Menu
17/12/2003
Belfast celebrates 100 years of flight history
Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast, was today marking Northern Ireland's major contribution to aviation over the last century on the 100-year anniversary of the world's first powered flight.
Man's momentous first powered, controlled flight took place on 17th December 1903, at Kill Devil Hills near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, when Orville Wright lifted the 'Flyer' off its launch rail and made his historic 12-second flight. Before the aircraft was wrecked by a gust of wind, a further three longer flights had been completed.
With a total flight time of 97 seconds, man's love affair with flight had taken off, beginning a century of aviation innovation, in which Short Brothers, now Bombardier Aerospace, and other Northern Ireland people and companies continue to play a major part.
Despite recent problems at Bombardier's Shorts base in recent months, the aerospace firm has been able to hold a number of events and initiatives to mark the centennial of flight. These included sponsoring an interactive show on the science of flying for pupils across Northern Ireland, a schools' competition in which a new UK record was set for the distance flown by a paper airplane, and a touring photographic exhibition, which explores some of the history of aviation in Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the historic day, Michael Ryan, vice-president and general manager of Bombardier Aerospace in Belfast, said: "We are very proud of our historic aviation roots our links with the Wright brothers and the significant contribution made by our own employees over the years.
"We have certainly come a long way from that first 12-second flight. But as we celebrate the past 100 years, we must also look ahead to the next 100 years of flight and focus on the part all of us in Northern Ireland can play."
Bombardier has also been supporting the GETSET (Girls Entering Tomorrow's Science, Engineering and Technology) programme run by Sentinus, aimed at encouraging schoolgirls to consider a career in engineering and science.
Today, around 300 schoolgirls are attending a special GETSET Celebration of Flight Conference at Queen's University, which includes guest speakers, interactive presentations and displays.
(MB)
Man's momentous first powered, controlled flight took place on 17th December 1903, at Kill Devil Hills near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, when Orville Wright lifted the 'Flyer' off its launch rail and made his historic 12-second flight. Before the aircraft was wrecked by a gust of wind, a further three longer flights had been completed.
With a total flight time of 97 seconds, man's love affair with flight had taken off, beginning a century of aviation innovation, in which Short Brothers, now Bombardier Aerospace, and other Northern Ireland people and companies continue to play a major part.
Despite recent problems at Bombardier's Shorts base in recent months, the aerospace firm has been able to hold a number of events and initiatives to mark the centennial of flight. These included sponsoring an interactive show on the science of flying for pupils across Northern Ireland, a schools' competition in which a new UK record was set for the distance flown by a paper airplane, and a touring photographic exhibition, which explores some of the history of aviation in Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the historic day, Michael Ryan, vice-president and general manager of Bombardier Aerospace in Belfast, said: "We are very proud of our historic aviation roots our links with the Wright brothers and the significant contribution made by our own employees over the years.
"We have certainly come a long way from that first 12-second flight. But as we celebrate the past 100 years, we must also look ahead to the next 100 years of flight and focus on the part all of us in Northern Ireland can play."
Bombardier has also been supporting the GETSET (Girls Entering Tomorrow's Science, Engineering and Technology) programme run by Sentinus, aimed at encouraging schoolgirls to consider a career in engineering and science.
Today, around 300 schoolgirls are attending a special GETSET Celebration of Flight Conference at Queen's University, which includes guest speakers, interactive presentations and displays.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 December 2014
Plans Scrapped For NI Offshore Wind Farm
Plans for the development of an offshore wind farm in Northern Ireland have been pulled. The developers, First Flight Wind, decided to cease the plans, after they felt the project could not be built in the timeframes likely to be required under the new market rules.
Plans Scrapped For NI Offshore Wind Farm
Plans for the development of an offshore wind farm in Northern Ireland have been pulled. The developers, First Flight Wind, decided to cease the plans, after they felt the project could not be built in the timeframes likely to be required under the new market rules.
17 June 2014
NI Wind Farm To Be Scaled Back
Northern Ireland's first ever wind farm is to be scaled back to avoid key fishing grounds, according to First Flight Wind, the company behind the project.
NI Wind Farm To Be Scaled Back
Northern Ireland's first ever wind farm is to be scaled back to avoid key fishing grounds, according to First Flight Wind, the company behind the project.
11 October 2012
Go-Ahead For NI Green Energy Projects
Three renewable energy projects off the coasts of Down and Antrim have been given the green light. Licenses have been granted for the projects as the Crown Estate confirms deals with First Flight Wind Ltd, Tidal Ventures and DP Marine Energy Ltd of Ireland, and DEME, of Belgium.
Go-Ahead For NI Green Energy Projects
Three renewable energy projects off the coasts of Down and Antrim have been given the green light. Licenses have been granted for the projects as the Crown Estate confirms deals with First Flight Wind Ltd, Tidal Ventures and DP Marine Energy Ltd of Ireland, and DEME, of Belgium.
01 November 2007
Graduate Skills In Demand
Well-qualified graduates are still very much in demand in the local economy. According to Jean Stirrup, Head of Careers, Employability and Skills at Queen's University, demand from employers continues to rise.
Graduate Skills In Demand
Well-qualified graduates are still very much in demand in the local economy. According to Jean Stirrup, Head of Careers, Employability and Skills at Queen's University, demand from employers continues to rise.
17 September 2013
Bombardier CSeries First Flight Welcomed
First Minister Peter Robinson MLA and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA have welcomed the first flight of Bombardier's CS100 aircraft in Canada.
Bombardier CSeries First Flight Welcomed
First Minister Peter Robinson MLA and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA have welcomed the first flight of Bombardier's CS100 aircraft in Canada.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
