August 19

National Aviation Day

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

Yearly Date
August 19
Type
Day
Category
Federal

Introduction

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.

National Aviation Day Timeline

1903
First Powered Flight
The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, conduct the first successful powered flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
1911
First Airmail Service
Earle Ovington makes the first official airmail flight in the United States between Garden City and Mineola, New York.
1939
National Aviation Day Established
President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaims August 19 to be National Aviation Day, honoring Orville Wright's birthday.
1958
NASA's Inception
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is established in the United States, expanding aviation into aeronautics.
1969
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.
2001
Space Tourism Begins
Dennis Tito becomes the first space tourist, marking a new era of commercial aviation and space travel.

How to Celebrate National Aviation Day

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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 National Aviation Day is Important

A

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.

B

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.

C

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.

National Aviation Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Aug 18
Friday
2024
Aug 18
Sunday
2025
Aug 18
Monday
2026
Aug 18
Tuesday
2027
Aug 18
Wednesday