November 2019

“National Aviation History Month is dedicated to exploring, recognizing and celebrating America’s great contributions and achievements in the development of aviation. Aviation history refers to the history of development of mechanical flight — from the earliest attempts in kites and gliders to powered heavier-than-air, supersonic and space flights.”
Quote from: Kessler, Ed. “November Is National Aviation History Month.” Government Book Talk, 3 Nov. 2017, https://govbooktalk.gpo.gov/2017/11/03/november-is-national-aviation-history-month/#.

National Aviation Day is actually August 19th. It was created by Franklin Delano Roosevelt with a presidential proclamation in 1939. Essentially, the president converted Orville Wright‘s birthday into the recognized event.

“AVIATORS IN HISTORY: Looking back, many of us quickly identify Wilbur and Orville Wright. However, long before the brothers took to the air, others were lifting off in other devices. In fact, the Wrights were inspired by these inventive pioneers in aviation.”
Quote from: “AVIATION HISTORY MONTH – November.” National Day Calendar, https://nationaldaycalendar.com/aviation-history-month-november/.

Leonardo da Vinci
In the late 1400’s, Leonardo da Vinci did more than paint. He worked on military technology while employed by the Milanese court. This is attributed to his obsession with flight. He is known to have drawn more than 500 pictures related to flight and though he has written about it many of his works, he only has one codex related solely to aviation: the Codice sul volo degli uccelli (Codex on the Flight of Birds). This is dated back to 1505-1506! He is also been known to be credited for the designs of the helicopter and parachute.