National Aviation Day
For the most Up to date information about NAD check out our sister website NationalAviationDay.org
National Aviation Day is an American holiday celebrated on August 19th each year.
It is also Orville Wright’s birthday. Former president Franklin D. Roosevelt was the creator of National Aviation Day, deciding for the first time in 1939 that the nation should celebrate the growth and advancements being made in aviation. Mr. Wright, born in 1871, was still alive when the proclamation was first issued, and would live another nine years.
National Aviation Day is celebrated on August 19th. The First Flight Society National Aviation Day Celebration is normally held at Dare County Regional Airport. The event runs from 10AM-3PM and consists of Airplane Displays, Exhibitors, and Food Trucks.
National Aviation Day 2022

Our Featured Speaker is Historian Larry Tise. His presentation is titled “The Elusive Orville Wright from Kitty Hawk and Beyond.” and will be held inside the main building at 11:00AM.
Other speakers include FFS Secretary Paul Carr as The Spirit of Wilbur Wright. Mr. Tise will also be signing books after his presentation.
Exhibitors
99.1 The Sound (WVOD)-Doug Dino remote broadcast
Dare County Radio Control Flyers
Elizabeth City Composite Squadron (Civil Air Patrol)
Elizabeth City State University-STEM lab
Military Aviation Museum– bringing 1 or 2 World War II planes
We encourage citizens to observe the day with activities that promote interest in aviation. FFS recommends that the best way to do this is to celebrate with us at Dare County Regional Airport on Manteo.
In 2019, FFS President Joe Lamothe and Lifetime Member, Peregrine White, spoke with Dare County Current TV reporters about the importance of National Aviation Day and First Flight Society’s role in promoting the legacy…NAD at Dare County Regional Airport
In 2021 one of the highlights was Warbird rides!

To combine the First Flight Society observation of National Aviation Day and the mission of the Commemorative Air Force, the Capital Wing brought the queen of its fleet, a TBM-3E Avenger named “Doris Mae” on August 19th and 20th and provided warbird rides to the public.