Welcome to our series sharing Unique Holidays: November, 2021. Did you know it’s Aviation History Month? With David working at Dallas Fort Worth Airport it would be fun to take a Field Trip to the Airport to watch the Airplanes take off and land. Then we could visit a Aviation Museum and have lunch at the Airport. Would you like to join us?
Aviation History Month
Aviation History Month in November celebrates the contributions America made to the field of aviation and its development. I’s safe to say the U.S. played a pivotal role in the field. Hence, this month is all about reading up on the history of aviation, or watching documentaries that teach us about the individuals who dedicated their lives to advancing the aviation industry. Its the accomplishments of these men and women that make Americans proud.
HISTORY OF AVIATION HISTORY MONTH
The history of aviation started in 350 B.C. when Chinese began making kites using bamboo frames covered in paper and silk. This resulted in people wondering if there was a way for the kites to fly. Thereafter, several inventors conceptualized ways to fly but it was Leonardo da Vinci who was responsible for designing parachutes and helicopters that our modern-day innovations are based on. The first glider was not built until 1799 by Sir George Cayley and the very first sustained, controlled flight, which took place in December 1903, which is attributed to Orville Wright and Wilbur Wright. The individuals who changed the aviation industry permanently.
While many men managed to excel in the field of aviation, it wasn’t until 1910 that the first woman received a pilot’s license. Another famous female aviator is Amelia Earhart, who is recognized for flying solo across the Atlantic Ocean. With time, aviation became used to fight wars since this was the fastest way to attack an enemy. In 1941, the 99th Pursuit Squadron was formed at Tuskegee. The squadron comprised African-American pilots and became known as the Tuskegee Airmen.
Since aviation plays such an important role in modern society, it comes as no surprise that the Holiday is celebrated with great fervor. Apart from a month dedicated to the invention, National Aviation Day is also celebrated on August 19th. This Holiday was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939. However, since the history of aviation is so detailed an entire month was eventually dedicated to Aviation.
LET”S CELEBRATE AVIATION HISTORY MONTH
- Find out everything there is to know about Aviation and learn interesting facts and check out some of the first inventions up close.
- The best way to celebrate this Holiday is to get some training and fly a private plane with a trained instructor. Which will give you an adrenaline rush to remember.
- Watch a documentary on the history of aviation and discover how Aviation led to space travel.
5 FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PILOTS
- Did you know 20/20 distant vision is essential in order to be a pilot.
- Black male pilots are scarce and they only make up 3.4% of the pilots in the United States.
- The captain is permitted to write passenger fines and even make arrests.
- It costs between $5,100 to $16,100 to become a pilot.
- Travis Ludlow is an 18-year-old pilot who is the youngest person to fly solo around the world.
WHY WE LOVE AVIATION HISTORY MONTH
- Aviation History Month serves as a month of remembrance which reminds us of the American innovators whose brilliance and creativity led to the development of the first airplane.
- The day informs people of all ages about the history of aviation and we learn how it took decades to create the planes we travel in today.
- History and inventions of the past motivate the youth to strive to make a difference and to never neglect their dreams.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
