John Glenn to Ride in Travolta's Friendship 707

OK -- that's not the name of John Travolta's private 707; but the rest of this story is true:

Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003 told us that movie star John Travolta will be at the Inventing Flight celebration as a guest of former astronaut and senator John Glenn. Travolta will be a presenter at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Technical Symposium on July 15 and will return to Dayton on July 20 for a flyover with John Glenn in Travolta’s 707 at the Vectren Dayton Air Show presented by Kroger.

"I'm looking forward to being in Dayton for the Inventing Flight Celebration and the opportunity to fly with one of my personal heroes, John Glenn," said Travolta. "It was men like Senator Glenn who inspired me to fly and I hope that by flying together we can motivate the next generation of aviators."

Travolta, who serves as Australian-based international airline Qantas' Ambassador-at-Large, is a licensed jet pilot who has logged close to 5,000 hours since earning his wings in 1974.

"I look forward to flying with John," said former US Senator John Glenn, who is the Secretary General of Inventing Flight. "His visit proves that Dayton really is the place to be 2003."

Glenn will give Travolta a full tour of Celebration Central located at Deeds Park in downtown Dayton and will co-emcee the Inventing Flight Closing Ceremonies with him.

"We are delighted to have John Travolta visit the birthplace of aviation for the Inventing Flight Celebration," said Inventing Flight Chairman Brad Tillson. "Mr. Travolta is well-known for his acting achievements, but also brings a pilot’s appreciation of the work of the Wright Brothers."

On July 15, Travolta will attend a special dinner hosted by the AIAA.  He is receiving the organization’s 2003 Foundation Award for Excellence for being a dedicated pilot and patriot, and for effort in highlighting and promoting the advantages and safety of commercial flying.

"When he returns on July 20, Travolta will become part of a cast of the world’s superstar aviators during the unprecedented Air Show at Dayton International Airport," said Donald J. Kinlin, chairman of the United States Air and Trade Show, which produces the 2003 Dayton Air Show.

FMI: www.inventingflight.com/celebration/