Each year on August 19, National Aviation Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate how far aviation has come—and to imagine how far it can take us. Established in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to honor the birthday of Orville Wright, one of the pioneers of powered flight, the day is more than a nod to history. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when curiosity meets courage.
At Albert Whitted Airport, aviation has always been about more than takeoffs and landings. It’s about launching dreams.
Past: A History of First Flights and New Frontiers
From the early days of barnstormers and biplanes to its role in military and civilian aviation, AWA has been a gateway to adventure and innovation for nearly a century. The airport’s namesake, U.S. Naval Lieutenant James Albert Whitted, was himself a dreamer—a World War I aviator turned community aviation pioneer.
For generations, AWA has welcomed pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and aviation enthusiasts who saw something special in the sky. Its runways have seen everything from training aircraft to cutting-edge experimental planes, each representing a unique story of ambition and progress.
Present: A Living Classroom and Launchpad
Today, AWA is much more than an airport—it’s a vibrant hub where passion for flight is passed down and new possibilities take shape.
Through programs like the Friends of Albert Whitted Airport (FOAWA) scholarship, young aspiring aviators are getting their first real chance to pursue careers in aviation. Flight instructors guide students through their first solo flights. Parents bring children to the terminal’s observation deck to watch planes take off and spark a lifelong fascination with flying.
Local schools, aviation camps, and STEM partnerships use AWA as a living classroom. This is a place where dreams aren’t just imagined—they’re nurtured, practiced, and made real.
Future: Building the Next Generation of Aviators
The world needs more pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and innovators. And it needs diverse voices to shape the skies of tomorrow. That’s why the mission of AWA—and the community that supports it—is more important than ever.
Looking ahead, AWA is committed to being an even stronger launchpad for the next generation. That means expanding access to scholarships and training opportunities. It means strengthening ties with local schools and youth organizations. And it means ensuring that anyone with a dream to fly feels that they belong here.
Celebrate With Us
This National Aviation Day, we invite you to celebrate Albert Whitted Airport’s role as a launchpad for dreams. Come visit. Share your own story of inspiration.
At AWA, the past reminds us how