News Release

Wright Brothers National Memorial hosts Dec. 17 first flight anniversary event and special unveiling of student-built airplane

Orville Wright takes off in the first flight of the 1903 flyer as Wilbur Wright assists.

News Release Date: December 2, 2025

Contact: Mike Barber, 252-475-9032

MANTEO, N.C. — On Dec. 17 at 8:30 a.m., Wright Brothers National Memorial, Dare County Schools, the First Flight Society and Outer Banks Forever will celebrate the accomplishments of Wilbur and Orville Wright on the 122nd anniversary of their first heavier-than-air, controlled, powered flight. Park entrance fees are waived on this special day.

This year, the First Flight Society will induct William P. Lear (1902-1978) into its Paul E. Garber Shrine. Lear was an American inventor and businessman, best known for founding the Learjet company, a manufacturer of business jets used around the world.

Another historic moment will unfold during the celebration, as First Flight High School students in Dare County unveil the school’s first completed student-built airplane. The build is the second airplane ever constructed on this historic site, following in the footsteps of the Wright brothers’ and carrying their legacy into a modern classroom.

This milestone project began in 2023 as part of the school’s Aviation Program, which teaches real-world aeronautics, engineering, leadership, and teamwork through hands-on learning. The project underscores how Career and Technical Education, strengthened by community partnerships, can inspire the next generation of aviators and engineers. In a true full-circle moment, students are carrying forward the same spirit of innovation that launched the world’s first flight on the very ground where aviation history began.

Schedule (approximate times)

8:30 a.m.	Event and speeches begin (note the earlier than normal start time)
9:00 a.m.	William Lear portrait unveiling by the First Flight Society
9:10 a.m.	Wright Flight Academy introduction by Dare County Schools
9:45 a.m.	Wreath-laying ceremony by descendants of the witnesses of the first flight
10:00 a.m.	First Flight High School’s student-built airplane unveiling
10:35 a.m.	Exact time of Orville Wright’s first successful flight on Dec. 17, 1903
11:00 a.m.	William Lear’s portrait installation ceremony inside the visitor center
1 p.m.	Ranger-led educational program offered outside visitor center
2:30 p.m.	Ranger-led educational program offered outside visitor center

Demonstrations with the replica 1903 Wright Flyer will occur throughout the day, and the Wright Brothers Monument will be open for visitors to view the lower atrium (weather-dependent). Visitors are invited to attend these free programs and participate in the park’s free Junior Ranger program. The park will remain open until 5 p.m.

At the Aviation Lab on the Wright Brothers National Memorial grounds, First Flight High School students work on the final components of their Van’s RV-12iS airplane.

Dare County Schools