In the Fall of 1996, a local high school winterguard program sought to compete at the Winterguard International World Championships but found out that they would not be able to. With the help of dedicated staff and a group of performers, they set out to create their own independent group based in NC. 

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Since 1997, First Flight is an accomplished 2-time Independent A finalist, a 4-time WGI Independent Open finalist, and a 4-time Independent World finalist. 

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First Flight competes at several local and national competitions yearly, ending their seasons at Winterguard International World Championships in Dayton, Ohio.