Pan American Aviation Day

On December 17, we celebrate Pan American Aviation Day, commemorating the Wright brothers’ first powered flight in 1903. This historic achievement changed the world and began a new era of aviation. Today, we honor the incredible innovations in flight and give thanks for the remarkable invention of the airplane.

History

In 1903, two brothers—Wilbur and Orville Wright—fulfilled their childhood dream of building a flying machine and launched their aircraft in North Carolina. Their success was the result of many years of research, experimentation, and collaboration with talented engineers. After several failed attempts, they achieved their goal and introduced the Flyer to the world. This breakthrough paved the way for more advanced designs and made air travel possible for everyone. Today, as we fly across continents, we can appreciate the vision and dedication of aviation pioneers.

Pan American Aviation Day was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and was first observed in 1940. The holiday reminds us of the importance of aviation development in the nations of the Pan American Union. Its mission is to unite people from different cultures and promote communication and progress throughout the Americas.

Interesting Facts

Amazing things about planes:

• The largest passenger airliner is the Airbus A380, which can hold up to 853 people.
• Some aircraft can travel up to 15,000 km (over 9,000 miles) without refueling.
• Airplanes are built to withstand lightning strikes—you may not even notice if it happens during your flight.
• About 10 million flights take place each year worldwide.
• Each aircraft is made from millions of individual parts.
• The air inside a plane is very dry, which can affect your sense of taste during meals.

How to Take Part

Learn more about aviation history on Pan American Aviation Day. Visit a museum, take a flight to a new destination, or help someone overcome their fear of flying. Share interesting facts about aviation with friends and family to celebrate this remarkable industry.

When is Pan American Aviation Day in 2025?

Pan American Aviation Day is observed on December 17 each year.

Observations