First Flight Centennial Newsletter

23 days until the Centennial . . . 17 days until the Celebration begins

AIRSHOW PERFORMERS WILL THRILL
Air Shows at 12 noon December 12-14; 2:30 p.m. December 16
Confirmed Airshow Performers Include:

Patty Wagstaff has flown air shows and competitions around the world before millions of spectators. Patty was the first woman to ever win the title of U.S. National Aerobatic Champion - three times so far. Patty flies her single-seat Extra 300SX monoplane, equipped with a smoke system, a roll rate of 400 degrees per second and the ability to withstand plus and minus 15 Gs (gravitational force). Among other maneuvers in her precise, low-level aerobatic show, Ms. Wagstaff plans to perform her signature maneuver with a new twist: an "Inverted Centennial Ribbon Cut".

The four-man AeroShell Aerobatic Team takes the World War II North American Advanced Trainer (T-6) through a series of precision formation aerobatic maneuvers - including the bomb burst, vertical rejoin, avalanche, the breath-taking "Switch Blade", along with graceful loops and rolls.

The North American Advanced Trainer AT-6 first appeared in 1938 and was originally designed as a basic trainer for the United States Army Air Corps. They were used as combat trainers, basic trainers, general-purpose aircraft and bombers. They featured a wide range of engines, fixed or retractable landing gear and varying cockpit enclosures.

Ian Groom was born to British parents in South Africa, and was inspired to fly at age 7 after a ride in a Tiger Moth with his uncle. Now, millions of spectators witness Groom's end-over-end tumbles, double-tail slides, multiple snap rolls, and departure and recovery from controlled flight.

Groom holds the world record for completing 57 snap rolls in 26 seconds in a Russian-built Sukhoi SU-31(at left). The single-seat SU-31 is a relatively small plane, approximately 22.7 feet in length, 9 feet high, with a 27-foot wingspan and an empty weight of roughly 1,300 pounds. Constructed of kevlar, titanium and stainless steel, the SU-31 has the highest power-to-weight ratio of any piston engine aircraft. Groom pulls about 10 Gs (gravitational force) when climbing in the SU-31.

Michael Mancuso started flying gliders when he was 11 years old, soloed in an airplane on his grandfather's farm at age 13, and proceeded to teach himself aerobatics. In 2001, Mancuso partnered with Klein Tools of Chicago and performs in the Klein Tools Extra 300L, a two-place low wing composite aircraft handbuilt in Germany and certified in the United States. When Michael is not flying air shows, he is home on Long Island, NY where he runs his family business, Mid Island Flying School. He also teaches at his aerobatic school, Gyroscopic Obsessions.

Bobby Younkin's interest in flight dates back to the late 1950s, when he used to attend air shows with his father. Younkin has since teamed up with American Champion Aircraft and flies a Super Decathlon in his own unique way, reminiscent of those breathtaking performances he witnessed as a child. Younkin's air show begins literally at the instant the wheels leave the pavement, with a snap roll initiated at rotation, followed by non-stop aerobatics with absolutely no pauses or breaks in the action.

MAINTAINING THE HISTORY OF FIRST FLIGHT

The original Kill Devil Hills Life Saving Station, built in 1878, was one of eleven stations constructed along the Outer Banks around the turn of the century. The station was located one mile from the Wright Brothers' camp.

The station's crewmen, Bob Wescott, Tom Beacham and W.S. Pough, assisted the Wrights and were witness to their first successful flight. A fourth member of the crew, John T. Daniels, captured the historic first flight photo.

The Life Saving Station was moved to its current location at 1127A Ocean Trail in historic Corolla village in 1986. The historic building was preserved and now operates as the Corolla Sales office of Twiddy & Company Realtors. Many first flight photographs and artifacts are on display inside as a memorial to the Wright Brothers' historic achievement. Visitors are welcome to stop by and view its relics. The building is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. For directions, please call Twiddy & Company at 1-800-489-4339.

Our thanks to Twiddy & Company Realtors, an Official First Flight Centennial Sponsor, for the information and the invitation to all to visit during the Celebration or whenever you are on the Outer Banks.

KITTY HAWK: The Wright Brothers' Journey of Invention

Follow the brothers through their epic journey of discovery that culminated in the first historic manned flight. More than three years in the making, KITTY HAWK features hundreds of rare and unpublished photographs, insights from leading Wright experts, and stunning sequences of replica Wright brothers' gliders in flight. Legendary astronauts Neil Armstrong and John Glenn portray the voices of Orville and Wilbur. A story that will captivate adults and inspire younger viewers, KITTY HAWK will entertain the entire family.

Click on the image at right to purchase your copy.

An officially licensed First Flight Centennial� product, a portion of proceeds supports our charitable objectives including improving Wright Brothers National Memorial and funding the Celebration. Click here to shop on the on-line store for this and more.

KITTY HAWK KITES ANNUAL KITES WITH LIGHTS FESTIVAL

Watch the night sky magically transform as skilled flyers maneuver their lit stunt kites to the sounds of your favorite holiday songs. The fun starts at sunset on November 29th at Jockey's Ridge State Park and runs until dark. Also, join Kitty Hawk Kites for free hot apple cider and cookies at the Nags Head store during the celebration.

Santa will be hang gliding into Kitty Hawk Kites in Nags Head on Friday November 28th. Whether you've been naughty or nice you can get a picture with Santa in his special flying sleigh. This year Kitty Hawk Kites has also set aside a special Christmas tree to benefit the Friends of Jockey's Ridge and their support of children's programming in the State Park. For more information call Kitty Hawk Kites at (877) FLY THIS or check them out on the web at www.kittyhawk.com.

Kitty Hawk Kites, an Official First Flight Centennial Sponsor, is the largest kite retailer on the East Coast with 11 stores from Corolla through Ocracoke. Kitty Hawk Kites boasts the world's oldest hang gliding school -- teaching the world to fly since 1974.