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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Flight Across America Schedules 8/11 Kick Off
REDMOND, Washington – July 12, 2002 – The Flight Across America, a national effort to celebrate the freedom of flight in America and honor those fallen in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, has scheduled its official kick-off event at Snohomish County Airport Paine Field in Everett, Washington on August 11, 2002. Steeped in aviation history, Paine Field is also home to Redmond pilot Molly Peebles, the creator of the Flight Across America. “Paine Field is excited about Molly's program,” commented Airport Director Dave Waggoner, “we’re very impressed with her leadership and drive to bring it to fruition.” She will be joined by other pilots flying in from across the Northwest starting at 9AM on Sunday, August 11. Planned events include a pancake breakfast prepared by local firefighters along with remarks and presentations from state officials followed by an inspiring fly-out. Local dignitaries, including Washington State Secretary of Transportation Doug MacDonald and Aviation Division Director, John Sibold, will present a proclamation from Governor Gary Locke acknowledging the importance of the Flight Across America. Afterwards, Secretary MacDonald will hand over an Washington State flag to pilot Kirk Kleinholz, who will carry the flag to New York City to be presented as a expression of Washington State’s reverence for those who affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. “The Flight Across America is just one woman’s vision, but it’s about using aviation to help bring the nation together through the celebration of flight,” said Peebles. “We’ve already signed up pilots from most of the United States – even Puerto Rico – who will join us on short flights or like Kirk, will fly all the way to New York to call attention to the contributions aviation has made to the United States.” Kleinholz adds; “In my own flight across America, I hope to honor those affected by the 9/11 tragedy, promote the beautiful freedom of flight, and show by example why Americans coming together will always make this a wonderful country to call home.” Following the proclamation and flag presentation, Peebles will depart on a 32-day journey across the country to celebrate and promote the freedom of flight. Along with fellow pilot Charles Oppermann of Woodinville, they will take off with dozens of aircraft with the goal of reaching each public airport in Washington State, thus beginning the month-long web of flights to link airports across the country. Various local business and organizations are supporting Peebles idea. In addition to Snohomish County Airport, Regal Air, a flight school based at the airport, is a sponsor of the event. Local aviation organizations such as the Washington Pilots Association and the Western Washington chapter of the Ninety-Nines, a women’s aviation organization have publicized, contributed volunteers and encouraged their members to participate. For more information including an event calendar, or to participate, pilots can browse the Flight Across America web site at http://www.flightacrossamerica.com. ######### FOR MORE INFORMATION: Snohomish County Airport Paine Field Regal Air Washington Pilots Association The Ninety-Nines Western Washington Chapter, The Ninety- Nines |
Last Updated: 07/25/02. Copyright © 2002 Flight Across America |
