O N T O U R:
Our roving reporter, Bob Millichap, the former Virgin Atlantic pilot, has been across the pond. He reports from Fayetteville (and will tell you where it is) whilst commentating on the Wright Brothers” hysteria which is gradually overtaking America. Naturally he arrived on the flight deck of a Constellation.
A WRIGHT GOOD FESTIVAL
Fayetteville USA is rather like the mysterious Springfield of Simpson's cartoon fame. There are loads to choose from and the confusion that arises in distinguishing one from another just serves to make each community even more anonymous than it otherwise might be.
Probably the most prominent, however, is the one in North Carolina. Not only is it the first to have taken the Fayetteville name but it is the home of Fort Bragg, the largest army base in the world. Nevertheless, despite these claims to fame, the civic authorities have long been seeking an eye-catching marketing ploy to place it firmly ahead of its rivals and to highlight the success it has achieved in transforming from a run-down, military dormitory town into the thriving and expanding business centre it is today.
The idea that finally won the day was an eleven-day Festival of Flight to commemorate the centenary of the Wright Brothers. There was no direct historical connection - other than being in the same state as the first flight site 200 miles away - but that bothered nobody. The townspeople felt that an unusual aviation event would focus a lot of attention their way.
They were right. After more than two years of meticulous planning they not only produced a superb series of spectacular aerospace activities for the casual visitor but, in conjunction with the NASA Space Agency, created a huge, inter-active aerospace educational programme. This saw more than 5,000 schoolchildren of all ages visiting the exposition for live hands-on lessons that were the culmination of specially created aerospace studies incorporated into school curriculum.
Sandwiched between a truly spectacular barnstorming air show (which included an amazing jet powered biplane that could climb at 10,000 ft per minute! (see left) and a major military air show that featured a stunning mass drop of some 300 paratroops, the festival included parades, film shows, theatre productions and various street events as well as the main exposition.
Each day was themed - women in aviation, space, airborne rescue, etc - with related demonstrations and symposia being staged in the town's Crown Coliseum conference and sports complex. The three main buildings had been transformed to reflect the past, present and future with early aviation represented by beautifully displayed replicas of Wright Brothers gliders and aircraft in the main auditorium, modern day aerospace presented by high-tech NASA demonstrations in the 13,500-seat sports arena, and the future of the industry imaginatively staged by working examples of exotic and highly advanced research projects in the huge expo centre. Children poured through to listen to presentations from astronauts, scientists and industry experts. Far from patronising their young audiences as might be expected, it was obvious that these distinguished lecturers were addressing students well versed in aviation subjects from previous study at school. As an example of encouraging the young to take up high-tech scientific careers, it was a model UK industry could do well to emulate.
And of Fayetteville itself? Well it is not a place on which to base a whole holiday but it is certainly worth a stopover for anyone with a day or two to spare.
Situated exactly halfway between New York and Miami on the US 95 freeway, it offers a wide choice of good accommodation. Military buffs will be in their element. A number of civil war battlefields are in the immediate area while Fort Bragg is largely open to the public and has two military museums within the complex. However, most impressive is the Airborne and Special Operations Museum located downtown which offers a superb walk through various life-size dioramas of battlefield scenarios. The town boasts a sizeable art gallery, a vintage theatre and many good sports facilities and visitors breaking a long, cross-country freeway drive should not be stuck for something to do in any weather. The town centre has been tastefully restored in 19th century style and includes an historic circular market house set in the middle of a roundabout and a magnificent (and spotless) period railway station that still handles two passenger trains per day.
Whether the community has succeeded in its efforts to be the top Fayetteville remains to be seen. But with thousands of children having tasted a little of the magic of aerospace, it's certainly got off to a good start with the next generation.
http://www.bragg.army.mil http://www.fayetteville-nc.worldweb.com