Wisconsin

WisDOT Celebrating Aviation in Wisconsin During EAA AirVenture

Kim Stevens

Aviation in Wisconsin is being highlighted this week during the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture, taking place in Oshkosh, WI through July 28.

EAA expects to host approximately 677,000 people and 10,000 aircraft and will generate more than $170 million in total economic impact to the region, according to EAA. Gov. Tony Evers proclaimed July 22-28, 2024, Aviation Week in Wisconsin.

“Aeronautics plays such an important role in the economy of our state” WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson said. “EAA AirVenture week is the perfect time to highlight how the state of Wisconsin is at the forefront of innovation in aviation. Our Bureau of Aeronautics (BOA) averages $70 million in funding for 80+ airport improvement projects annually and our network of airports enhances the economic vitality of Wisconsin communities.”

The Wisconsin State Airport System is a global gateway for travel and tourism that boasts:

  • 123 public airports
  • 540 approved landing sites.
  • 5 million annual passengers.

Attendees are encouraged to come visit the WisDOT BOA booth in Exhibit Building A during EAA AirVenture week to learn more about the Wisconsin airport system and the various aviation programs that are offered across the state.

The Aviation Careers Education (ACE) program promotes aviation, and space education, and provides students experiences in aviation related jobs. Because of the partnership between industry, schools, and government, the WisDOT BOA can promote aviation/space education, including career opportunities, as well as assist employers in developing the next generation of skilled workers in aviation.

Additionally, the Fly Wisconsin Airport Passport program promotes safety and education by encouraging recreation al flight to all of Wisconsin’s  public use airports. It also supports general aviation airports, area businesses and tourism. This is a collaborative program of WisDOT BOA and the Wisconsin Airport Management Association (WAMA).

To learn more about aviation efforts in Wisconsin, please visit the following links:

https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/aeronautics/education/ace.aspx

https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/travel/air/pilot-info/flywi.aspx

To learn more about EAA and AirVenture week please visit: https://www.eaa.org/airventure

Vintage Wings of Canada’s “Victory Flight” to Soar at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024

Kim Stevens

Three iconic World War II-era warbirds – the Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, and North American P-51 Mustang – will represent Canadian wartime aviation at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024, as Vintage Wings of Canada brings those historic aircraft as part of the “Victory Flight” at Oshkosh in July.

The aircraft will be at AirVenture as part of the centennial celebration for the Royal Canadian Air Force to be featured at Oshkosh this summer. They will join the Canadian Forces Snowbirds aerial demonstration team in attendance, as in December the Snowbirds confirmed participation at the 71st edition of EAA’s fly-in convention.

Each of the aircraft has a unique story:

Spitfire Mk IX – Often considered the most beautiful aircraft design of its day, the “Spit” became legendary with its performance during the Battle of Britain in 1940. The Vintage Wings of Canada example is painted in the markings of Arnold Rosemond, a Canadian who flew more than 65 missions before being shot down over Normandy in 1944. It received the World War II Reserve Grand Champion and Phoenix Gold Wrench awards at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018.

Hurricane Mk VII – This versatile aircraft was an extraordinarily capable dogfighting airplane that was also developed into numerous variations from fighter-bombers to carrier-based Sea Hurricanes. This aircraft was built by Canadian Car and Foundry in Fort William, Ontario. It carries the markings of Flight Officer William Lidstone “Willie” McKnight, who was part of the Royal Air Force’s all-Canadian No. 242 Squadron and Canada’s most outstanding fighter pilot during the first 18 months of WWII.

P-51D Mustang – One of the best-known and capable fighter aircraft of WWII, more than 16,000 Mustangs were produced beginning in 1940 in response to a British plea for more fighter aircraft from the U.S. This aircraft is painted in the markings of 442 Squadron as they appeared toward the end of the war. It is dedicated to brothers Larry and Rocky Robillard from Ottawa, Ontario, who both flew with that squadron during the war.

