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National Aviation Day is one of the best days of the year for avgeeks and airplane enthusiasts in the United States. 2019 marks a very special anniversary of the holiday. It was 80 years ago that President Franklin D. Roosevelt established August 19th, the birthday of Orville Wright, as National Aviation Day.
Although for us aviation enthusiasts, every day is aviation day, this time of year there are a ton of extra opportunities to get out and celebrate. Here are just a few of our favorite ways to make the day (and week) memorable and fun.
The first plane spotter was no doubt one of the Wright brothers. Many of our earliest memories are of watching a plane zoom overhead, wondering where that plane is going and who is inside. Plane spotting really took off in earnest during World War II when citizens of all nations were encouraged to learn the silhouettes of enemy aircraft. There were posters and spotter cards to aid them.
This hobby is still popular today. All it takes is a close proximity to a busy airport and a notebook or camera or way to record the planes you spot. Take a look at this easy guide to plane spotting and find a good location to enjoy this fun activity.
I have often said that the lure of flying is the lure of beauty. Amelia Earhart
Many great planes are impossible to see close up because they are either no longer flying or are classified. The best location to see something like an SR-71 would be an aviation museum. Check out this list of aviation museums in the U.S. by state or throughout the globe. Get a small piece of an amazing historic airplane here.
Airshows are another way to get up close to your favorite planes. You’ll find rows of all types of planes that you can climb into and take photos of. No doubt you’ll see some incredible acrobatics and find that aviation swag and art to decorate with.
This photo is of our booth at the Miramar Air Show in 2002, with some of our first products. The propeller sculpture is available here .
I realized that If I had to choose, I would rather have birds than airplanes. Charles Lindbergh
How many incredible stories about flying and aviation must there be? Since flight became possible the thrill of feeling the wheels leave the ground is something many of us have in common. There are endless stories of building planes, piloting them, shooting down the enemy and being shot down. Talk to a pilot or airman and hear their story. Tell your own story. There a ton of great aviation books. Here’s a list of some of the best books on aviation history.
You know the joy and wonder you feel when you see a plane? Share that with a child. Read a book about airplanes or fly some model planes. Sit on a blanket and look up at the sky. Draw pictures. Take a plane ride. Here’s one father’s story of how he shared his love of planes with his son. Take a look at this list of children’s airplane books and activities.
One of the things I teach my children is that I have always invested in myself, and I have never stopped learning, never stopped growing. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger
We all have our favorite aviation films and TV shows. Watch one you’ve been meaning to see or one of your old favorites. Here’s a list to get you started.
Share a photo that represents what Aviation Day means to you. Whether it is a pic of your favorite airplane, yourself on a plane or a cool PlaneTag - post it and tag it #NationalAviationDay and #PlaneTags or #MotoArt so we can see it too. We’ll be posting some of our favorites too.
Courage is doing what you are afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you are scared. Eddie Rickenbacker
Follow @MotoArt: Facebook , Instagram, Twitter and @PlaneTags: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter to see our photos, news, giveaways, new releases and events. If you’re in the LAX area, stop by and see us.
Whatever you decide, make sure you take at least a few moments to look up at the sky and appreciate the folks who made aviation possible over the past century and in the future. Happy Aviation Day from MotoArt PlaneTags.