San Antonio, Texas is home to military aviation.  On March 2, 1910, Army 1st Lt. Benjamin Foulois launched a Wright Brothers “Aeroplane” into the air from a wooden take-off ramp at the Fort Sam Houston Parade Field. 

Aviation for the United States Military began with a 7 1/2 minute flight.  This was the first successful flight in a US military airplane by a US military pilot from a US military reservation. 

TODAY

The San Antonio community celebrates military aviation’s unique place in history through a year-long series of events that highlights, recognizes and honors the pioneers in military flight.

CELEBRATION MARKS 100 YEARS OF INNOVATION

Stinson’s Flight No. 2. Order of Daedalians, and Jack H. Dibrell/Alamo Chapter of the Army Aviation Association of America will sponsor reenactment of the historic event on Tuesday, March 2, 2010, beginning at 0900 hours right on the parade ground at Fort Sam Houston where the original flight took place.  Wright “B” Flyer of Ohio will deliver a replica of a 1910 Wright Flyer to Fort Sam Houston for the ceremony.  A second look-alike Wright Flyer will fly over the parade ground at the exact time of the first flight to simulate the actual take off.  

Each military service has been invited to send a farewell flyover salute to Lt. Foulois, who later became Chief of the Army Air Corps and retired as a Major General.

ABOUT ABOVE PHOTO:  The painting, “Gallant Beginning”, is considered by many the most renowned and technically correct portrayal of the first flight by Lt. Foulois at Fort Sam Houston on 2 March 1910 and has become the logo for the Centennial of Military Flight in San Antonio.  The painter is Keith Ferris, known nationally for his artistry in depicting aviation and aircraft.