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.*
Events & Announcements
Aviation Trail, Inc. Events & Announcements: 2026
February 12, 2026
Levitt UpClose event presented at the Visitor Center
Levitt UpClose is a series of events provided by Levitt Pavilion for a unique concert experience:
"Uncover the mystery: Three artists, one secret location… endless memories!"
Purchase a ticket for a unique concert-going experience to keep the Levitt Dayton energy going all year. We’ll give you a little information before you buy, but here’s the fun part: we’ll let you know the exact location the day before the concert, and you’ll find out the bands as you hear them at the show!"
The Levitt UpClose February 12 event was held at the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park's Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center/Aviation Trail Visitor Center and hosted by the National Park Service and Aviation Trail, Inc. Refreshments were provided by Heavier Than Air Brewery.
Learn more about Levitt Pavilion and Levitt UpClose at: https://levittdayton.org and https://levittdayton.org/upclose/
Video courtesy of Dan Edwards
Aviation Trail, Inc. Events & Announcements: 2025
December 19, 2025
Aviation Trail offers thanks to Heavier Than Air Brewery for hosting a very successful event and also thanks and appreciation to the many who attended and supported the celebration. Watch this space for a report on the activities.
December 5, 2025
On Dec. 17, 2025 Aviation Trail, Inc. will be sponsoring a special open house, hosted by Heavier Than Air Brewing Company to celebrate the 122nd Anniversary of powered flight.
The celebration event will be held on December 17, 2025 from 4 pm to 9 pm at Heavier Than Air Brewery, 497 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton, OH 45459 (in Normandy Square Shopping Center). @HeavierThanAirBrewing • https://heavierthanairbrewing.com
(937) 433-1500
A 122nd anniversary celebration of the first flight hosted by Heavier Than Air Brewing Co, presented by Aviation Trail Inc. Join us for this year's First Flight Night, as we will be spotlighting the art of commercial artist and illustrator Paul Melia and the documentary photography of Dan Patterson.
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There will be a select number of framed and signed art pieces available for silent auction that have been donated to the event, as well as unsigned prints for sale with 100% of the proceeds going to support the 501c3 non-profit groups Wright B Flyer Inc (WBF) and Aviation Trail Inc (ATI).
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In 2003, artist Paul Melia presented “Manned Flight 100” to the enshrinees of the National Aviation Hall of Fame at the 2003 Pioneers of Flight Homecoming, an art piece that features a retrospective of the first 100 years of flight, prominently highlighting the original Wright Flyer and other seminal aircraft.
Additionally, we will have historian and professional photographer Dan Patterson on hand, and will have a collection of images with a focus on the historic camera used at Kittyhawk and the importance of documenting history and the artifacts that make it, in style.
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Light sandwich fare will be provided, and a complete tap menu is available, as well as mead, wine, canned cocktails, limited spirits, soft drinks and n/a beers. All beer, beverage, and brewery branded merch sales processed directly by Heavier Than Air Brewery.
Agenda
4:00 PM Doors open
5:00 PM Silent auction opens
5:30 PM Light buffet available
6:00 PM - 6:20 PM Paul Melia works and biography Terri Melia Hamlin
7:00 PM - 7:20 PM
Dan Patterson works and historic review Dan Patterson
8:00 PM Silent auction closes
Due to capacity at Heavier Than Air Brewery, this is a ticketed event, but is free (except for beverages). Please go to the Eventbrite ticket link to order your tickets and reserve a spot. Each attendee will need a ticket.
TICKETS ARE FREE. Each attendee will need a ticket.
497 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton, OH 45459
(in Normandy Square Shopping Center).
https://heavierthanairbrewing.com
(937) 433-1500
Aviation Trail Board Members Visit NAAMCE Facility
October 8, 2025
Aviation Trail board members were treated to a tour of the Sinclair UAS facility at the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence at the Springfield-Beckley Airport. CLICK HERE for a video presentation highlighting this important part of Dayton's Aviation Heritage. (Be sure to check "unmute").
With special thanks to:
• Host Dr. Andrew Shepherd, Executive Director & Chief Scientist, Unmanned Aerial Systems, Sinclair Community College
• Dan Edwards for video production
Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center/Aviation Trail Visitor Center Hosts NATO Visitors
May 28, 2025
Aviation Trail, Inc. and the Aviation Trail Parachute Museum assisted in hosting visitors from the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Dayton from May 22 to May 26, 2025. The NATO Parliamentary Assembly's Spring Session marked the first U.S. hosting of the event in over two decades and commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords, which ended the Bosnian War. NATO personnel and families were invited to visit and participate in regional activities highlighting Dayton's historical and cultural significance.
The Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center/Aviation Trail Visitor Center at the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park was one of the featured sites for these visits. Program highlights at the site included tours of the Wright Cycle Company, the Wright Brothers' Print Shop, the Aviation Trail Parachute Museum, and other exhibits, plus a music performance provided by the University of Dayton. The Sinclair National UAS Training and Certification Center (site #17 on the Aviation Trail) was also represented at the event.
Below is a Video Report on NATO personnel visit to Aviation Trail and the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
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In Memoriam
Passing of Aviation Trail Board Member Russ Maas
Announcement: Dayton, Ohio – May 14, 2025
Aviation Trail mourns the recent death of esteemed board member Russ Maas. Russ was a successful real estate broker and provided valued input to the Aviation Trail board in its endeavors. He also helped in preparation of Aviation Trail's planned updating of a "Field Guide to Flight" book and was a frequent volunteer on board projects. He will be fondly remembered for the enthusiasm and good humor that he brought to board meetings.
His obituary, with a photo and arrangements, can be viewed at: https://www.routsong.com/obituaries/ellis-maas
Aviation Trail offers its condolences to Russ's family.
Photos from Aviation Trail, Inc. Annual Meeting:
Aviation Trail, Inc. Annual Meeting:
Invitation:
Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Sinclair College National UAS Training and Certification Center
The Board of Trustees of Aviation Trail, Inc. will hold their organization's Annual Meeting for 2024 (a bit delayed) at the Sinclair College National UAS Training and Certification Center.
We will meet in Building 13, Room 103. There is free surface lot parking available in Lot K (off Perry St.) adjacent to the building. Once entering the first-floor lobby from the lot, cross to the far (north) hallway. Room 13-103 is the second room on the left. The meeting will be from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
Agenda will include:
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ATI annual updates including:
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the Wilbear program and its impact,
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the revised Field Guide to Flight,
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ATI signage improvements, and
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the Parachute Museum collections latest additions.
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A chance to connect with fellow friends and share best practices and gift shop suggestions.
Directions to the lot and campus map can be downloaded below. Call 937-512-4848 if needing assistance.
All Aviation Trail members and trail site representatives are invited and encouraged to attend, along with community friends of aviation who wish to participate.
Sinclair College is hosting TechFest nearby in building 12 throughout the day:
Click the map below to download a pdf version:
Watch this page and be on the lookout for email reminders!
(To be sure to receive Aviation Trail emails you may subscribe to the newsletter by using the subscription form in the footer of this webpage).
Aviation Trail, Inc. Events & Announcements: 2024
Aviation Trail to Celebrate 121st Anniversary of Powered Flight
On December 17, 1903, at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved a monumental milestone in human history: the first powered flight of a heavier-than-air aircraft. After years of meticulous research in their bicycle shops in Dayton, Ohio and experimentation with gliders on the North Carolina Outer Banks, the brothers had produced the Wright Flyer, a biplane powered by a 12-horsepower engine of their own design. Orville was the first to take flight on that brisk morning, with winds gusting over 20 miles per hour, soaring for a mere 12 seconds and covering 120 feet. This brief ascent marked the dawn of a new era in aviation, proving that controlled, sustained flight was indeed possible. The Wright brothers completed three additional flights that day, with Wilbur achieving the longest distance of 852 feet in 59 seconds. This day laid the foundation for future advancements in aviation, transforming humanity's relationship with the skies. The Wright Flyer would never fly again after being damaged by strong winds shortly after its final flight, but its legacy as the first powered aircraft endures as a symbol of innovation and perseverance.
A special open house is scheduled for - Tuesday Dec. 17, 2024
SPONSORED BY AVIATION TRAIL, INC. • HOSTED BY HEAVIER THAN AIR BREWING CO
Location: 497 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton, OH 45459 (Normandy Square Shopping Center)
Partner hosts: Aviation Trail Inc (ATI) • National Park Service (NPS) • National Aviation Heritage Area (NAHA)Facility host: Heavier Than Air Brewing Co (HTAB)
CLICK HERE for Heavier Than Air Brewing Co. facebook event announcement.
Open House is from 4 PM to 9 PM. The planned agenda is as follows:
4:00 PM - DOORS OPEN • table displays in place
5: 30 PM - ·food served (until out)
6:30 PM - presentation by National Park Service staff & potential special guests (tbd)
7:00 PM - static table displays on view
9:00 PM - Heavier Than Air Brewery closes
Cash Bar - Drinks are sold separately • Wine • Beer • Pre-mixed Cocktails
There is no cover charge, but donations are welcome.
