Celebrating National Aviation Day: Where Dreams Take Flight

Today and every day, we honor our customers, employees and fans who drive our mission to inspire the journey of flight. From first solo flights to global adventures, our legendary aircraft have turned dreams of flying into reality for nearly a century.

Each year on August 19, we celebrate National Aviation Day — a moment to honor the pioneers of flight, the passion of aviation enthusiasts and the people whose dedication and innovation continue to shape the future of flight.

Together, we empower dreams to take flight in ways that go far beyond the runway.

That same spirit of possibility takes flight in one of our most meaningful missions — the Special Olympics Airlift. Since 1987, Textron Aviation customers have generously donated their aircraft and time to transport more than 10,000 Special Olympics athletes to the USA Games. In 2026, we’ll do it again — and we need your help.

On Saturday, June 19 and Saturday, June 27, 2026, hundreds of volunteer Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker pilots will take to the skies to deliver athletes to and from the Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota. These aircraft, known as Doves, will land every 2 to 4 minutes at St. Paul Downtown Airport, creating the world’s largest peacetime airlift.

It’s more than a flight. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience full of joy, purpose and unforgettable moments. If you’re a Cessna, Beechcraft or Hawker owner or operator, we invite you to become a Dove. Your aircraft can carry more than passengers — it can carry dreams.

Answer the call and learn more at airlift.txtav.com.