Aviation Trail, Inc.
A non-profit corporation
in partnership with the
National Park Service
to promote Aviation Heritage
in the Dayton region
Home of the largest
private parachute collection.*
Experience the Birthplace of Aviation!
December 17, 2015 - Celebration of the 112th Anniversary of First Powered Flight
ATI's Celebration of the 112th Anniversary of FIRST POWERED FLIGHT in 1903 honoring the Wright Brothers was held on December 17, 2015 at Dayton History's Carillon Park.
New this year:
The celebration was held at Dayton History’s Carillon Park in the atrium lobby of the Kettering Family Education Center with seasonal drinks, food and entertainment. There were stories to tell and share followed by holiday dessert treats and music.
See the Events and Projects page for upcoming announcements of the 2016 event.
The Featured Program:
"Saving Airplanes and Telling their Stories"
The featured speaker at the event was Greg Herrick, president of the Aviation Foundation of America. His Golden Wings Flying Museum has more than 35 vintage aircraft, one of the largest holdings of its type in the U.S. He specializes in acquisition and restoration of airplanes from the Golden Age of aviation. Greg is also involved with airport preservation projects and educational programs.
His interest in vintage aircraft started early, while growing up in Ottumwa, Iowa, where headquarters for the Antique Airplane Association is located, and he continues to follow his passion for rare and exotic aircraft today.
To share in the celebration of the first flight, he spoke to the attendees about his love of the history of the Golden Age of aviation. HIs many fascinating stories covered topics ranging from the history of the Ford Tri-Motor to the 1927 Fairchild FC-2W2, which was the first plane purchased by NACA (the predecessor to NASA).
Accompanied by many historic photos were his tales of the efforts in finding and restoring these classic aircraft to preserve their heritage.
For more information on Greg Herrick and the Golden Wings Flying Museum
"A very casual evening with Two Ladies and Greg"
The Theme:
The 1902 Wright glider hanging above the ceremonies in the atrium provided a fitting prop for the event.
Portrayers of sister Katherine Wright (left) and Wright housekeeper Carrie Grumbach (right) provided a period atmosphere to the proceedings as they mingled with the guests and spoke of the holiday celebrations in the Wright family during that special
December of 1903.
With holiday music, fine food, Greg Herrick's antique aircraft stories, and the unique setting provided by the Dayton History surroundings, it was a worthy celebration of Dayton's aviation history.
Watch this website for announcements of the 2016 ATI Celebration of the 113th Anniversary of Powered Flight
