National Aviation Day

National Aviation Day, established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939, celebrates the history and advancements of aviation. It honors the birthdays of Orville and Katharine Wright, pioneers of flight, and encourages public awareness of aviation’s impact on society.

National Aviation Day

Our next National Aviation Day Celebration will be Wednesday, August 19th, 2026

Even though our 2025 event was cancelled due to weather, we still want to raise funds for the Beach Food Pantry!

This year we are supporting the Beach Food Pantry. We are having a Food Drive and we encourage everyone to bring Money or Food items! They suggest giving items that your own family enjoys. We guarantee that a donation will help people in need through a difficult time.

Donate to the Beach Food Pantry

If you have enjoyed National Aviation day and the First Flight Society’s other events, please become an NAD Individual Sponsor! Individuals Can be National Aviation Day Sponsors for as little as $100

I want to be a National Aviation Day Sponsor

Photos from

National Aviation Day 2023

Photos courtesy of Michael E Smith, FFS board member

Donate

    Make sure to use our hashtag when talking about the August 19th event on social media!

    #NationalAviationDay

    NAD is on Orville Wright’s birthday. Former president Franklin D. Roosevelt was the creator of National Aviation Day, deciding for the first time in 1939 that the nation should celebrate the growth and advancements being made in aviation. Mr. Wright, born in 1871, was still alive when the proclamation was first issued, and would live another nine years. Katharine Wright was also born on August 19th, but in 1874.


    Our 2025 Events

    Wilbur Wright Day April 16th

    National Aviation Day August 19th

    Wright Brothers Day December 17th

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    Can we count on you?

    Opportunities are now available to be an annual sponsor for the 2024-2025 season. The major events will be held on Saturday, August 19th, 2025 and December 17th, 2025.

    The mission of our events is to provide a fun and educational experience promoting, honoring and celebrating the accomplishments of the Wright Brothers and helping educate the world about aviation.

    Available sponsorship levels range from $1000 to a $10,000 level. Sponsor packages are based on the sponsor level. Sponsors are featured on the First Flight Society and event websites. Sponsors are featured at our two major events as well.

    Contact Paul Carr today for more information on sponsorships at (252) 441-1903 or dec17@firstflight.org

    Sponsor this event

    National Aviation Day is brought to you by the First Flight Society.