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National Aviation Day

Soar into National Aviation Day with an unforgettable experience - take a scenic flight and explore the skies like never before!

Wednesday

August 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAugust 19

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYCivics

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

On August 19, it's time to celebrate National Aviation Day! This day was created in 1939 by President Franklin Roosevelt in honor of Orville Wright's birthday. So it has been around for over 80 years and is a great way to recognize and appreciate the amazing feats of aviation that have been achieved over the centuries. Whether you're a pilot or an aviation enthusiast, there's no better way to commemorate this special day than by taking to the skies! From planes, helicopters, blimps, hot air balloons, parachutes – whatever your mode of transportation – make sure you get in on the fun and show your love of flight.

TIMELINE

National Aviation Day Timeline

First Powered Flight

The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, conduct the first successful powered flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

First Airmail Service

Earle Ovington makes the first official airmail flight in the United States between Garden City and Mineola, New York.

National Aviation Day Established

President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaims August 19 to be National Aviation Day, honoring Orville Wright's birthday.

NASA's Inception

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is established in the United States, expanding aviation into aeronautics.

First Man on the Moon

Neil Armstrong, a former test pilot, becomes the first man to walk on the moon during NASA's Apollo 11 mission.

Space Tourism Begins

Dennis Tito becomes the first space tourist, marking a new era of commercial aviation and space travel.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Aviation Day

Visit an airshow

Attend an airshow and experience the thrill of watching aerobatic flight displays, warbirds in action, and modern military jets. Airshows also feature presentations from aviation experts and historians.

FLY

Fly a kite

Fly a kite in honor of National Aviation Day. Kites have been around since ancient times and are an integral part of the history of aviation. Have fun with friends and family while learning about the science of flight.

TAKE

Take a hot air balloon ride

Take a hot air balloon ride and enjoy the awe of floating through the sky. Hot air balloons are the oldest form of aviation and offer a unique perspective on the world below.

BUILD

Build a model aircraft

Get creative by building a model aircraft. Choose from a variety of kits to build replicas of famous airplanes or modify your kit with your own design. You can even purchase radio control kits to fly your plane.

WATCH

Watch an aviation movie

Gather up some friends and watch an aviation movie in honor of National Aviation Day. Popular movies include Top Gun, The Right Stuff, and Amelia.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Aviation Day is Important

Aviation inspires innovation

Aviation plays an integral role in technological advancement. From the invention of aircrafts that can fly faster than the speed of sound to new air traffic control systems that make flying even safer and more efficient, there are countless examples of how aviation has inspired innovative solutions over the years.

Aviation provides a vital link between people and places

Air travel is a crucial way for us to explore the world and connect with distant friends and family. Without aviation technology, many of us would be unable to reach our desired destinations in a timely or affordable fashion.

Aviation has allowed businesses to expand globally

With air transportation, businesses have been able to establish footholds in markets across the globe. This has helped companies grow their customer base and increase their profits exponentially.

Related holidays

National Aviation Week

Get ready to soar into National Aviation Week and explore the exciting world of flight - from historic planes to modern marvels, there's something for everyone!