August 19-25

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!

Yearly Date

August 19

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Get ready to take flight and celebrate National Aviation Week from August 19-25! This week honors the amazing advancements and achievements in aviation, from the first successful airplane flight by the Wright brothers in 1903 to today's modern aircrafts. It's a time to appreciate the hard work and dedication of pilots, engineers, and all those involved in making air travel possible. So let your imagination soar as we celebrate this exciting week dedicated to one of mankind's greatest inventions – the airplane!

National Aviation Week Timeline

1903

Wright Brothers First Flight

Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved the first successful airplane flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

1927

Lindbergh's Transatlantic Journey

Charles Lindbergh completes the first solo, non-stop transatlantic flight from New York to Paris in his plane, the Spirit of St. Louis.

1935

First Trans-Pacific Flight

Amelia Earhart becomes the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to California, setting numerous records throughout her career.

1947

Breaking the Sound Barrier

Chuck Yeager breaks the sound barrier by flying an experimental Bell X-1 at speeds exceeding 760 miles per hour.

1958

Birth of NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is established, marking a significant step forward in aerospace exploration.

2004

Private Spaceflight Achievement

SpaceShipOne, funded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, becomes the first privately-funded manned spacecraft to exceed an altitude of 100 kilometers, a benchmark for the edge of space.

How to Celebrate National Aviation Week

1 Go on a plane ride

What better way to celebrate National Aviation Week than by taking a flight? Book a trip to a nearby destination or take a scenic tour of your city from the air. You'll get to experience the thrill of flying and see some amazing views.

2 Visit an aviation museum

Take a trip to your local aviation museum and learn about the history of flight. You'll get to see historic planes and artifacts and gain a new appreciation for the pioneers of aviation.

3 Attend an air show

Many cities host air shows during National Aviation Week, so check your local events calendar and attend one! You'll get to see amazing aerial stunts and maybe even take a ride in a helicopter or biplane.

4 Take a virtual flight

If you can't take a real flight, try a virtual one! Many flight simulators and video games allow you to experience the feeling of flying without leaving the ground. It's a fun way to celebrate National Aviation Week from the comfort of your own home.

5 Watch aviation-themed movies

Gather some friends and have a movie night featuring films about aviation. Some great options include Top Gun, The Aviator, or Sully. You'll be entertained while also celebrating the amazing world of aviation.

Why We Love National Aviation Week

It celebrates the incredible advancements in aviation

National Aviation Week is a time to honor the incredible progress and innovations made in the aviation industry. From the first flight by the Wright Brothers to modern day commercial airplanes, there is so much to appreciate and celebrate during this week.

It's a chance to learn more about the history of flight

In addition to recognizing current achievements in aviation, National Aviation Week also provides an opportunity to reflect on the rich history of flight. It's a time to learn more about pioneers like Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh, who paved the way for modern day air travel.

It promotes safety and education in aviation

Safety is always a top priority in aviation, and National Aviation Week serves as a reminder to continue promoting safe practices and educating people about air travel. From proper maintenance of aircrafts to following air traffic control regulations, this week is a great time to spread awareness about safety in the sky.