Vintage Wings of Canada is the creation of Michael Potter, who founded the Vintage Wings of Canada Foundation and has been collecting and flying vintage aircraft since the mid-1990s. The aircraft of his collection are maintained in flying condition and flown annually throughout the summer to support air show events, commemorative military flypast and other special events. Several aircraft of the collection are owned directly by the charitable foundation as well as by other individual operators.

Potter has put together a collection of the finest examples of Canada’s, and indeed the world’s, most historically significant aircraft. The collection is housed in a 24,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art hangar at the Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport near Ottawa, Canada.

Current plans call for the aircraft to arrive at the start of AirVenture week and to initially spend several days in the warbirds area. The aircraft will also fly on selected days in the afternoon air show prior to spending the final weekend on Boeing Plaza.

VI&E Solutions Appoints Jeremiah Behling as Board Chairman

Kim Stevens

Volatus Infrastructure & Energy Solutions has continued to grow its Board of Directors by appointing Jeremiah Behling “JB” as Board Chairman. JB brings a wealth of knowledge from the financial industry and will help direct and advise VI&E Solutions as the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry matures.

Jeremiah Behling

“We are honored to have Jeremiah not only on our Board but leading it,” said Sheena Banker, VI&E Solutions Chief Marketing Officer. “Jeremiah’s moral compass will help guide the Board and lead VI&E Solutions into the future.”

Jeremiah Behling is the Founder and President of Utmost Capital Connection, a mergers and acquisition advisory firm specializing in succession transactions for privately held businesses. His prior leadership experience includes strategic, financial and operational roles in investment banking, family office/private equity investing and corporate banking.

Concurrently, JB serves as the Owner and President of a Milwaukee area machine tool sensor company, Techna-Tool. As a volunteer, JB serves as the School Board Chair of a private, hybrid, Christian school, The Augustine Academy.

Outside the office, JB enjoys outdoor adventure, especially alpine and cross-country skiing, theology, and cooking and eating breakfast with his wife Cate and four young children. He and his family reside in southeast Wisconsin.

Founded in 2021, Volatus Infrastructure & Energy Solutions is connecting communities with best-in-class eVTOL infrastructure technology to ensure society is ready for the future. VI&E Solutions offers three modular vertiport designs and charging stations for electric vehicles across all mediums: air, land and sea. By tailoring to specific customer needs and incorporating the latest technologies, their work positively impacts clients and the communities they serve globally. Join the future with VI&E Solutions.

Legendary Designer Burt Rutan Returning to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

Kim Stevens

Burt Rutan, whose innovative designs have captured the world of flight ranging from homebuilt aircraft to space vehicles, will return to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2024 with appearances and forums coinciding with the 50th anniversary of his VariEze canard aircraft design. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 is July 22-28 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

“Burt is best known to the public for his historic designs of SpaceShipOne, Voyager, and Global Flyer, but for EAA members and aviation aficionados, his unique concepts began more than a half-century ago with fiberglass canard aircraft that revolutionized the amateur-built airplane community,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “Every time Burt joins us at Oshkosh, his presentations draw big audiences that are eager to hear his unique perspectives on flight.”

Burt Rutan

Rutan, an EAA Lifetime member for more than 50 years, made his first big splash at Oshkosh in 1972 with the VariViggen, which brought canard design to the homebuilt community. That led to a series of other Rutan recreational aircraft designs with innovative moldless fiberglass construction, which included the VariEze and Long-EZ that are still being built today.

The public recognition of Rutan came in the 1980s with his design of Voyager, which in December 1986 became the first aircraft to fly around the world non-stop on a single tank of fuel. The record was surpassed with a similar solo flight by Rutan’s Global Flyer in 2005, with Rutan’s unsurpassed legacy crowned with the successful flight SpaceShipOne in 2004, completing the first successful civilian space flight that earned the $10 million X Prize.

Along the way, Rutan’s imaginative deigns also included the one-of-a-kind Proteus, an “affordable U-2 aircraft,” and the asymmetrical twin-engine Boomerang, among others, coming from Rutan’s SCALED Composites in Mojave, California, often regarded as the most aggressive aerospace research company in the world. Through the years, that company developed and tested a variety of groundbreaking projects, from military aircraft to executive jets, showcasing some of the most innovative and energy-efficient designs ever flown. Rutan has received the Presidential Citizen’s Medal, the Charles A. Lindbergh Award, two Collier Trophies, the EAA Freedom of Flight Award – the organization’s highest honor – and has been included in TIME Magazine’s “100 most influential people in the world” listing.

