The Richland County Council, the Richland County Airport Commission,
and the Jim Hamilton – LB Owens Airport (CUB) staff are celebrating National Aviation Week August 18 - 24, 2013.
National Aviation Week began as National Aviation Day and coincided with the birthday of Orville Wright on August 19th. Orville Wright was the first human to achieve powered, sustained, heavier-than-air, controlled flight on December 17, 1903. Along with his brother Wilbur, the Wright Brothers were aviation pioneers who revolutionized world history. Richland County enjoys a direct link to the Wright Brothers through the Curtiss-Wright Hangar which, dedicated in 1930, was the first permanent structure on what was then known as Owens Field.
Richland County has recently entered into a contract to sell the hangar, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, to the CW Hangar Partners, LLC who plan to restore the hangar in a historically accurate manner and develop it as a restaurant and events venue.
Richland County joins the State of South Carolina as well as many other Counties and Cities in recognizing National Aviation Week by issuing a proclamation and participating in many other celebratory events.