NEW MEETING TIMES NOTICE-
No meeting in December. Beginning in January Membership meetings will be held on the 2nd Saturday at 2:00 pm at the hangar.
Open Board meetings are to follow the membership meetings or will be scheduled as circumstances require them for actions.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2004
DECEMBER 17,1903.....THE DATE THAT CHANGED THE WORLD 

National Archives photo

     It was shortly thereafter that the world began to see the military possibilities of the airplane. Here in this photo the Wright brothers prepare to demonstrate for the U.S. Army. 
     After years of failed attempts, on December 17, 1903, at 10:35 a.m. on the sand dunes outside of Kitty Hawk, N.C., Orville successfully flew the brothers’ powered 1903 Flyer. It was a historic and world-changing 12 second, 120-foot flight. Today we celebrate that event as we watch the continued refinement of flying. Today we honor all those who have been a part of aviation. 
     Although the Wrights were not recognized as the first in powered flight, they continued to improve their machine and to do business with the U.S. government. Samuel P. Langley who headed the Smithsonian Institution where he had political clout and hugh government financial backing was recognized by the government as the first with powered flight. Even though that was not true.
     It wasn’t until November 23, 1948 the day after the Wright flyer returned from Europe that the Wright brothers were recognized in a formal agreement that they were rightfully the pioneers who had made the first powered flight. The Wright flyer was placed on display on December 17, 1948, exactly 45 years after the real first flight. 
     Today we honor that same aircraft with a 10 foot model of the Wright Flyer at our hangar. 100 years later, the model by Richard Horton stands as testimony for all who visit the Historical Aircraft Squadron in Lancaster, Ohio, at the Fairfield County Airport. Restored military aircraft stand by as silent tribute.

     It doesn't seem possible, but another year is almost gone. We look back to see what we did right and what we need to change or continue to do. We try to improve our operation and quality of our museum. This we will continue to do in the future.
    We had our board elections and the results are as follows; Ramiro (Speedy) Gonzalez a 3 year term, Jim Ridgway a 2 year term and Warren Roberts a 1 year term. 
     I Wish to thank the people who voted. 
     We will be holding our Christmas dinner at the Best Western in Lancaster on the 6th of December at 6:30 PM. Those wishing to attend contact Kathy Ridgway at 614-899- 9690. The cost is $16.05 per person and this includes the tip. Hope to see you there.
     In January we are going to start having our members meeting on the 2nd Saturday of the month at 2 PM. Come out and see what is going on and find out latest information on projects and what we are planning for in the future. 
     Speedy is leasing a truck to the group to replace the PX trailer we no longer have. We will need to build shelving and storage for the merchandise and equipment we take to the air shows.
     Anyone wanting to help let us know and we will give you our schedule and work plans. 

Everyone have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. 
Jim Ridgway

This new event will be held at our Fairfield County Airport location and will feature an event that includes aircraft related items as well as vendors selling traditional assortments of Flea market items. Make your plans to help out or to sell your items by contacting Kathy Ridgway at 614-899-9690

LETS WIN THE PEACE...It is more important than ever to support our troops by flying the flag. Let the world know that we are united !! Our troops are risking their lives every day for us. Pray for them.

December 7, 1941 Japan attacks Pearl Harbor. WWII begins.
 
December 8, 1903 The second and last trial of the Langley airplane; the machine piloted by Charles Manly, was wrecked in launching from a houseboat on the Potomac River. Hawk, N.C., by Wilbur Wright-105 feet in 3.5 seconds (Because the plane crashed so soon after take-off, the flight is not considered either as sustained or controlled as are the flights of 17 December).

December 17, 1903 First sustained controlled power airplane flights were made by Orville and Wilbur Wright at Kitty Hawk, N.C. The plane flew 852 feet in 59 seconds on the fourth and longest flight of the day. 

THE WORLD CHANGED!!

Bob DeLay, Editor; and Graphic Design
  614.846.2876

Mail:
Invader
PO Box 156
Carroll, Ohio 43112

Hanger Phone
740.653.4778
A-26 Project Leader
Branson Rutherford - 740.756.4136

Email
Info@HistoricalAircraftSquadron.com

Jim Ridgway, President
614.899.9690

Diane McDaniel, Membership
Jerry McDaniel, Board Member
614.855.2120

Wayne Swisher, VP, Board Member
740.653.8593

Kathy Ridgway, Board Member
614.899.9690

Branson Rutherford, Board Member
740.756.4136

Robert George
614.491.8916

Malinda Rutherford, Treasurer
(740) 756-4136

Sue Boden, Secretary
740.653.9169

Speedy Gonzales, Board Member
Warren Roberts, Board Member