Rutan’s exact schedule at AirVenture will be announced as it is finalized. EAA is also working with the Rutan Aircraft Flying Experience group, which has preserved many examples of Rutan’s aircraft designs, regarding aircraft to be displayed at Oshkosh.

VI&E Solutions Names Hugh Weaver to Board of Directors

Kim Stevens

Volatus Infrastructure & Energy Solutions has announced the appointment of Hugh Weaver to their newly created Board of Directors. Hugh will use his wealth of experience and innovative thinking to help assist VI&E Solutions with their strategic growth plans.

Hugh Weaver

“Hugh knows how to build and grow aviation infrastructure through effective leadership. As we prepare for Advanced Air Mobility, Volatus Infrastructure & Energy Solutions, along with our customer and partnerships, will benefit from his experience and expertise,” said Bob Johnson, Chief Commercial Officer, VI&E Solutions.

Hugh F. Weaver, Jr., P.E. has over 37 years of strategic and comprehensive project management, planning and engineering design experience for complex capital improvement programs. A visionary, innovative executive and consultant in the planning and delivery of service to Airport Sponsors as extension of their staff, Hugh provided strategic and comprehensive planning services and design solutions, from napkin sketches to ribbon cutting, and is known as a trusted advisor to clients around the world. Hugh’s career has literally taken him “…from Timbuktu and back again.” He is a seasoned global leader and worked in nine countries with over 60 months abroad on four continents.

Hugh’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science (BS), Civil Engineering Technology with a minor in Management in June 1987 from now Kennesaw State University (formerly known as Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology). He is registered as a licensed Engineer in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Texas and North Carolina, and is a GBCI – LEED Accredited Professional.

Hugh is a licensed Private Pilot and a BSA Eagle Scout as well as a father of three adult sons and has six grandchildren.

Founded in 2021, Volatus Infrastructure & Energy Solutions is connecting communities with best-in-class eVTOL infrastructure technology to ensure society is ready for the future. VI&E Solutions offers three modular vertiport designs and charging stations for electric vehicles across all mediums: air, land and sea. By tailoring to specific customer needs and incorporating the latest technologies, their work positively impacts clients and the communities they serve globally. Join the future with VI&E Solutions.

Top air show performers commit to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024

Kim Stevens

Some of the world’s top air show performers have made commitments to fly at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 – the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration – as part of the afternoon and night air show lineups.

Performers at the 71st Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention, scheduled for July 22-28 at Wittman Regional Airport, include aerobatic champions and longtime Oshkosh favorites. The event features nine air shows over seven days, including night airshows on July 24 and 27. Daily afternoon air shows are presented by Daher and Pratt & Whitney, while night air shows are presented by Covington Aircraft (July 24) and PenFed (July 27).

“Whether it’s during the afternoon or night air shows at Oshkosh, the performers who fly here are headliners who are among the best in the world,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “The air show community knows that the AirVenture crowds are the most knowledgeable anywhere, and appreciate the skill and precision necessary to fly these aircraft to the edge. That brings out the best in these pilots and creates unforgettable memories every year at Oshkosh.”

Among the performers and aircraft already on the schedule include:

  • Vicky Benzing (P-51)
  • Bob Carlton (Jetfox twin-engine sailplane)
  • Class of ’45 (Corsair/P-51)
  • Susan Dacy (Stearman)
  • Kyle Fowler (Long-EZ)
  • Kyle Franklin (Super Cub)
  • Michael Goulian (Extra)
  • RJ Gritter (Decathlon)
  • Greg Koontz (Decathlon)
  • Nathan Hammond (Super Chipmunk)
  • Rob Holland (MXS-RH)
  • Jerry Kerby (T-28)
  • Lee Lauderback (P-51)
  • Jarrod Lindemann (Jet Waco)
  • David Martin
  • Jim Peitz (F-33 Bonanza)
  • Red Bull Air Force (Kirby Chambliss, Kevin Coleman, Aaron Fitzgerald)
  • Ken Reider (RV-8)
  • Bill Stein (Edge 540)
  • Philipp Steinbach (GB1 Gamebird)
  • Skip Stewart (Prometheus 2)
  • Titan Aerobatic Team (T-6s)
  • Scott Urschel (BO-105 helicopter)
  • Bernie Vasquez
  • Patty Wagstaff (Extra 330SC)
  • Matt Younkin (Beech 18)

