Aviation innovation and heritage showcased throughout upgraded grounds
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. – (July 20, 2009) – Just one
week remains until EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, The World’s Greatest Aviation
Celebration, kicks off its July 27-August 2 run at Wittman Regional
Airport in Oshkosh. The 57th annual convention of the Experimental
Aircraft Association (EAA) will again showcase the best of aviation
innovation and heritage.
Each year, EAA AirVenture welcomes more than 10,000 aircraft to
the weeklong celebration, along with a total attendance of more than
500,000 visitors from 65 nations.
"Simply put, Oshkosh is the place to be for anyone who enjoys
flight, innovation and the best aviators’ gathering in the world, and
this year it is an unmatched lineup of people, airplanes and programs,"
said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. "EAA
AirVenture is the international crossroads where people enjoy and
celebrate the freedom of flight, and this year numerous improvements
have been made throughout the grounds so the experience is even more
enjoyable."
EAA AirVenture’s aircraft lineup is filled this year with the
latest flight and space innovations along with the legendary aircraft of
aviation’s first 100 years. The lineup includes a number of aircraft
never before seen at Oshkosh, including Virgin Galactic’s VMS Mothership
"Eve" and the massive Airbus A380.
In addition, EAA AirVenture 2009 will offer nearly 1,000 forums,
workshops and seminars; special activities for young people and
families; aviation personalities and notables; and more than 2,500
showplanes of all descriptions. All of these activities are included in
AirVenture admission, as are top-flight entertainment options throughout
the week.
EAA AirVenture 2009’s features and attractions include :
* Virgin Galactic’s VMS Mothership "Eve", the next generation of space
tourism launch vehicle, which will be on the grounds July 27-August 1;
* The Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger airliner, making its
first North American public air show appearance July 28-31;
* Hear from the "Miracle on the Hudson" cockpit crew in command of US
Airways flight 1549, as pilots Sully Sullenberger and Jeff Skiles
recount their experiences that day last January;
* Recognition of aviation’s important humanitarian work around the world
in the weeklong Fly4Life activities;
* The Erickson S-64F Aircrane helitanker, nicknamed "Elvis", a
heavy-duty, twin-engine firefighting helicopter that will make aerial
displays;
* More than 400 Warbirds that include aircraft from World War II and
classic fighter jets, many flying in spectacular shows throughout the
week (expanded programs July 31-Aug. 1);
* Modern military aircraft such as the C-5M and C-17 transports, and
A-10, F-16 and F/A-18 fighters, including the popular Heritage Flights
combining old and new aircraft;
* A variety of special anniversaries, from the centennial of flight in
Canada, 80th anniversary of the Pietenpol, 60th anniversary of the T-28
warbird, and 50th anniversary of the Cessna 150;
* Upgraded areas throughout the grounds, including new pedestrian
walkways, flush toilet facilities on the flight line and in the
campgrounds, increased wi-fi coverage, and more;
* Top-flight entertainment such as the Doobie Brothers on July 27,
presented by Ford Motor Company; pilot/comedian Jeff Dunham on August 1,
presented by Rotorway International; and nightly aviation movies under
the stars July 26-August 1 at the Fly-In Theater.
* More than 2,500 showplanes that include homebuilts, vintage models,
ultralights, and seaplanes.
The variety makes EAA AirVenture an outstanding value for
individuals and families, with nearly every activity on the grounds,
including the evening programs and concerts, part of admission.
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. Instant updates
are available at http://twitter.com/EAAupdate.
