NASA's Convo with Aviation Enthusiasts

August 19th marks National Aviation Day, a holiday established in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to celebrate the incredible legacy of aviation pioneers like Orville Wright. As we honour over 120 years of aviation progress since the Wright brothers' first flight, NASA is stepping in to make this year’s celebration even more exciting. Whether you're a seasoned pilot, an aspiring aviator, or simply someone fascinated by the skies, NASA has shared 11 creative ways to celebrate. Here’s how you can join in the festivities and spread your wings!

1. Spread Your Wings on Social Media

One of the simplest and most fun ways to celebrate is by "spreading your wings." NASA invites aviation enthusiasts to strike a pose with their arms stretched out like aeroplane wings in front of an aircraft and share the moment on social media using the hashtag #NationalAviationDay. It’s a playful yet symbolic gesture to remind us all of the freedom of flight.

2. Visit a Science Museum or NASA Visitor Center

If you’re eager to dive deeper into aviation history and future innovations, why not spend the day exploring a local science museum or one of NASA’s visitor centres? NASA has centres in Norfolk, Virginia (Langley Research Center), Cleveland, Ohio (Glenn Research Center), and San Francisco, California (Ames Research Center). These locations offer an immersive experience into cutting-edge technology shaping aviation’s future.

3. Watch an Aviation-Themed Movie

Celebrate the day from the comfort of your home by watching a movie that captures the essence of aviation. Whether it’s a documentary about historical flights or a feature film depicting the excitement of modern air travel, aviation movies provide entertainment and inspiration.

4. Take an Introductory Flight Lesson

If you've ever dreamed of taking to the skies, today might be the perfect day to make it a reality. Consider taking an introductory flight lesson through a local flight school or organization like the Civil Air Patrol, a volunteer group that helps young people and aviation enthusiasts get closer to flying.

5. Build Your Own Airplane

For those with a penchant for DIY projects, building your own airplane could be an exciting challenge. There are homebuilt airplane kits available that allow enthusiasts to construct their very own aircraft. It’s an excellent way to connect with aviation on a hands-on level and fulfill a lifelong dream.

6. Tell the Story of Your First Flight

Every pilot remembers their first flight—the excitement, the awe, the feeling of lifting off the ground for the first time. On National Aviation Day, take some time to reminisce and share your first flight experience with friends and family, or on social media.

7. Stay Up to Date with NASA's Aviation Innovations

NASA has always been at the forefront of aviation technology. From improving aeroplane aerodynamics to reducing harmful emissions and making air traffic control more efficient, NASA's influence extends far beyond space exploration. One of NASA’s latest innovations is the X-66, a sustainable flight demonstrator aimed at revolutionizing air travel by reducing fuel consumption and emissions. By following NASA’s projects, you can stay updated on how aviation is evolving for a cleaner, more efficient future.

8. Download a NASA E-Book

Want to learn more about aviation’s future or delve into its history? NASA offers a range of free e-books covering aviation topics. Visit NASA’s website and download an aviation e-book to read up on groundbreaking innovations, past achievements, and the future of flight.

9. Plane Spotting

Celebrate National Aviation Day with a relaxing picnic near an airport, watching planes take off and land. Plane spotting is a favourite pastime for many aviation enthusiasts, and it’s an enjoyable way to connect with the aviation world while appreciating the technology that allows these incredible machines to soar through the skies.

10. Get to Know the Faces of Flight

Aviation wouldn’t be where it is today without the passionate individuals who have dedicated their lives to it. From astronauts to engineers to pilots, learning about the key figures behind aviation’s success can deepen your appreciation for the field. NASA encourages people to familiarize themselves with these inspiring figures as part of the Nationalfamiliariseay celebration.

11. Join the High-Speed Flight Revolution

Looking to the future, NASA is also developing technology to make high-speed commercial air travel possible. With projects like the X-59, NASA is pushing the boundaries of aviation, working to bring back supersonic flight. Take some time to read up on how NASA is making high-speed flight more efficient and environmentally friendly.

A Day to Reflect and Celebrate

National Aviation Day is a perfect time to reflect on how far we've come in the world of aviation and to look forward to the innovations of the future. Whether you're watching a movie, taking your first flight lesson, or learning about NASA's cutting-edge projects, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So spread your wings, join the celebration, and honour the pioneers who made it all possible!