Phoenix, AZ
October 2, 2003

A unique coalition of museums, public educators, aviation-oriented organizations and the military, announced plans today for a one of a kind exhibition in Phoenix that will spotlight the history of powered flight and its influence on Arizona's history, economy and future.

The exhibition will trace the past 100 years of Arizona's history and the role played by aviation. Exhibits will include hands-on displays, distinctive graphics, artwork and photography, and multimedia presentations on a wide variety of aviation-related subjects, including the basics of flight, flight simulations and scale models of historically significant aircraft. Displays will spotlight Arizona's aviation leaders like Barry Goldwater, the role women played in World War II aviation, contributions made by Hispanic Americans, the development of flight gear and equipment, and a photographic history of Luke Field (now Luke Air Force Base) and Falcon Field, both of which were central to the training of pilots for combat in World War II.

Visitors will be able to build scale model aircraft, courtesy of the Craig Hewitt Chapter of the International Plastic Modelers Society, providing a unique way to learn and appreciate aircraft components. The exhibition will be rounded out with a unique gallery of aviation art in the APS Galley at Arizona Center, including items commemorating historic events in Arizona involving aviation.

The Arizona Centennial of Flight Exhibition is being coordinated with the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission in Washington, D.C., whose mission it is to coordinate the nation-wide celebration honoring the achievement of the Wright brothers in this, the 100th anniversary of their historic flight at Kitty Hawk, N.C. The Arizona exhibition will feature special events during the Centennial of Flight week, Dec. 13 through 17, which will enable Arizonans to participate in the national celebration.

"At any time of the day or night, it's commonplace to look up and see aircraft traveling across the skies above Arizona," says Herb Zinn, Resource Development chairman of the Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, based at Falcon Field in Mesa, Ariz. "It may be an airliner, a helicopter, a cropduster, a commuter plane or an F-16 Falcon jet fighter. It's so commonplace, most of us don't even think about the uniqueness of flight. But aviation is still a miracle of technology and shouldn't be taken for granted. It plays a central role in Arizona's history and is vital to the economy of the state. The centennial gives us a great opportunity to pause and celebrate this important aspect of our culture and how Arizona has taken a leadership position in the historic and present day emergence of military, commercial and general aviation."

The exhibition will run from Nov. 3 through Dec. 21 in the upper level of the Arizona Center, located at 455 North Third Street, in downtown Phoenix. The exhibition is free to the public and will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Participating exhibitors in the Arizona Centennial of Flight Exhibition include the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the Arizona Historical Society Museum, the Arizona Science Center, the Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, the Craig Hewitt Chapter of the International Plastic Modelers Society-USA, Douglas E. Slowiak/Vortex Photo Graphics, Luke Air Force Base, Luke Fighter Country Partnership, Mesa Public Schools and the West Valley Art Museum.

Arizona Public Service Company, Avalon Books & Hobbies, The Rouse Company, Pepsi and The Boeing Company currently sponsor the event.

Arizona Centennial of Flight Exhibition


Herb Zinn
602-250-3834
602-319-4132 (cell)