Capital Improvements

First Flight Centennial Pavilion     Pilot Facility (AOPA)   Wright Monument

A major focus for the First Flight Foundation is working with the National Park Service to improve Wright Brothers National Memorial. The Foundation will build on the legacy of capital improvements and educational programming that was a fitting tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' achievement. We are proud of Official First Flight Centennial Sponsors and Donors who contributed to a better visitor experience for millions who come to the site of the first flight. 

Our “Rise to the Occasion” Campaign engaged contributors in both the Celebration and the capital improvements legacy. Campaign priorities, totaling nearly $5 million, included: 

First Flight Centennial Pavilion Wright Brothers National Memorial is a magical place, with the sweep of Big Kill Devil Hill and the flat, open land where the Wright brothers made the first successful flight. Each year, over half a million visitors come to the site to experience this amazing story. Unfortunately, the facilities on site were simply inadequate. The old Visitor Center is too small, and the exhibits are dated. Park rangers provide wonderful personal interpretive talks for visitors, but seating is limited and excluded many visitors from this exceptional program. Educational programming for visiting school children has been developed, but was not able to be presented due to the limited facilities. To provide an outstanding visitor experience and a legacy for the Celebration at the site, the Foundation has created the First Flight Centennial Pavilion. The Pavilion is a semi-permanent clearspan structure of about 20,000 square feet, which began serving visitors in May 2003.
The Pavilion houses interpretive and educational exhibits, and provides a venue for speakers and other activities for the celebratory events in 2003 and beyond. The Pavilion celebrates the story of innovation and perseverance of that first flight as well as the magnificent impact of aviation in many forms during the first century. The Pavilion will continue for five years or more, as part of a long-term improvement plan for the park, serving at least 5 million visitors in total. The Pavilion is a collaborative opportunity for the many organizations who want to celebrate the First Flight Centennial. Content partners include NASA, the United States Air Force, The Wright Experience, Outer Banks History Center, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission and others. Given this size and scope, as well as the unique location at the site of the first flight, the Pavilion offers highly visible exposure and positive affinity for sponsors. The Foundation is currently completing the sponsor roster for the First Flight Centennial Pavilion at Wright Brothers National Memorial. All Pavilion supporters will receive benefits including recognition on the Donor Board, Celebration VIP seats, and other benefits.
New Pilot Facility, sponsored by Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)