Michael Braukus 
Headquarters, Washington, DC                       March 1, 1999
(Phone:  202/358-1979)

Michael Mewhinney
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
(Phone:  650/604-3937)

NOTE TO EDITORS:  N99-11

WRIGHT FLYER BRIEFING/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

     NASA's Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, is conducting 
a wind tunnel test of a full-scale replica of the historic 1903 
Wright Flyer to learn more about its stability, control and 
handling characteristics.  Test results will be used to compile a 
historically accurate aerodynamic database of the Wright Flyer.

     A team of volunteers from the Los Angeles section of the 
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics will use the 
wind-tunnel test data to build a second Wright Flyer.  That 
replica will be flown on Dec. 17, 2003, commemorating the 100th 
anniversary flight of Orville and Wilbur Wright at Kitty Hawk, NC. 

     News media are invited to attend an informal Wright Flyer 
news briefing and photo opportunity on Wednesday, March 3, from 1-
-3 p.m. EST (10 a.m.--noon PST) in Ames' 40- by 80-foot wind 
tunnel beside the Wright Flyer replica.  The wind tunnel is 
located adjacent to Building 221 on DeFrance Avenue.  To reach the 
briefing site after entering the Main Gate, Moffett Federal 
Airfield, take a left turn on Arnold Avenue, turn right onto Bush 
Circle and then right on DeFrance Avenue.  The wind tunnel is on 
the left.

     To reach Ames, take the Moffett Field exit off US 101 and 
drive east to the Main Gate, Moffett Federal Airfield.  Present 
media credentials and Photo ID to gain entry.  

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