WRAL TV

North Carolina Celebrates the Centennial of Flight

This locally produced special highlights aviation in North Carolina, with special emphasis on the Wright Brothers' first flight from Kitty Hawk on December 17, 1903. Other features include construction of a 1903 Wright Flyer replica that was flown Dec. 17, 2003 during Kitty Hawk’s centennial celebration, a profile on N.C.’s first licensed pilot, N.C.’s military aviation history and a look at the aviation curriculum in NC schools. First broadcast in May 2003 and hosted by WRAL's Bill Leslie, this WRAL special aired in conjunction with the opening weekend of Fayetteville’s Festival of Flight, an 11-day celebration featuring air shows, expos, displays, exhibits and an arts festival. It was rebroadcast in December to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' historic flight.