Donations can be made at the event. Suggested donation is $5 per person
CLICK HERE for more details.
In Memoriam
Passing of former Aviation Trail Officer Nancy Horlacher
Announcement: Dayton, Ohio – December 1, 2024
Aviation Trail mourns the recent death of Nancy Horlacher, Life Member, former board member, Secretary, historian, and researcher for our organization. She was also co-editor of the newsletter from 2008 to 2017. Over four decades she dedicated thousands of hours serving Aviation Trail in many capacities until her retirement from the board in 2022. She had a forty-four-year career as a research specialist for the Dayton Metro Library and served as Director of Curatorial Services at Carillon Historical Park from 2001 to 2006. She was a driving force behind the development of the Dayton Region Walk of Fame and recipient of the Nation Aviation Heritage Area'ss prestigious Ivonette Wright Miller Award in 2021. Nancy had a huge impact on the Dayton community and will be fondly remembered by all.
See the obituary for Nancy Horlacher with information on memorial services at: https://www.routsong.com/obituaries/nancy-horlacher
Memorial Tributes:
• "Nancy was an active contributing member of the Aviation Trail Board of Directors for as long as I can remember. She served terms as secretary of the board, as well as editor of the newsletter. Aviation Trail deeply appreciates and will miss her contribution to our mission of promoting the aviation heritage of the Dayton region".
Steve Brown, President, Aviation Trail
• "Nancy Horlacher was the most cheerful, always upbeat person I've been lucky enough to know and work with. We met on the Board of Trustees for Aviation Trail, Inc. and together with a couple other gals we upheld its distaff side for several years. During that time we co-produced the group's newsletters, The Wright Flyer—first a printed version and then an electronic one. Her skill on the computer far exceeded mine—in other words, she caught and corrected my mistakes. Also, during much of this time, Nancy was the trail's secretary and ensured that the minutes were accurate, reflecting exactly what the members had discussed and voted on. She was a joyful addition to Aviation Trail and, I'm sure to the other groups that enjoyed her membership. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Jeff, her very supportive husband, and her family".
Helen Jones, Advisor Emeritus and former Board Member, Aviation Trail
• "Nancy was always efficient and professional in her dedication to Aviation Trail and her background in research and knowledge of local history were invaluable. But what I remember most is her affable manner and willingness to help out with whatever was needed. She has been a treasure for the Dayton community. Condolences to her family."
Tod Brining, Webmaster, Bulletin Editor, Aviation Trail
The National Aviation Heritage Area (NAHA) annually presents the Ivonette Wright Miller Award which recognizes a lifetime volunteer in the service of aviation heritage. It is named for the niece of Wilbur and Orville Wright. Nancy Horlacher was the recipient in 2021. In a ceremony at the Wright "B" Flyer hangar the award is presented to Nancy (center) by NAHA Executive Director Mackensie Wittmer (left) and then NAHA Chair Ted Prasse (right).
For a story on the 2021 awards ceremony and the NAHA tribute to Nancy see https://www.aviationtrailinc.org/post/naha-2021-awards
and scroll down to the bottom third of that page.
If you would like to add a tribute to Nancy on this page, send your quote (in a few sentences), and your name to webmaster@aviationtrailinc.org
In Memoriam
Passing of Marvin Christian, Aviation Trail Past President and Board Member
Announcement: Dayton, Ohio – September 18, 2024
Aviation Trail, Inc. mourns the death of Marvin Christian who passed away on Friday, September 13, 2024, at the age of 89. Marvin was president of Aviation Trail from 2004 to 2020 and was still an active board member at the time of his death. His contributions to Aviation Trail began in the 1980’s when the organization was in its infancy. Marvin was a member (and later president) of the Dayton Advertising Club which provided aid to non-profit organizations in the way of photography and graphics. Marvin got involved with developing a brochure for Aviation Trail and soon became a board member. At that time the West Third Street buildings that Aviation Trail was hoping to rescue were threatened with demolition and in need of extensive restoration. The following years, many of them under Marvin’s leadership, saw this aspiration become reality culminating with the establishment of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, and the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center/Aviation Trail Visitor Center. One of Marvin’s favorite projects was the “Wilbear Wright”® passport program which kept him in close touch with the various Aviation Trail sites over the years. Marvin’s creativity, business acumen, leadership, and organizational skills have been invaluable to Aviation Trail during his tenure. We offer our condolences to Marvin's family.
