1. National Aviation Week begins today, Aug. 15, and runs through Aug. 21, according to National Aviation Week’s Web site, with National Aviation Day taking place on Friday. National Aviation Day celebrates the history and development of aviation and coincides with the birthday of Orville Wright, who played an important role in aviation history along with his brother Wilbur. To celebrate the week, organizations across the United States often hold programs about airplanes and careers associated with the aviation industry. Here in Connecticut, we are fortunate to have the New England Air Museum.
2. North Central Connecticut has always been at the forefront of flight, be it on a military mission or in space. Two of the the area's largest employers, Pratt & Whitney of East Hartford and Windsor Locks-based Hamilton Sundstrand, have put engines on fighter jets and space suits on astronauts, respectively. Hamilton engineer Donald "Dr. Flush" Rethke, had a hand in developing the space toilet. Pratt also makes engines for the C-17 cargo plane, a workhorse of the military.
3. The theme of this week's program at the is “.” It takes place from Aug. 15 to Aug. 21. Folks can explore the art and science of flying planes, big and small. The museum's new exhibit, "Flight Sim Zone," recreates the experience of flying using state-of-the-art computers and software, with multiple large displays and flight controls. Learn to take off, land and handle the basics of flight on the simulator. Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis and is recommended for kids aged 7 years old and above. Please note that Flight Sim Zone is only available to groups through arrangement, so contact Jason T. Archer for information.
4. In other aviation news, if you are interested in flying or racing remote-controlled airplanes, then the The Northern Connecticut Radio Control Club may be for you. The NCRCC , which include the Electric Fly-In, the WWII Fly-In, the Q-500 Two-Day Race, WWI Dawn Patrol Fly-In and an annual auction. The group meets at its flying field on Greene Road in Ellington. Its next meeting is Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. They also fly inside at Star Hill Sports indoor soccer dome in Tolland on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For information about these get-togethers and about joining, visit the NCRCC online or simply stop by a meeting and introduce yourself!
5. On this day in history, 1969, the Woodstock Festival opened in Bethel, New York.
