A World Without Airplanes?

August 19th is National Aviation Day; it’s also Orville Wright’s birthday.

Wright and his brother Wilbur (known as the Wright brothers) were self-taught American engineers credited with inventing, building, and flying the world's first successful motor-operated airplane -- a powerful invention, with powerful movement, that has enhanced our vision of the world. Invention of the airplane, with the technologies and advancements that have followed it, sure have made our world look and function different:

• Our military
• Global travel
• Space exploration
• Mosquito control
• The supply chain
• Your mail delivery (and online shopping!)
• Rescue efforts during earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, typhoons, floods
• Satellites that provide TV, radio, mobile messaging, navigation systems in cars and on phones, accurate maps, and knowledge about our entire universe

You probably can think of many more.

National Aviation Day is a day to reflect on the revolutionary effect the airplane and its many inspired inventions that have come after it (and have yet to come) have on our daily life. Here are our top 5 ideas to help you celebrate the day:

#5: Build your own airplane Use Legos or paper. And your creativity!

#4: Go planespotting! Gather with your favorite person(s) to watch airplanes take off and land. You can even pack a lunch and make it a planespotting picnic.

#3: Watch an aviation-themed movie Airplane!, Top Gun, Flightplan, Air Force One, The Right Stuff. The list is endless.

#2: Book a flight Where have you been wanting to go? Do it!

And #1: Hire one of our powerful, aviation-related speakers for your next event!

Carey Lorenz, U.S. Navy Fighter Pilot

John Foley, Former Lead Solo Pilot, Blue Angels

Nicole Malachowski, First Woman Thunderbird Pilot

Vernice "Flygirl" Armour, America’s First Black Female Combat Pilot