By Brian Lester | August 19, 2017 | Category: blog

Every year on August 19th, America celebrates National Aviation Day. Taking place on Orville Wright’s birthday, National Aviation Day is a great opportunity to celebrate all things airborne and to reflect on how far the industry has advanced since the first fixed-wing flight in 1903.

To help you get in the spirit, here are 7 things you can do to celebrate the aviation industry this year.

 

1. Fly Your Plane

If you have the day off, there’s no better place to celebrate National Aviation Day than in the air. Bring a friend or family member along for the ride and share your passion for flying with them. Relax, take in the great views and enjoy the incredible freedom that comes with flying.

If you aren’t a pilot, or the thought of taking your expensive aircraft out for a joyride makes you cringe, don’t worry. There are plenty of other ways you can celebrate National Aviation Day on the ground.

 

2. Visit an Aviation Museum

There are aviation museums all across the United States, many of which hold special events on National Aviation Day. Use today as an excuse to head down to the nearest one and spend some time soaking in the history of flight. Take a photo with your favorite aircraft and share it on social media using #NationalAviationDay.

If you happen to live near the Wright Brothers National Memorial Park, you won’t want to miss the First Flight Society’s National Aviation Day Celebration.

 

3. Have a Plane Spotting Picnic

Grab the family and head over to the local airport for a plane spotting picnic. Be sure to check restrictions on where you should and shouldn’t go before you leave the house. Once you find someplace with a good view, see how many different types of planes you can identify and try and find the names of the ones you don’t know.

 

4. Watch a movie about aviation

If you would rather relax around the house this National Aviation Day, you could always watch one of the phenomenal aviation themed movies that have been released over the years. If you’re having trouble deciding which one to watch, here are a few of our favorites.

  • Top Gun
  • The Aviator
  • Air Force One
  • Pearl Harbor
  • Sully
  • Airplane!
  • The Right Stuff
  • The High and the Mighty
  • One Six Right
  • Tora! Tora! Tora!

 

5. Grab a Brew with your Aviation Buddies

If you’re off the clock, National Aviation Day is a great time to grab a few buddies, head down to your favorite bar or restaurant and talk about the industry together. Swap some of your favorite stories with your friends and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with being a part of the aviation community.

 

6. Talk About Your First Flight on social media

Take a moment to remember what it was like to fly for the first time. How did it make you feel? Did that experience lead you to become a part of the industry? After you know what you want to say, post it on social media using #NationalAviationDay and spend a few minutes enjoying other people’s stories.

 

7. Sign Up for the Astro Aviation Alliance

The Aviation industry is constantly innovating, and the Astro Aviation Alliance is changing the way operators in corporate aviation purchase services. By creating a platform that connects our members with services at volume purchasing discounts, it’s easier than ever before to get a deal on valuable industry services. Sign up for a Free Guest Membership today and join our team of industry leaders.