EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. – (July 9, 2009) – In the
\naviation world, if it has flown, is flying, or will fly, odds are that
\nit will come to Oshkosh. That’s true again this summer, as the world of
\nflight gathers at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, "The World’s Greatest Aviation
\nCelebration," on July 27-August 2 at Wittman Regional Airport.<\/p>\n
This year’s unmatched collection of aircraft includes the
\ncutting edge of technology (Virgin Galactic’s VMS Mothership "Eve" space
\ncarrier vehicle) to the enormous (Airbus A380) to the historic (1909
\nWright B Flyer replica) and everything in between.<\/p>\n
"People who participate in air shows and aviation events around
\nthe world tell us the same thing – there is no place else that matches
\nOshkosh’s collection of aircraft that gather on these grounds each
\nyear," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman.
\n"From the hundreds of homebuilt aircraft and magnificent vintage restorations
\non the grounds, to current military technology and the latest the
\naviation industry has to offer, EAA AirVenture is the place where it all
\ncomes together to discover and explore."<\/p>\n
More than 2,500 showplanes, including hundreds of warbirds,
\narrive at Oshkosh each year. In many cases, the owners, builders and
\npilots of these unique aircraft participate in the nearly 1,000 forums,
\npresentations and workshops that take place during AirVenture week.
\nAttendees can ask questions and learn more at these forums, which are
\nincluded in all AirVenture admissions.<\/p>\n
Just a few of the highlight aircraft at EAA AirVenture this year
\ninclude :<\/p>\n
* Virgin Galactic VMS Mothership "Eve" (July 27-August 1): Born as
\n"WhiteKnightTwo," VMS Eve is the next generation of civilian space
\ncarrier vehicles
\n* Airbus A380 (July 28-31): The world’s largest passenger airliner,
\nwhich will also be open for public tours during its stay in Oshkosh
\n* Erickson S-64F Aircrane Helitanker "Elvis": A heavy-duty, twin-engine
\nfirefighting helicopter that will make aerial displays
\n* 1934 Klemm mission aircraft and Comper Swift (all week): Shipped from
\nAustralia, these airplanes are associated with the "Fly4Life"
\npublic-benefit aviation program
\n* U.S. Customs\/Border Protection Predator B (all week): The latest
\nunmanned aerial platform technology that will be on display at the
\nFederal Pavilion all week
\n* U.S Air Force C-5M (July 31-August 2): The newest upgrade of the
\nUSAF’s huge cargo aircraft
\n* Avro Lancaster bomber (July 27-31): A classic World War II bomber in
\nOshkosh to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of flight in Canada
\n* Silver Dart replica (all week): A faithful re-creation of the aircraft
\nthat made the first flight in Canada back in 1909
\n* 1909 Wright B Flyer replica (all week): A flying example of the Wright
\nbrothers’ second-generation aircraft, direct from Dayton, Ohio
\n* U.S. Air Force "Thunderbirds" F-16 (July 26-27): One of many current
\nmilitary fighters expected to attend Oshkosh this year
\n* Lockheed P-38 "Ruff Stuff": A rare flying example of the World War II
\naircraft that changed the tide of the war in the Pacific Theater
\n* Japanese "Zero" and German Messerschmitt ME109: Vintage warbirds
\nrarely seen in the U.S.
\n* 1932 Pitcairn PA-18 Autogiro: The world’s only flying example of this
\nforerunner of the modern helicopter
\n* Electric aircraft\/"Flying Cars": The latest technologies from a
\nvariety of companies showcasing what’s ahead
\n* Grimes Flying Lab: One-of-a-kind airplane that played a key role in
\naircraft lighting development<\/p>\n
There are also anniversaries for the Pietenpol homebuilt (80th),
\nT-28 warbirds (60th), Cessna 150 (50th) and others, with a comprehensive
\nlisting at www.airventure.org\/attractions\/aircraft.html.<\/p>\n
"Everyone has a particular favorite aircraft along the flight
\nline at Oshkosh," Poberezny said. "It’s part of the reason EAA
\nAirVenture truly is aviation’s annual family reunion."<\/p>\n
EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH is The World’s Greatest Aviation
\nCelebration and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA
\nAirVenture information, including advance ticket purchase, is available
\nonline at www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest prices on
\nadmission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call
\n1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n