✈️ It's #NationalAviationHistoryMonth! Jacksonville and the state of Florida were central in aviation advances even before the Wright Brothers took flight. Beginning with balloon flights and advancing to “modern” metal airliners in little more than a half century, the developing aviation industry embraced Florida – and Jacksonville often led the way. The area’s hard, wide beaches and its flat terrain provided a natural setting for the early days of aviation experiments and achievement. The glorious St. Johns River winding through the city was a sparkling welcome mat of wide-open space and occasional soft landings. Area climate offered blissfully temperate days year-round with rare cold snaps to challenge plane engines. Further, snow and sleet weren’t issues in balmy Jacksonville. And, a real bonus, as early aviators attempted more endurance and distance records the East Coast was the logical point of departure or return. The JAX Aviation Archives Exhibit includes two phenomenal phases; Phase 1 - the birth of flight to World War II and Phase 2 – the post war era through the present. Visit the area’s aviation archives, temporarily relocated to the north and south ends of JAX Ticketing, through the 2023 holiday season. Information contributed by JAA Arts & Culture Program Manager, Jen Cook. Historical information provided by the Jacksonville Historical Society.
