Photo: First Flight Society

Kelowna pilots will honour the 115th anniversary of powered flight

Members of the Kelowna Flying Club are gearing up to commemorate the 115th anniversary of powered flight in North America.

On Dec. 17, 1903, Wright brothers Orville and Wilbur made the first successful powered flights in North Carolina.

The now-famous Wright Flyer made its first flight, piloted by Orville, at 10:35 a.m., going 120 feet in 12 seconds, at a speed of 6.8 mph. The next two flights covered approximately 175 and 200 feet, by Wilbur and Orville respectively. They were about 10 feet above the ground.

"We will take off from Kelowna at 10 a.m. Sunday, do a touch and go in Penticton and fly to Vernon for another touch and go before returning to the Kelowna Airport," said flying club member Ariel Tyk.

"Aviation is such an important part of our world, and we thought it would be important to mark this milestone."

So far, seven pilots have committed to the formation.

Similar flights are taking place all over Canada and United States, Sunday and Monday. For more information on the Kelowna Flying Club, click here.