Along with these early confirmations, many more performers will be announced, including some only-in-Oshkosh performers and aircraft. Exact days for each performer and complete daily air show lineups will be announced as they are finalized.

Volatus Infrastructure Signs MOU with Ace VTOL

Kim Stevens

Volatus Infrastructure, LLC has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Australian-based electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) company Ace VTOL. The MOU names Volatus as Ace’s preferred infrastructure partner and establishes a joint business development relationship designed to expand opportunities in the rapidly growing eVTOL market.

“Borne out of mutual respect and a shared commitment to accessibility, this partnership brings us even greater credibility among customers in Australia. We commend the visionary leadership of their Founder and CEO, Brett Northey and the whole team at Ace,” said Dan Sloat, Volatus Infrastructure CEO. “Perth is one of the most isolated cities in the world — a full 1,300 miles from the next city of note, so strategically located vertiports will be a key enabler to growth.”

“Ace is incredibly proud to be working hand in hand with the team at Volatus Infrastructure, undoubtedly one of the premier vertiport developers in the global eVTOL market. Volatus Infrastructure offers a unique understanding of the Australian climate and culture with their timeless style and practical vertiport design, offering a comfortable solution for all Australians in this new transport demographic,” added Brett Northey, Ace VTOL Founder and CEO.

Ace VTOL is a game-changing technology and transportation company focused on delivering safe and sustainable eVTOL aircraft to the global market with multirole airframes for commercial, logistics and municipal applications. eVTOL aircraft, or flying taxis as they are commonly known, will serve as a steppingstone to a flying car future, accessible to anyone through the company’s AI and personal flying “Muscle Car” eVTOLs. Ultimately, Ace is committed to alleviating the issues associated with the existing transport ecosystem, increasing property and business valuation through connectivity and safely placing Australia at the leading edge of this exciting new transport demographic.

Founded in 2021, Volatus Infrastructure, LLC is connecting communities to the future with bestin-class eVTOL infrastructure technology to ensure society is ready for the future. Volatus offers three main eVTOL infrastructure designs, a vehicle agnostic charging station, plus an app and maintenance programs. By tailoring to specific needs while incorporating the latest technologies their work positively impacts clients and the communities they serve. Join the future with Volatus Infrastructure.

EAA Introduces 2023 Sport Aviation Halls of Fame Class

Kim Stevens

The Experimental Aircraft Association Sport Aviation Halls of Fame continue to grow as five new inductees will be honored as part of the 2023 class. The five inductees each represent a different area of aviation – homebuilders, ultralights, the International Aerobatic Club, the Vintage Aircraft Association, and EAA Warbirds of America.

The 2023 inductees include:

  • EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame: Neal Loving (posthumous) – a pioneer Black aviator, aircraft designer, homebuilder, and aerospace engineer known for designing the WR-1 midget racer, also known as “Loving’s Love”
  • International Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame: Lew Shattuck – 1978 IAC National Champion in the Unlimited category, flew in regional and national competitions until the age of 85
  • Warbirds of America Hall of Fame: Charles “Chuck” Greenhill (posthumous) – famed restorer of warbird aircraft including the only surviving Grumman J2F-4 Duck from the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
  • Vintage Aircraft Association Hall of Fame: John Parish Sr. – co-founder of the Beechcraft Heritage Museum
  • EAA Ultralights Hall of Fame: Paul Mather – President of M-Squared Aircraft, creators of the Breese X/L ultralight vehicle

The EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame were established to honor the outstanding achievements of men and women in aviation who share the spirit of EAA and its community. Those inducted into the halls of fame are selected by their peers for myriad contributions made to their respective areas of aviation.

