In 2003, North Carolina will proudly host the centennial anniversary of the Wright brothers' first flight, and North Carolina businesses will be an integral part of the celebration. To oversee the 2003 centennial commemorations, the General Assembly has established the First Flight Centennial Commission (FFCC).

FFCC's goal is ambitious. We intend to make the world aware of North Carolina's role in the first flight and the subsequent century of aviation, and to invite them to share the celebration with us. Our mission has four thrusts: awareness, education, celebration and legacy. In each area we are developing programs that involve business, the arts, education, the military, and humanitarian flight.

In particular, business and industry will participate through significant marketing opportunities, sponsorship of local and state projects, and activities specific to aviation interests.

We have already developed exciting partnerships with NASA, the FAA, the Smithsonian, the military, Ohio, the First Flight Society, corporations, aviation organizations, pilots and flight enthusiasts from around the world. The U.S. Mint and Governor Easley have been great partners in the release of the new North Carolina quarter. This year, 750 million new quarters will be issued, meaning that every U.S. citizen can have a miniature copy of the famous Daniels photograph of the first flight.

We are even reaching into outer space. During the recent 100th flight of the Space Shuttle, North Carolina astronaut Bill McArthur carried our treasured Wright Flyer fabric with him to the international space station. He then wrote e-mails via our website to students about his voyage.

FFCC is publicizing the centennial of flight in a variety of other ways. Contributing to this effort are our national board of advisors, which includes Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Hugh Shelton, Buzz Aldrin and Ross Perot. Our quarterly Wright Flier newsletter reaches thousands of individuals. Especially exciting are the artists who are celebrating the centennial by creating new works of sculpture, art, literature, and music — including a First Flight Symphony commissioned by the FFCC.

Our award-winning exhibits are playing a key role in centennial activities. Over a million people have seen our 1,600-square-foot exhibit on tour nationally and internationally, while a smaller exhibit is travelling to North Carolina communities statewide.

Our special North Carolina displays have been at the National Aviation Museum in Ottawa, the Currency Expo in Basel, Switzerland, and O'Hare Airport in Chicago. The first flight story will next be told in a new exhibit at the Paris Air Show this summer.

The commission's education programs reach students from the high chair to the rocking chair. An international professional symposium takes place Oct. 22-25, with adult sessions and concurrent teacher/student workshops. For the K-12 sector, the Centennial Schools program provides aviation resources and materials, as well as an annual Centennial Teacher of the Year Award.

Last summer, our North Carolina high school Class of 2003 made fine ambassadors as guests of NASA and Langley Air Force Base at a series of special events.

On Dec. 17, 2002, we officially launch the Year of the Centennial of Flight. FFCC will feature at least one major planned activity each month across the state, leading up to the centennial anniversary itself. The celebration will culminate in a special series of events at the Outer Banks and at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. FFCC and the National Park Service are jointly developing on-site activities that will include aerial displays, major commercial and educational exhibits, and speakers of international stature.

The commission, which receives administrative support from the Department of Cultural Resources, is also working with other state agencies to lay the foundation for this full year of activities. A million copies of the 2003 state travel guide will feature the centennial on its cover, as will the state maps and other publications.

DOT's Division of Aviation has a study under way to inventory aviation data and recommend an air traffic management plan for 2003. Groups within the state are meeting to establish an Aviation Hall of Fame to honor North Carolina's pioneers and military veterans.

FFCC's marketing program celebrates the past while looking ahead to an exciting future. The centennial celebration will feature North Carolina in trade publications, involve national and overseas businesses with aviation ties, and attract conventions in such fields as aerospace, engineering, technology, military, and history.

To ensure that our events and programs are world class - and to fully realize the huge economic potential of this celebration - we must supplement our limited state appropriation with private and corporate support.

For the next three years, North Carolina will be in the international spotlight, drawing visitors to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, eastern North Carolina, and aviation and historical sights from Murphy to Manteo.

Those of us who live here have a unique opportunity to celebrate flight while proudly playing host to the world.


About the author: Kathryn Holten is executive director of the First Flight Centennial Commission. She can be reached at 919-733-2003 or at www.firstflightnc.com.

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