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Aviation Foundation
of America, Inc.
121 5th Ave. N.W.
Suite 300
New Brighton, MN 55112
651-255-1999
A 501(c) (3) public charity
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U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission Announces
New Partner Aviation Foundation of America
Will Re-Create National Air Tour
to Celebrate Centennial of Flight in 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, D.C. (Feb. 14, 2003) — The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission recently announced that the Aviation Foundation of America, Inc. was approved as the newest partner in the national commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers’ first powered flight.
In the fall of 2003, the Aviation Foundation of America will host the re-creation of the National Air Tour to celebrate the Golden Age of Aviation (1920s and 1930s) as our nation reflects upon 100 years of powered flight. The air tour re-creation also marks another important milestone in U.S. history – the centennial of the Ford Motor Company. Henry Ford and Edsel B. Ford contributed greatly toward the development of aviation infrastructure in the United States.
The 2003 National Air Tour will begin and end in Dearborn, Mich., just as the original tours did from 1925 - 1931. As many as 20 of the actual aircraft that flew on the first National Air Tours are still in existence, and the tour will be flown by as many of the original aircraft as possible. In addition, the Aviation Foundation of America will invite aircraft representative of the makes and models originally flown in the tours, and other Golden Age aircraft representative of the progress of aviation.
“The events being planned by our Centennial Partners are an important part of the national celebration,” said J.R. “Jack” Dailey, Chairman of the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission. “The original air tours were one of the most successful promotions of the 20th century, and we hope the re-creation will raise a similar awareness of the centennial celebration and how far aviation has come.”
Along the 2003 National Air Tour route, spectators will have a chance to see more than 25 vintage aircraft from the 1920s and 1930s, including Ford tri-motors, Stinson tri-motors and aircraft with romantic old names like Travel Air, WACO, Paramount, Curtiss, New Standard and Eaglerock. The 2003 National Air Tour is a grassroots, all volunteer effort on the part of aircraft owners, pilots and crew.
“The National Air Tour showcases the innovation of America’s aviation pioneers and demonstrates the progress made in the development of aircraft and infrastructure in the period
U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission Welcomes Aviation Foundation of America between the two world wars,” said Greg Herrick, president of the Aviation Foundation of America. “We are excited to bring this important period of aviation history back to life, and to be a part of 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. More information about the Commission can be found on the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission Web site at www.centennialofflight.gov/.
Additional information on the Aviation Foundation of America, Inc. and the National Air Tour may be found online at www.NationalAirTour.org
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Aviation Foundation of America, Inc. ©2002 All Rights Reserved