Posted on 09/09/2003 7:07:36 AM PDT by jae471
One hundred years ago this year, in Kitty Hawk, NC, two brothers prepared to break the constraints that held mankind to the ground. December 17, 1903 at 10:35 AM, the Wright Brothers lifted their Flyer into the air for twelve seconds, covering a distance of 121 feet. Although this event is well known, many do not know the important role that College Park played in the foundation of the aeronautical field within the United States.
Although December 17, 1903 was one the most important dates in man’s attempts to master the elements, it went relatively unnoticed at the time. Only three U.S. newspapers mentioned the flight, and even these accounts were illusory. The flights that should have been making headlines remained unobserved. Even when the Wright Brothers wrote to their Congressman to inquire about the United States Government’s interest, they received a letter from the Board of Ordnance and Fortifications explaining they were not interested in “financing experiments”. After several rebuffs, in 1907 the U.S. Government finally expressed interest after hearing of potential purchases.
In November 1907, Wilbur Wright met with U.S. Army officials to discuss the potential of equipping the army with aeroplanes, upon which Signal Corps Specification No. 486 was drafted. This advertised and specified the army’s needs for an aeroplane that could seat two people, achieve at least 40 MPH, sustain a flight for one hour, and operate easy enough for a man of average intelligence to control. This advertisement attracted forty inventors, among them, the Wright Brothers. Selected as one of three acceptable bids, the brothers were the only inventors that were able to supply a flying machine within the specified amount of time.
Upon successful testing at Ft. Myer, VA, the Wright Brother’s Flying Machine was accepted on August 2, 1909. The only remaining stigma of their contract was the training of two U.S. Army officers to fly the new machine. Since Ft. Myer was judged to be too small to safely train the new pilots, a search for new testing grounds began. It was during this search that a large tract of flat land was spotted in College Park, MD. This location, with its flat land, provided an ideal spot for an aeronautical field, being close enough to Washington D.C. for easy access, yet far enough away to detract large crowds from forming during training.
On October 8, 1909, the training of Lt. Frank Lahm and Lt. Frederic Humphreys, the first two army pilots, began. In November, both pilots completed solo flights, thus fulfilling the Wrights’ contract. Although the Wright Brothers’ interaction with the airport was completed, College Park continued to remain an important focal point within aviation history.
It was here in 1911 that the first military aviation school opened its doors. Leasing 200 acres, extending north along the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and east to the Paint Branch of Anacostia River, a new training facility was developed, which included four hangers, a small headquarters building, and a tent for an emergency hospital. Funds provided also allowed for the procurement of five aeroplanes. Training, although abundant during warmer months, was moved to warmer climates during winter months. Due to this need for seasonal movement and the expiration of the land lease, the College Park Aviation School was closed on June 30, 1913.
After the closing of the Aviation School, the airport remained open for both military and civilian uses. It was here in 1918, that the Post Office Department inaugurated the first Air Mail Program. On August 12, the first flight from College Park to New York was flown, with a stop in Philadelphia. This service continued to run from this field until 1921, when new routes were opened. During this same period experiments for the first controlled helicopter were explored at this field.
The College Park Airport remains one of the most important landmarks of aviation in the United States, being home to many firsts within the field of flight. It is the oldest continuously operated airport in the world. Added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1977, it now includes a museum dedicated to the history of flight, especially those events which would mark College Park down in world history. Many exciting exhibits, including reproduced and renovated aircraft, can be found throughout the museum. A glass wall facing the runway allows viewers to observe take offs and landings during their visit.
The College Park Aviation Museum is located on Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, right off Paint Branch Drive in College Park, MD, within walking distance of the campus. They are open daily from 10AM to 5PM, with a minimal admission charge of $2 for students and $3 for adults.
For more information on the College Park Aviation Museum and its exhibits and events, visit their webpage www.collegeparkaviationmuseum.com or call 301-864-6029. For information on events that celebrate the Centennial of Flight in your area, visit www.centennialofflight.gov
Before 9-11, there was a waiting list of people trying to base their aircraft there. Preference was given to historic aircraft.
The museum is small -- it has 4 or 5 planes in it. Its great for kids, though. Its operated by the county park service with help from the National Air and Space Museum.
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