EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (May 13, 2003) - EAA and the National Park Service - partners in EAA’s Countdown to Kitty Hawk program, presented by Ford Motor Company, announced today that eight additional EAA-member pilots have been chosen to represent their states in EAA’s “50 Flags to Kitty Hawk” initiative, celebrating the achievements of the Wright brothers and 100 years of powered flight.

The eight pilots - selected to represent the states of Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Kansas, New Jersey, New York and Vermont - will fly their respective state flag to the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, N.C., on a day of their choice prior to December 1, 2003. Each pilot will also carry a proclamation from that state’s Governor declaring the day of their flight “50 Flags to Kitty Hawk Day” for their respective state.

Upon arriving in Kitty Hawk, each pilot will be welcomed by the National Park Service, take part in official welcoming ceremonies, after which the flag of their respective state will be raised and flown throughout the day at the National Memorial. At year’s end, the 50 flags delivered will be used in the creation of a permanent EAA/NPS “50 Flags to Kitty Hawk” display at the site.

The eight selected are:

• Kendell Smith, Anchorage, Alaska, an EAA member since 1997, who will fly his PA-18 Super Cub to Kitty Hawk later this month.
• Stephen Korta, Marlborough, Conn., an EAA member since 1985, who will fly his Fairchild 24 to Kitty Hawk at a date yet to be determined.
• Barry Breeding, Harrington, Del., an EAA member since 1995, who will fly his Cessna 172M to Kitty Hawk later this month.
• Eliot Merk, Hilo, Hawaii, an EAA member since 1993, who will fly his Mooney 201 to Kitty Hawk in August. Accompanying him will be Jud Schandel.
• Benjamin Lee, Wichita, Kan., an EAA member since 1992, who will fly his Cessna 206 to Kitty Hawk in June. Accompanying him will be his wife Audra, son Brandon, and daughter Claire-Bailey.
• Angus Fraser, Leonardo, N.J., an EAA member since 2002, who will fly his Yakovlev 52 to Kitty Hawk at a date yet to be determined. Accompanying his will be a senior chosen from the New Jersey school system.
• John Morrow, Kingston, N.Y., an EAA member since 1990, who will fly his Aeronca Champ 7CCM to Kitty Hawk on August 16. Accompanying him will be John Martino, Gary Mulligan and Bruce Snow.
• Loren Shaw, Derby, Vt., an EAA member since 1999, who will fly his C-182 Skylane to Kitty Hawk at a date yet to be determined. Accompanying him will be Frank Fabiani and Alden Blanchard.

The eight selections bring to 26 the number of EAA member pilots chosen to participate in the “50 Flags to Kitty Hawk” program.

EAA’s “Countdown to Kitty Hawk” is a centennial celebration of the Wright brothers’ first powered flight - an innovation that forever changed our world. Led by EAA, presented by Ford Motor Company, and supported by Microsoft Flight Simulator and Eclipse Aviation, this year-long series of inspirational events honors the innovation and determination it takes to make world-changing dreams a reality. “Countdown to Kitty Hawk” features an interactive touring pavilion and the world’s most-accurate 1903 Wright brothers’ first flight at Kitty Hawk, NC, on December 17, 2003 - exactly 100 years later. For more information regarding the program, check the official “Countdown to Kitty Hawk” web site (www.countdowntokittyhawk.com).