EAA will honor the new inductees at a dinner ceremony on November 9, 2023, in the Eagle Hangar of the EAA Aviation Museum.

More information on each inductee can be found at EAA.org/HallofFame

Streaming EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023

Andrew Stevens

This year happens to be the first time I’ve missed an AirVenture in over 10 years. What was set up to be my 15th year attending the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration turned into it being a year away from it instead. While it’s been disappointing not having the opportunity to walk the grounds and take in the sights and sounds in person, I’ve actually been enjoying the live streams from around the event that EAA offers on their website.

Check out the live streaming options here: https://www.eaa.org/airventure/live

Screenshot Taken from the Live Stream of Wednesday’s Airshow

In a year that I’m unable to attend AirVenture, it’s nice to have the option to watch it through live streaming. EAA has streamed the event for a while now as I’ve intentionally went up to camera locations to wave at family members who were watching. I also had a year where I missed the first couple of days and watched the stream then. But it’s impressive just how great the streaming options are for those who can’t be there in person.

If you don’t know, EAA has cameras set up 24/7 at multiple locations that include Boeing Plaza, Vintage, Warbirds, Ultralights, and The Green Dot. Throughout the day they also have a stream called “Around the Grounds” that focuses on activity around AirVenture including closeups of aircraft that are taking off. Furthermore, they also fully cover the day and night airshows with multiple cameras and, most importantly, it’s all in good quality! For it being a year that I can’t attend, I’m so happy that I at least have the option to tune in and see the grounds and airshows. I’ve even set up the streams on multiple monitors for an even better experience! Oh, and they include sound too, so you can hear the planes as they fly by while also listening to ATC at the same time!

EAA uses YouTube to stream the cameras from around the grounds (links are found on their website). However, the airshow itself (both day and night) are streamed through a different service. So, if you want to watch the airshow on your smart TV or by using a device such as Roku or Apple TV, you can share the video from your phone to your smart TV.

How-to stream the airshow to your TV:

Streaming the Wednesday Night Airshow on TV

If you’re like me, you’ll be watching multiple cameras while listening in over the final three days of the event. Heads-up though, there are going to be moments where you hear something and, even with the multiple cameras, you just won’t be able to see it. Thankfully it’s only happened a few times! However, EAA, I would love it if you would add a camera that observes the runways at all times! Flightline cam!

EAA, Boeing Extend Agreement for Collaboration at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

Kim Stevens

The Experimental Aircraft Association has announced the extension of their Platinum-Level sponsorship with The Boeing Company.

EAA’s relationship with Boeing dates back to 1989 and Boeing’s presence has grown into one of the largest vendor footprints on the AirVenture grounds.

With this 3-year agreement, Boeing will retain the naming rights of Boeing Plaza, and continue its commitment to provide AirVenture admission at no cost to all youth attendees 18 and younger. Other components include Jeppesen and ForeFlight product representation in the Pilot Proficiency Center, management of the Airline Crew Check-in, Presenting Sponsor of WomenVenture, and continued support of KidVenture. 

Commenting on the renewed agreement with Boeing, Jack Pelton, EAA CEO/Chairman said, “Boeing’s involvement with EAA and AirVenture means more people can engage with aviation at Oshkosh.”  Pelton continued, “Boeing’s support of our free youth admission allows families to enjoy our event and discover flight, while EAA WomenVenture inspires women to pursue their dreams, and Boeing Plaza is known worldwide for a gathering of airplanes seen nowhere else but Oshkosh.”  

“AirVenture is not just a general aviation event; the commercial, business and military representation is massive, which makes it a perfect venue to showcase our diverse collection of Boeing products and services,” said Brad Surak, vice president of Digital Aviation Solutions for Boeing’s Global Services business. Surak continued, “EAA is an organization with impressive global reach, and our collaboration is important on many levels. AirVenture is a platform that allows us to do many things – from assessing market interest of new products to inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals.”