National Aviation Day is observed in the United States on Aug. 19 each year to celebrate the history and development of aviation. It coincides with the birthday of Orville Wright who, together with his brother Wilbur, made significant contributions to powered flight.
In 1939, President Franklin Roosevelt proclaimed Aug. 19 to be National Aviation Day. The proclamation was codified (USC 36:I:A:1:118), and it allows the sitting U.S. President to proclaim Aug. 19 as National Aviation Day each year, if desired. The day coincides with the birthday of Orville Wright (1871-1948), who piloted the Wright Flyer. He and his brother Wilbur (1867-1912) are given credit for building the world’s first successful airplane with aircraft controls that enabled them to steer the plane. Orville Wright made the first flight for 12 seconds and 120ft near Kittyhawk, N.C. on Dec. 17, 1903. Another national observation in the U.S. is Wright Brothers Day on Dec. 17 each year.
Although National Aviation Day is a federal observance, it is not a public holiday. On this day, some schools encourage students to participate in classroom activities that focus on the topic of aviation. Activities include: discussing aviation history, including the efforts of the Wright brothers and other aviation pioneers; engaging in interactive tasks about airplanes and other means of flight transport; and careers associated with the aviation industry.
Aviation enthusiasts and students may visit museums about aviation history and technology or visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in North Carolina at this time of the year.
In Ohio, the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park and the National Aviation Heritage Area are among the sites dedicated to aviation heritage.
People living in the United States are invited to observe the day with appropriate exercises to further stimulate interest in aviation in the United States.