Background
Dramatic chapters in world aviation history have been written
in Delaware. Important advances in aircraft design have been
made here. Systems for improving the utility and safety of
flight have been proved here; one of the world’s largest
airlines sprouted its wings in the First State.
In World War II, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) headquartered
in Delaware, and the Air Transport Command made Delaware a major
jumping-off point for transatlantic operations. Today in the
jet age, Delaware is a strategic springboard for military airlift
on a global scale.
In the Space Age, Delaware scientists helped America reach the
moon and probe the universe.
Many Delawareans have served their country valiantly with their
gift of wings, some with their lives.
Memories of outstanding achievement in aviation and of the people
who made it happen inspired establishment of The Delaware Aviation
Hall of Fame. Its formation was announced on December 17, 1999,
the 96th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ historic flight,
with first inductions in 2000, the first year of the
new millennium.
Delaware has many outstanding aviation pioneers, but only a
few can be enshrined each year. Ironically, this constraint serves
important objectives, including perpetuity of the Delaware Aviation
Hall of Fame and continual celebration of the State’s proud
aviation history. |
