WASHINGTON, DC, May 21, 2003 – The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) joined the National Park Service and the First Flight Centennial Foundation today for the First Flight Centennial Pavilion ribbon-cutting at Wright Brothers National Memorial. National, state and local leaders were on hand for the opening of the new 20,000-square-foot Pavilion which includes educational exhibits, a venue for speakers and aviation-themed activities.

As part of the partnership, GAMA will host the general aviation exhibit entitled “General Aviation: The Impact of the Wright Brother’s Discovery on Our World.” Highlights of the exhibit include a description of some of the benefits of general aviation and features people whose lives have been directly affected by the Wright brothers’ historic flight. A kiosk on flight training developed by the BE A PILOT program will also be featured. The National Park Service predicts that more than four million people will visit the facility over the next five years.

“We are pleased to be a part of the celebration here at the birthplace of aviation. By demonstrating the many ways that general aviation has changed our lives, we can truly pay tribute to the Wright brothers and their accomplishments” said GAMA President & CEO Ed Bolen.