Aerospace Happenings

Wright Brothers’ Aircraft On Display at College Park Airport Airfair100!

College Park, MD - In the fall of 1909, College Park, Maryland became the home of a genius and his unique machine. The genius was Wilbur Wright and the machine was the 1909 Wright Military Flyer. Wright had a landmark mission to complete, and College Park was the perfect site. With a trio of dedicated Army officers, they launched the United States Military in the air, and began a century of aviation, innovation, and education that continues at College Park today. It is an achievement no other airfield in the world can claim.

To celebrate this milestone the Military Flyer will return exactly as it was in 1909 to the College Park Centennial AirFair100! scheduled for August 29, 2009 from 10 am to 5 pm. Once again, a dedicated team will bring the genius of the Wright brothers to life. The Wright Experience of Warrenton, VA, with support from the Discovery of Flight Foundation, has recreated the machine used to train the first military officers to fly. The Flyer will roar to life, returning sights and sounds to College Park that have not been seen or heard in 100 years.

The reproduction Military Flyer will make its permanent home at the College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College park, MD 20740. It is airworthy, and plans are being made for test flights and demonstrations. Once on display, it will serve as a permanent, interactive teaching tool. Unlike an original artifact, it can be manipulated and demonstrated for students at all levels—an inspirational lesson in the science of aeronautics, the process of innovation, and the enduring legacy of the visionaries at College Park 100 years ago.

For more information, call 301-864-6029; TTY 301-699-2544.

This program is offered by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation.

College Park Airport Celebrates 100 Years Of Flight

AirFair 100! Set For August 29th

Prince Georges County, Maryland celebrates 100 years of aviation at College Park Airport later this month, with the annual AirFare slated for August 29th.

This year’s events, including an exciting air show featuring aerobatic performances, celebrate 100 years of flight at College Park Airport. Airplane rides will be featured, along with aircraft displays, children’s activities, vendors, entertainment and refreshments. See the plane that started it all – a 1909 Wright Military Flyer will be unveiled at the AirFair! Visitors can bring an envelope or post card and get a special airmail cancellation commemorating 100 years of exciting aviation history. Of course, there's an airshow in the afternoon. Some of the featured acts include: • Misty Blues Skydiving Team • Greg Koontz, The Flying Farmer and Decathlon Aerobatics • Kevin Russo, T-6 Texan • Otto the Helicopter • Bob Essell, Ultralight Wingwalking • Dan Buchanan, Hang Glider Aerobatics

There will also be an opportunity to meet Astronaut Joe Edwards - Veteran of two Space Shuttle Missions.

Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for ages 2-17, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. If you don't want to fly in or drive, the airport is easily accessible by Metrorail. It's just a short walk from the Green Line’s College Park/ University of Maryland station.

FMI: www.pgparks.com