese – courtesy of the Skyline Chili. Passengers will also be able to pick up aviation-themed giveaways such as pilot’s wings, toy airplanes and bag tags and take selfies with a variety of fun props.
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