EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. – (July 9, 2009) – In the
aviation world, if it has flown, is flying, or will fly, odds are that
it will come to Oshkosh. That’s true again this summer, as the world of
flight gathers at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, "The World’s Greatest Aviation
Celebration," on July 27-August 2 at Wittman Regional Airport.
This year’s unmatched collection of aircraft includes the
cutting edge of technology (Virgin Galactic’s VMS Mothership "Eve" space
carrier vehicle) to the enormous (Airbus A380) to the historic (1909
Wright B Flyer replica) and everything in between.
"People who participate in air shows and aviation events around
the world tell us the same thing – there is no place else that matches
Oshkosh’s collection of aircraft that gather on these grounds each
year," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman.
"From the hundreds of homebuilt aircraft and magnificent vintage restorations
on the grounds, to current military technology and the latest the
aviation industry has to offer, EAA AirVenture is the place where it all
comes together to discover and explore."
More than 2,500 showplanes, including hundreds of warbirds,
arrive at Oshkosh each year. In many cases, the owners, builders and
pilots of these unique aircraft participate in the nearly 1,000 forums,
presentations and workshops that take place during AirVenture week.
Attendees can ask questions and learn more at these forums, which are
included in all AirVenture admissions.
Just a few of the highlight aircraft at EAA AirVenture this year
include :
* Virgin Galactic VMS Mothership "Eve" (July 27-August 1): Born as
"WhiteKnightTwo," VMS Eve is the next generation of civilian space
carrier vehicles
* Airbus A380 (July 28-31): The world’s largest passenger airliner,
which will also be open for public tours during its stay in Oshkosh
* Erickson S-64F Aircrane Helitanker "Elvis": A heavy-duty, twin-engine
firefighting helicopter that will make aerial displays
* 1934 Klemm mission aircraft and Comper Swift (all week): Shipped from
Australia, these airplanes are associated with the "Fly4Life"
public-benefit aviation program
* U.S. Customs/Border Protection Predator B (all week): The latest
unmanned aerial platform technology that will be on display at the
Federal Pavilion all week
* U.S Air Force C-5M (July 31-August 2): The newest upgrade of the
USAF’s huge cargo aircraft
* Avro Lancaster bomber (July 27-31): A classic World War II bomber in
Oshkosh to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of flight in Canada
* Silver Dart replica (all week): A faithful re-creation of the aircraft
that made the first flight in Canada back in 1909
* 1909 Wright B Flyer replica (all week): A flying example of the Wright
brothers’ second-generation aircraft, direct from Dayton, Ohio
* U.S. Air Force "Thunderbirds" F-16 (July 26-27): One of many current
military fighters expected to attend Oshkosh this year
* Lockheed P-38 "Ruff Stuff": A rare flying example of the World War II
aircraft that changed the tide of the war in the Pacific Theater
* Japanese "Zero" and German Messerschmitt ME109: Vintage warbirds
rarely seen in the U.S.
* 1932 Pitcairn PA-18 Autogiro: The world’s only flying example of this
forerunner of the modern helicopter
* Electric aircraft/"Flying Cars": The latest technologies from a
variety of companies showcasing what’s ahead
* Grimes Flying Lab: One-of-a-kind airplane that played a key role in
aircraft lighting development
There are also anniversaries for the Pietenpol homebuilt (80th),
T-28 warbirds (60th), Cessna 150 (50th) and others, with a comprehensive
listing at www.airventure.org/attractions/aircraft.html.
"Everyone has a particular favorite aircraft along the flight
line at Oshkosh," Poberezny said. "It’s part of the reason EAA
AirVenture truly is aviation’s annual family reunion."
EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH is The World’s Greatest Aviation
Celebration and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA
AirVenture information, including advance ticket purchase, is available
online at www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest prices on
admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call
1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org.
