EAA's Project Achieves Milestone in Plenty of Time

EAA-member pilots will play a significant role in helping celebrate the achievements of the Wright brothers and 100 years of powered flight in 2003. As part of EAA's Countdown to Kitty Hawk program, presented by Ford Motor Company, EAA and the National Park Service have combined to create EAA's 50 Flags to Kitty Hawk initiative. One EAA-member pilot from each of the 50 states has been selected to fly their respective state flag to the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk (NC), during the day of their choice in calendar year 2003. Each pilot will also carry a proclamation from that state's governor declaring the day of their flight "50 Flags to Kitty Hawk Day" for their respective state.

After being welcomed by the National Park Service, the flag of the pilot's home state will be raised and flown throughout the day at the National Memorial.

Charles Stites, EAA-member pilot from North Carolina, was the first pilot to fly his state's flag to Kitty Hawk, kicking off the program on December 17, 2002 at the 99th Anniversary of the First Flight ceremonies. (Dates for completed flights are in larger type.)

While some arrival dates are yet to be determined (TBD), and some aircraft are as-yet unknown, the presence of such dedicated EAA-ers and their aircraft will surely shine a bright light on sport and general aviation, and perhaps show even non-aviation journalists some of the joy of flight.

FMI: www.countdowntokittyhawk.com