See more about Marvin Christian in his obituary at: https://www.bakerhazelsnider.com/obituaries/Marvin-Dale-Christian?obId=33088675
Below are some tributes from Marvin’s fellow Aviation Trail board members:
• “Marvin served as president of Aviation Trail for 17 years, and as his vice-president I can attest that he was fervently dedicated to recognizing and promoting ATI’s role in preserving and promoting the aviation heritage of Dayton and the surrounding region. Under his leadership ATI has grown as the focus of aviation development and history in our region, and he will be greatly missed by the aviation community.”
Steve Brown, President, Aviation Trail, Inc.
• “As webmaster and newsletter editor for Aviation Trail, I have worked closely with Marvin for the past nine years. He has been a mentor and friend and always willing to help with questions or concerns. His leadership skill combined a creative vision of the big picture with precise attention to detail. His professionalism and insight have always set a high standard for Aviation Trail. We have lost a good friend”.
Tod Brining, Webmaster, Bulletin Editor, Aviation Trail, Inc.
• “Marv invited me into the aviation world at a level I had only dreamt of. His diligence set a clear standard for the way forward”.
Randy Zuercher, Curator, Aviation Trail Parachute Museum
If you would like to add a tribute to Marvin on this page, send your quote (in a few sentences), and your name to webmaster@aviationtrailinc.org
August 19, 2024
National Aviation Day Celebration
National Aviation Day is a United States national observation that celebrates the development of aviation. The holiday was established in 1939 by President Franklin Roosevelt by presidential proclamation. August 19 is the birthday of both Orville Wright (1871) and his sister Katherine Wright (1874). Part of Aviation Trail’s mission is to promote Dayton’s unique contributions to aviation over the years, so we hope you will join us in this celebration.
Thanks to all who attended the Aviation Trail open house celebration of National Aviation Day on Monday, August 19, 2024. ATI members and guests joined in honoring the birthday of Orville Wright and Katherine Wright.
And many thanks to Heavier Than Air Brewing Co. for hosting the event and for their enthusiastic hospitality. Guests enjoyed the grilled food and great craft beers along with socializing and talking aviation in this fun aviation themed facility.
The evening was highlighted by a presentation by Aviation Trail Secretary Dr. David Bodary of Sinclair College on the historic 1924 International Air Races that were held at Dayton’s Wilbur Wright Field (now Area B of WPAFB). The presentation included a comprehensive slide show about the event.
(Watch this website for more stories to be posted about these air races)
More photos from event:
Above:
Three Aviation Trail, Inc. Presidents
left: Jim Beisner - past President
center: Steve Brown - current President
right: Marvin Christian - immediate past President
At right:
Steve Brown and Roger McClure hold a replica Wright Flyer style wing rib that they constructed at the Aviation Trail Visitor Center. They presented this item to Heavier Then air Brewery for display in their tap room.
CLICK HERE to see an example of the rib assembly at Aviation Trail.
July 24, 2024
Save the Date:
An invitation: Celebrate National Aviation Day with Aviation Trail
Monday, August 19, 2024
National Aviation Day is a United States national observation that celebrates the development of aviation. The holiday was established in 1939 by President Franklin Roosevelt by presidential proclamation. August 19 is the birthday of both Orville Wright (1871) and his sister Katherine Wright (1874). Part of Aviation Trail’s mission is to promote Dayton’s unique contributions to aviation over the years, so we hope you will join us in this celebration.
Aviation Trail, Inc. is planning a special open house, to be hosted by
Heavier than Air Brewing Company
at 497 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton, OH 45459
(Normandy Square Shopping Center)
(937)433-1500
The open house is planned as an aviation theme meet & greet for aviation enthusiasts, friends of flight, & guests, from 5 pm to 9 pm. Food will be provided and for drinks there will be a cash bar.
CLICK HERE to download this full page printable poster with the event details and map.
Heavier Than Air Brewing Co.
497 Miamisburg Centerville Rd
Dayton, OH 45459
(Normandy Square Shopping Center)
(937) 433-1500
https://heavierthanairbrewing.com
July 23, 2024
Aviation Trail and the Aviation Trail Parachute Museum
at Armstrong Air & Space Museum Community Event
Aviation Trail, and the Aviation Trail Parachute Museum presented a display at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum Community Event on July 22 and 21. 2024. See a report on this event, with photos, on the Parachute Museum page on this website (under "Parachute Museum News").
Aviation Trail, Inc. Events: 2023
Aviation Trail and the Aviation Trail Parachute Museum
Aviation Trail, and the Aviation Trail Parachute Museum presented displays at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum Community Event on July 24, 2023 and at the Golden Anniversary Fly-In event at WACO Air Museum on September 16, 2023. See reports on these events, with photos, on the Parachute Museum page on this website (under "Parachute Museum News").