Determined To Fly

Enjoy a hands-on day exploring the exciting world of biomimicry through interactive activities all about wings!

But what exactly is biomimicry? This practice helps solve human challenges by drawing inspiration from nature’s time-tested designs. Studying how organisms have adapted over billions of years allows engineers and scientists to create more efficient aircraft, stronger materials, smarter technologies, and sustainable systems inspired by the biological world.

At this special STEAM Day, you’ll get a unique opportunity to learn more about this subject and the fun and function of flight! This event will teach you*:

• How the natural world flies and what we learn from it when building aircraft
• Activities and bug displays courtesy of the Butterfly Pavilion
• Meet real birds of prey and participate in activities courtesy of the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance
• Use your new learnings to observe aircraft flying in and out of our tarmac

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to explore the power of flight!

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Also, make sure to come hungry, because Colorado Coney Company has some tasty options!

*Weather permitting. Activities and participants are subject to change. Food is not included with admission.

WorldDenver is pleased to partner with Wings Over the Rockies for their inaugural New Frontiers Diplomacy Forum, presented by Lockheed Martin Space. The half-day event is open to the public and will bring together influential leaders across government, private, and academic sectors to promote the role of diplomacy and international cooperation in fueling progress in aerospace and space exploration.

Program Highlights Include:

• NASA’s Deputy Associate Administrator for International and Interagency Relations Meredith McKay on global cooperation in space and the path forward for Artemis and beyond.
• Top aerospace and technology executives exploring how public–private collaboration extends U.S. leadership in global markets.
• Leading government officials discussing policy frameworks for cross-border cooperation.
• Sessions connecting students and emerging professionals with industry and diplomatic leaders.
• Designed to spark new partnerships and amplify international collaboration.

This event is open to all! Please join us by purchasing a general admission ticket for July 28th.

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For visibility and brand recognition, please contact shannon@worlddenver.org for information on sponsorship opportunities.

How do you stop a fleeing bank robber’s car with a news helicopter? Find out from Colorado Aviation Historical Society Hall of Famer Mike Silva*, and hear about his more than 50-year aviation career flying both military and civilian choppers.

Silva made national news in 1988 during his time as a helicopter pilot for KCNC-TV in Denver. While circling the area for a different story, his police scanner picked up reports of an active car chase. He quickly flew to the scene and learned that police were pursuing a prison escapee who had just robbed a local bank and taken a hostage. The criminal was driving erratically and eventually lost the cops, but Mike still had eyes on him and knew he needed to buy the officers some time. In the news helicopter, he flew low under power lines and landed a skid on the hood of the fleeing vehicle, forcing it to stop. Even with a gun pointed directly at him, Mike held his ground until police could arrive and take control of the situation. He immediately flew away safely and continued to cover the story. Although he did receive firm reprimands from KCNC and the FAA, he also earned dozens of awards for his bravery and a personal thank-you letter from President Ronald Reagan.

Mike is also a decorated military veteran who flew in both Vietnam and Iraq. In Vietnam, he participated in multiple rescue efforts, including the infamous surprise attack by the Viet Cong on Firebase Mary Ann, rescuing more than 30 wounded soldiers while flying through smoke and gunfire. Later, he reenlisted during the Iraq War, flying medical Black Hawks as the oldest Army MEDEVAC pilot, saving injured troops during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After retiring from the military once again, Silva continued his flying career in the private sector and still operates helicopters today.

This is only a small glimpse into Mike’s many stories. Join us to hear even more during this amazing learning opportunity!

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*Doors open at 10 a.m., with Silva’s talk starting at 11 a.m.