National Aviation Day

National Aviation Day History

National Aviation Day commemorates the development of aviation all while seeking to promote and support the industry. In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed that National Aviation Day would be observed annually on August 19, the birthday of Orville Wright.

Orville Wright, the younger of the two legendary Wright Brothers, was an American inventor and pioneer in aviation. Orville and his older brother Wilbur built the world's first successful airplane in 1903. In addition to National Aviation Day, in 1959, President Eisenhower declared December 17th as the Wright Brothers' Day to commemorate the first flight of the Wright Brothers in a mechanically-propelled plane.

Top 10 Facts for National Aviation Day in 2026

• The 2026 observance continues the tradition of encouraging citizens to engage in educational activities and local events that promote interest in the history, science, and future possibilities of aviation.
• Federal buildings and installations across the United States are encouraged to display the U.S. flag in honor of the day, as part of the ongoing recognition of aviation's vital role in national commerce and defense.
• The date honors the birthday of Orville Wright, who, alongside his brother Wilbur, is credited with achieving the first powered, sustained, and controlled heavier-than-air human flight.
• President Franklin D. Roosevelt established this national observance in 1939 through a presidential proclamation to celebrate the rapid advancements and pioneers of flight.
• While not a federal public holiday, the day is widely recognized by museums, flight schools, and aviation organizations, many of which host special programming, open houses, or educational demonstrations.
• The observance highlights the Wright brothers' breakthrough invention of the three-axis control system, a foundational technology that allows pilots to steer effectively and remains a standard feature on modern aircraft.
• Aviation enthusiasts often use the day to learn about 'unsung' contributors like Charlie Taylor, the machinist who built the lightweight engine for the Wright Flyer, and other pioneers who shaped the industry.
• The day serves as a yearly opportunity to reflect on aviation's transformation of modern life, ranging from its essential role in global connectivity and emergency medical transport to its impact on professional sports and commerce.
• Public awareness campaigns and digital commemorations frequently utilize the hashtag #NationalAviationDay to share historical photos, personal flight stories, and career information within the aerospace industry.
• The presidential authority to proclaim this day is codified under U.S. Code Title 36, which allows sitting presidents to formally invite the American public to celebrate the evolution of flight each year.

In the News and Trending for National Aviation Day

Top things to do for National Aviation Day

• Visit the North American Space Agency's (NASA) Visitor Centers to learn more about space aviation.
• Take an introductory flight lesson. Check local aviation schools in your area to find flight lessons.
• Attend an air show. Here are some popular air shows to consider:
  1) EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, held at Oshkosh, Wisconsin
  2) Sun 'n Fun, held at Lakeland, Florida
  3) Reno Championship Air Races, held at Reno, Nevada
  4) Miramar Air Show, held at San Diego, California
  5) CAF Airshow, held at Midland, Texas
• Visit The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. This museum has more than 60,000 exhibits, 1.75 million photographs, and 14,000 videos about aviation and space. It also has the world's first plane - the Wright Brother's Wright Flyer!
• Watch a movie about aviation. Here are our suggestions:
  The Martian (2015)
  Flightplan (2005)
  The Aviator (2004)