December 2003 100th anniversary of flight

[John Slade]

I've heard there's a fly-in at Kittyhawk in late Dec 2003 to celebrate the first flight. This seems like a perfect place to take my Cozy once it's finished.

 

A couple of builders have contacted me with info about houses they're renting on the beach for the occasion.

 

If anyone (Wayne?) has more info on this event, please post it.

[Wayne Hicks]

According to most of the literature I've seen so far, here's what I know. Can't swear it's all true, but here are the rumors:

 

1. The official slate of events covers 5 days from Saturday 12/13 through Wednesday 12/17. The flight re-enactment is Wednesday 12/17.

 

2. The OBX (Outer Banks) is already putting out notices for everyone to expect a high volume of tourists.

 

3. The monument area where the events will take place is run by the Park Service. And space will be a premium. You will need a ticket to get in. You do this by signing up on the web and paying for a reservation. (At least that's how I understand it will work.) The Park Service is advising you apply for your reservation now. Don't wait.

 

4. You will also need a reservation to land at, and park your plane at the Dare County (Manteo) Regional Airport (KMQI). Forget about landing at First Flight (KFFA). There are other airports nearby -- Currituck (9W7), Billy Mitchell (KHSE), and Edenton (KEDE). But you will need a car or thick soles on your walking shoes.

 

5. Hotels and Beach Houses are already at a premium. A normal beach house rate in the December off-season is typically around $650/week. Summer rates for the same beach house is typically $2,000/week. (True!) Expect to pay summer rates for that week. All hotels and beach houses within walking distance of First Flight are already displaying no vacancy signs. Many of the locals that own the beach houses are choosing to occupy them themselves during that week.

 

...Wayne Hicks

[John Slade]

I found this link for tickets:

 

http://www.wrightbrothers.reserveworld.com

and

http://www.firstflightcentennial.org/

http://www.firstflight.org/

 

for info

 

It's starting to look a bit to organized and commercialized to be my type of fly-in.