Aviation Heritage

The southern Finger Lakes area has a long history in aviation starting with a pioneer aviator Glenn Hammond Curtiss. On July 4, 1908, he took off from in front of the Pleasant Valley Wine Company and flew his June Bug almost a mile, thus completing the first pre-announced public airplane flight in America. Initially a motorcycle manufacturer, Mr. Curtiss went on to perfect the airplane, the seaplane, and ultimately to invent the flying boat.

He is considered the “Father of Naval Aviation” and the “Founder of the American Aircraft Industry.” Located in Hammondsport, the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum houses an amazing collection that includes vintage aircraft and motorcycles, engines, classic boats and cars, plus many other fascinating items of yesteryear. Visitors may also visit the Restoration Shop and see historic aircraft under construction. Explore more aviation history at the National Soaring Museum and the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center, or take a scenic air tour with Costa Flying  Service.