98^th Anniversary - An Advance Look to 2003

12/17/01 - The construction of EAA’s 1903 Wright Flyer reproduction is ahead of schedule on this 98^th anniversary of flight.  As the photographs of the Flyer (under development at the Wright Experience) reflect, things are quickly taking shape.  Still, more than a year is needed to complete the work.  Extensive testing and a tour to significant aviation events will follow - leading up to the centennial flight at 10:35 a.m. on December 17^th, 2003.

Prior to the centennial flight, the 1903 Wright Flyer reproduction will be the featured element of a touring exhibit with stops at historically significant locations: Sun & Fun (FL), Ford Motor Company’s 100^th Anniversary Celebration (MI), Inventing Flight Celebration (OH) and Air Venture (WI).

As the year draws to a close, more and more people are becoming aware of the Wright’s historic achievement.  Recently, radio programs including the BBC (the World), Voice of America and even Paul Harvey (a long time aviation enthusiast) have broadcast stories about the Wright Brothers in general and EAA’s Countdown to Kitty Hawk in particular.  The announcement this summer of the Ford Motor Company as presenting sponsor solidified the program as the centerpiece of the nation’s centennial of flight celebrations. 

Finally, in the aftermath of September 11,  2001,Tom Poberezny, EAA President, remarked: “America has been - and will be – aviation’s international leader.  Since the Wrights first flew at Kitty Hawk, it’s taught the world to fly. And still does…We will not surrender all that aviation has achieved over the last 97 years because of the terrorist actions of a few individuals.”

Ken Hyde (Wright Experience) and Randal Dietrich (EAA) walk around the 2003 Flyer	2003 Wright Flyer Frame Development
Ken Hyde (Wright Experience) Examining The Canard	Larry Parks (Wright Experience) Carving One Of The 2003 Wright Flyer's Propellers