By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • 0 Comments

National Aviation Day

Monday, August 19th, 2024, will be National Aviation Day. The annual tribute day is held to honor the men and women who pioneered human flight and had a significant historical impact. This day provides an opportunity for people to appreciate and acknowledge the remarkable advancements made in the field of aviation. To observe National Aviation Day, there are various ways individuals can actively participate and contribute to the celebration.

Here are some ways that you can observe National Aviation Day:

1. Visit an Aviation Museum: Explore the rich history of aviation by visiting a local aviation museum, such as the Intrepid Museum, the Cradle of Aviation Museum, or the Space Shuttle Pavillion. These museums often feature exhibits showcasing vintage aircraft, interactive displays, and educational programs that offer insights into the evolution of aviation.

2. Attend Airshows: Attend airshows organized in your area to witness breathtaking aerial displays and aerobatic performances by skilled pilots. These events not only entertain but also showcase the incredible capabilities of modern aircraft.

3. Take a Flight: Experience the thrill of flying by booking a scenic flight or taking a flying lesson. Many aviation schools and flight centers offer introductory flights, allowing individuals to get a taste of what it's like to be in the air.

4. Volunteer at Aviation Organizations: Support aviation-related organizations by volunteering your time and skills. Whether it's assisting at airshows, helping with restoration projects, or participating in community outreach programs, your contribution can make a difference in promoting aviation.

5. Learn About Aviation History: Take the opportunity to delve into the fascinating history of aviation. Read books, watch documentaries, or participate in online courses to gain a deeper understanding of the pioneers, breakthroughs, and challenges that shaped the aviation industry.

On National Aviation Day, let us come together to celebrate the remarkable achievements in aviation and honor the legacy of the Wright brothers and other pioneers.

 

By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • 0 Comments

Happy National Aviation Day

From the French word “aviation” (which comes from the Laten stem, “Avis,” meaning bird), aviation is the act of flying or operating an aircraft. This concept, particularly human aviation, had been a point of interest in engineering for a long time, and on December 17th, 1903, the collective efforts and ideas of previous great minds resulted in one hugely significant event for aeronautical engineering; Orville Wright became the first ever person to fly a heavier-than-air flying machine, traveling about 850 feet while his brother Wilbur was at the controls. The aircraft had been designed and built by the brothers, making them the first-ever aeronautical engineers and test pilots. National Aviation Day is celebrated on August 19th, Orville Wright’s birthday, in recognition of pioneers of human flight and all developments humans have made thereafter that allowed aviation to be such massive part of today’s world.

The design for a modern airplane was first described before the Wright brothers were even born by George Cayley in 1799, who described a machine with fixed wings that used lift propulsion and control mechanisms; many other advancements in engineering gave the Wright brothers the tools to achieve this feat. Even still, the Wright brothers’ accomplishment cannot be diminished; they studied lift, calculated the wing area needed to allow the machine to fly, designed and built an aluminum engine capable of producing the required power per unit weight, used their understanding of lift to make calculations and estimates for propellers, and even funded the entire project out of their own pockets.

Present day, human flight is so commonplace that it is rarely even considered just how amazing the feat is and how impactful developments in aeronautical engineering have been for humanity. National Aviation Day is the perfect time to recognize this amazing innovation and appreciate how aeronautical engineering has made the world more accessible by providing speedy travel to places that would have otherwise been completely inaccessible to most people.

 

By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • • 0 Comments

Engineers Who Have Contributed to the Development of Aviation

November is National Aviation History Month. While we may be focused on the upcoming holidays, many people are fascinated with aviation and the pioneers who’ve contributed to and helped shape aviation in today’s society.

If you’ve ever wondered about the first pioneer engineers behind aviation, read on.

In the early days, prior to designing and executing the first flight, engineers conducted many experiments and extensive research to determine the four component forces that enabled design and/or flying of an aircraft, which are thrust, lift, drag, and weight. This was the birth of aeronautical technology.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “aeronautical engineers work with aircraft. They are involved primarily in designing aircraft and propulsion systems and in studying the aerodynamic performance of aircraft and construction materials. They work with the theory, technology, and practice of flight within the Earth’s atmosphere.”

The following aeronautical engineers are some of the pioneers who changed aviation history:

  • Jules Henri Giffard studied the notes of an inventor named Pierre Jullien who display a cigar-shaped model airship at the Paris Hippodrome. Jullien’s design helped Giffard became the first person to build a full-size airship;
  • Brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright are known for executing the first flight, which lasted 12 seconds;
  • Charles Lindbergh is known for performing the first solo transatlantic flight; and
  • Amelia Earhart is a known aviation pioneer and was the first solo female aviator to complete a transatlantic flight.

For more information about aviation pioneers, visit: https://www.britannica.com/technology/aerospace-engineering