EAA  & U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission Establish Alliance
Organizations Will Work Together to Promote 100^th Anniversary of Powered Flight

11/21/01 - The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission (COFC) and EAA - the world's leading recreational aviation organization based in Oshkosh, Wis., - have signed a memorandum of agreement to jointly publicize the celebration of the 100^th anniversary of the first powered flight in 2003. 

As a result of this agreement, the COFC will provide national outreach support for the campaign, EAA's Countdown to Kitty Hawk presented by Ford Motor Company. In turn, EAA will help promote the Commission's national campaign, Centennial of Flight: Born of dreams. Inspired by freedom.

EAA's Countdown to Kitty Hawk presented by Ford Motor Company is a series of activities and events to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of Orville and Wilbur Wright's 1903 achievement. The centerpiece of the celebration will be the flight of EAA's 2003 Wright Flyer - the most accurate reproduction of the original 1903 Wright Flyer - at Kill Devil Hills, N.C., on Dec. 17, 2003. The world will watch as EAA attempts to re-create this historic event exactly 100 years to the minute of the Wright brothers' flight. EAA's Wright flyer will also be shared with Americans during a nation-wide tour at various aviation celebrations and events.

"The Wright brothers represent innovation, dedication and a sense of adventure - the same qualities that lie at the heart of EAA and its members," said Tom Poberzny, president of the EAA. "We look forward to bringing that historic moment back to life on December 17th, 2003 from the sands of Kitty Hawk." 

"One of the Commission's fundamental tasks is to educate the public about the centennial," COFC Chairman General J.R. ("Jack") Dailey said. "EAA's tour of the 1903 reproduction is an important educational tool because it is so historically accurate. Our hope is that the reconstructed Flyer reignites the spirit of adventure and innovation that existed in the Wright brothers 100 years ago."

The U.S. Congress created the COFC to coordinate the celebration of the 100^th anniversary of powered flight. A national awareness campaign, Centennial of Flight: Born of dreams. Inspired by freedom. will promote activities, such as EAA's Countdown to Kitty Hawk presented by Ford Motor Company, which commemorate the past 100 years of flight. Organizations that work closely with the COFC will receive recognition as participants in the national campaign.

A complete listing of Centennial events can be found on the Internet at www.centennialofflight.gov. 

About the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission:
The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission was created by Congress to expand national and international interest in the commemoration of the centennial of powered flight. The Commission is coordinating a national outreach campaign and advising the President, Congress and federal agencies on the most effective ways to encourage and promote national and international participation in 2003. Its members include the director of the National Air and Space Museum, the administrators of NASA and the FAA, the presidents of the Experimental Aircraft Association and First Flight Centennial Foundation of North Carolina, and the chairman of Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003. More information about the Commission can be found on the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission Web site at www.centennialofflight.gov. 

About EAA:
EAA is the world's leading recreational aviation organization, with 170,000 members and more than 975 local chapters. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or explore EAA's World Wide Web site (www.eaa.org). EAA's Countdown to Kitty Hawk presented by Ford Motor Company will celebrate the centennial of the Wright brothers' first flight by re-creating it in December 2003 at Kitty Hawk, N.C. More information about the EAA's campaign can be found on the Web at www.countdowntokittyhawk.com.