WWI Flying Event to Feature Interactive Educational Activities

The 2014 WWI Dawn Patrol Rendezvous will not only allow visitors to see great flying action from the early years of aviation, but also includes free interactive educational programs that provide a hands-on experience for the entire family, Sept. 27-28 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

Presented by museum staff and volunteers, these educational programs will be located in the activities tent on the grounds of the event, and feature four different stations:

•        “Parachutes” – Visitors will learn about the early development of parachutes. Participants will be able to try on a parachute pack and take a photo while hanging in parachute gear.
•        “How an airplane flies” – This station will use a model aircraft to show how lift and control surfaces allow an airplane to fly.
•        “Rotary Engines” – Rotary engines were the type of engine used in many WWI aircraft and this station will use a small rotary engine to demonstrate how it works.
•       “Make and Fly a Paper Glider” – Participants will be able to make and fly a paper glider of their own.

Additional activities in the tent will also include Buckeye Gamers in Flight’s WWI giant board game, “Wings of Glory,” which provides participants with a better understanding of the war in Europe and the number of countries involved; aircraft computer simulators for those who want the experience of flying a WWI aircraft; and seven WWI authors will serve as guest speakers throughout the weekend. A complete listing of guest speakers and topics is available at http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/wwi.asp.

Gates will be open each day from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free, and food and merchandise will be available for sale.Visitors may reach the event site by coming through the “Spinning Road Gate,” located at the intersection of Airway and Spinning Roads (Joe Greene Way), or driving through the main museum gate on Springfield Street and following the signs that lead to the event area.

The 2014 WWI Dawn Patrol Rendezvous will be the ninth event offered by the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and the Great War Aeroplanes Association. The last WWI Dawn Patrol Rendezvous took place in the fall of 2011.

In addition to the flying event, the museum has launched a WWI anniversary page on its website. Each week through 2018, a WWI-related artifact will be featured, along with links to other online resources. Visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/research/ww100.asp to learn more.