Organizations Will Work Together to Promote 100th Anniversary of Powered Flight

Washington, D.C.
Nov. 19, 2001

The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission (COFC) and the First Flight Centennial Foundation (the Foundation) of North Carolina have signed a memorandum of agreement that will allow them to jointly promote the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the first powered flight in 2003.
As one of the key participants in the national celebration year, the Foundation is dedicated to helping commemorate the world's first powered flight. The Foundation's main objective is to raise funds to make urgently needed capital improvements to Wright Brothers National Memorial, including major trail renovations and a new pilot facility. The Foundation has already restored and re-dedicated the Wright Monument. Its plans include coordinating a series of three major flight-themed galas in North Carolina's metro areas, sponsoring a U.S. Mint commemorative coin and the development of the First Flight Centennial Pavilion - a semi-permanent structure at Wright Brothers National Memorial, which will house aviation exhibits and special programming for an anticipated 1 million visitors during the centennial year. The Pavilion, which will open in early 2003, will present a variety of themes including:

• The Outer Banks
• The Wrights Dayton
• The Wrights as Engineers
• Glider Experiments
• Powered Flight
• A Century of Flight

The COFC is coordinating the national awareness campaign, Centennial of Flight: Born of dreams. Inspired by freedom., which will promote activities commemorating the anniversary of the Wright brothers' first flight. As a result of the agreement, the Commission will work with the Foundation to promote its efforts in North Carolina to a national and international audience.

According to Foundation president Richard T. Howard, "We are pleased to have the formal support of the national commission. The First Flight Centennial Pavilion, in particular, provides many centennial groups with an opportunity to collaborate. I am proud that the Foundation and our sponsors will provide that means of coming together to celebrate the Wright brothers and the first century of flight at the site where it all began."

"The sands of Kitty Hawk were an important part of the Wright brothers first flight," said COFC Chairman General J.R. ("Jack") Dailey. "The Foundation and the National Park Service are working hard to restore and preserve the Wright brothers' monument. Their work on that and on the Pavilion will help keep the spirit of the Wright brothers alive. The Commission is looking forward to helping them promote their efforts to a broader audience."
A complete listing of Centennial of Flight related events can be found on the Internet at www.centennialofflight.gov.

About the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission:
The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission was created by Congress to expand national and international interest in the commemoration of the centennial of powered flight. The Commission is coordinating a national outreach campaign and advising the President, Congress and federal agencies on the most effective ways to encourage and promote national and international participation in 2003. Its members include the director of the National Air and Space Museum, the administrators of NASA and the FAA, the presidents of the Experimental Aircraft Association and First Flight Centennial Foundation of North Carolina, and the chairman of Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003. More information about the Commission can be found on the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission Web site at www.centennialofflight.gov.

About the First Flight Centennial Foundation:
The First Flight Centennial Foundation, a non-profit organization, was formed in North Carolina for the purpose of celebrating the 100th anniversary of powered flight. The Foundation's objectives include improving the Wright brothers National Memorial, helping to produce the First Flight Centennial event on site in December 2003, and sharing the story of the Wright brothers and their achievements through specific events and activities. As a fundraising partner of the National Park Service, the Foundation has the distinct honor of providing opportunities for on-site recognition of sponsors and donors, as well as designation as an Official First Flight Centennial® Sponsor. For more information visit www.firstflightcentennial.org

Contact:

Christian Markow
U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission
804.675.8153
cmarkow@crtpr.com

Ferg Norton
First Flight Centennial Foundation
919.840.2003
fnorton@firstflightcentennial.org