National Aviation Day: 5 Amazing Facts You Didn't Know

National Aviation Day: 5 Amazing Facts You Didn't Know

The history of aviation is rich, complex, and almost endless. The world has seen many firsts and record-breaking achievements in this industry. Every year, we see something new from the aviation sector that leaves us astonished. Moreover, today is an important day for everyone who loves planes and everything about them — National Aviation Day! Whether you’re a pilot or a passenger on their next trip, read these five amazing facts about National Aviation Day and flying to learn more about one of the most exciting fields of human endeavor.


National Aviation Day: A Short History

Aviation Day is celebrated on August 19 every year. This day is of great significance as it marks the first ever powered flight, which took place in 1903. The Wright brothers flew their Wright Flyer aircraft for 12 seconds, covering a distance of just over 825 feet. This historic occasion also marks the beginning of commercial airline service, as well as the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. This day is therefore celebrated as National Aviation Day.


Flying Centennial

If you’re wondering what the significance of the date, August 19, is, it marks the 100th anniversary of the first ever powered flight. Orville and Wilbur Wright successfully took off in their Flyer aircraft from a dune near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, flying for about 12 seconds and covering a distance of just over 825 feet. The Flyer’s flight was the culmination of years of experimentation and hard work by the Wright brothers, who were determined to achieve the first controlled, sustained, powered flight at the beginning of the 20th century. Flyers were designed like biplanes, with two sets of wings placed one above the other. The wings were covered with fabric and were lifted and propelled through the air by a propeller, which was driven by a shaft that connected to a gasoline engine.


Airports Are Born On National Aviation Day

Airports weren’t born just yesterday. In fact, the first ever airport was built on National Aviation Day in the year 1909. The Roland- Wright Air Station in New York was the first-ever airport constructed entirely for aviation purposes, and the first commercial flights occurred from this airport in the same year. Airports have evolved from their early and rudimentary beginnings to become more complex, multi-faceted facilities. However, the basic idea of an airport being a place for aircraft to land and take off remains the same.


National Aviation Day Celebrations

Aviation Day celebrations are held in various countries such as the UK, Germany, France, and Australia. In the UK, the celebrations are held at the Royal Air Force Museum in London. The museum hosts multiple exhibitions, including a display of historic aircraft. At the Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace in Paris, France, the celebrations include an exhibition of aviation-related artifacts, along with the screening of documentaries pertaining to the evolution of aviation. In Australia, the celebrations are held in conjunction with the Sydney International Airshow.


TCA - The International Standard For Aircraft Certification

In December of 2017, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a final rule that established a new type certification process using the “type certification process Annex” to its Regulations. This rule is known as the TCA, which stands for the “type certification Annex.” The TCA is the new international standard for aircraft certification, which replaces the old system for the certification of aircraft. This rule was established in order to simplify and expedite the certification process for aircraft, which will help to reduce the costs for the manufacturers.


Conclusion

Aviation Day celebrates the first-ever powered flight in history and is marked on August 19 every year. The first-ever aviation event took place in 1903, when Orville and Wilbur Wright successfully took off in their Flyer aircraft from a dune near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, flying for about 12 seconds and covering a distance of just over 825 feet. On the same date, the Roland-Wright Air Station in New York was the first-ever airport constructed entirely for aviation purposes, and the first commercial flights occurred from this airport in the same year. Aviation Day celebrations are held in various countries such as the UK, Germany, France, and Australia, where exhibitions are hosted to celebrate the evolution of aviation. In the UK, the Royal Air Force Museum in London hosts multiple exhibitions, while the Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace in Paris, France, hosts an exhibition of aviation-related artifacts. In Australia, the celebrations are held in conjunction with the Sydney International Airshow.