National Aviation Day and the Power of Flight
August 19th is National Aviation Day, a great time to celebrate flying and learn more about some important aviators.
All aviation Stories
I Am the Bird
You never know when something is going to happen that will change your life in an instant. Joe Pires had dreamed of flying since he was a young boy, but finally, in his 50s, he got his chance in a unique contraption called a gyroplane. Come fly away.
Forrest Bird
His device for newborn babies has saved millions of lives over the past couple decades. Inventor and aviator Forrest Bird kept coming up with new ways to change the world well into his 90s.
Ed Shadle
Ed Shadle is the ultimate do-it-yourselfer. Now nearly 70, he dreams of breaking the world land speed record, and to achieve his goal, he’s built himself the ultimate racer — a jet engine-powered racecar.
Light the Spark Within
What would you do if you had all the money in the world and a lifetime to spend it? Kermit Weeks realized early on that for him, the sky’s the limit. He owns an airplane museum but only recently discovered his true life’s purpose.
The First Man in Space Embraces Cyberspace
Col. Joe Kittinger has a passion for teaching children and for sharing his passion in aviation, engineering, lifelong learning and the U.S.A. With our help, Colonel Kittinger is finding that live video chats can instantly take him into any classroom.
Joe Kittinger
Joe Kittinger was actually the first man in space but very few know his name or the stories of his feats. Find out how his courage set the groundwork for the space program and how he’s still looking for his next adventure, even in his 80s.
25 Years Later: An Aviation Legend Remembers
In 1984, at the age of 56, fighter pilot, daredevil and American aviation hero Joe Kittinger completed the first solo trans-Atlantic balloon flight from Maine to Italy. 25 years later, he shares his story with Growing Bolder. Here’s a sneak peek.
Soaring to New Heights
The best glider pilots in North America over the age of 55 gather for the Senior Soaring National Championships. Former fighter pilots and commercial airline pilots call soaring the greatest test of all.