Aviation innovation and heritage showcased throughout upgraded grounds<\/p>\n
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. – (July 20, 2009) – Just one
\nweek remains until EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, The World’s Greatest Aviation
\nCelebration, kicks off its July 27-August 2 run at Wittman Regional
\nAirport in Oshkosh. The 57th annual convention of the Experimental
\nAircraft Association (EAA) will again showcase the best of aviation
\ninnovation and heritage.<\/p>\n
Each year, EAA AirVenture welcomes more than 10,000 aircraft to
\nthe weeklong celebration, along with a total attendance of more than
\n500,000 visitors from 65 nations.<\/p>\n
"Simply put, Oshkosh is the place to be for anyone who enjoys
\nflight, innovation and the best aviators’ gathering in the world, and
\nthis year it is an unmatched lineup of people, airplanes and programs,"
\nsaid Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. "EAA
\nAirVenture is the international crossroads where people enjoy and
\ncelebrate the freedom of flight, and this year numerous improvements
\nhave been made throughout the grounds so the experience is even more
\nenjoyable."<\/p>\n
EAA AirVenture’s aircraft lineup is filled this year with the
\nlatest flight and space innovations along with the legendary aircraft of
\naviation’s first 100 years. The lineup includes a number of aircraft
\nnever before seen at Oshkosh, including Virgin Galactic’s VMS Mothership
\n"Eve" and the massive Airbus A380.<\/p>\n
In addition, EAA AirVenture 2009 will offer nearly 1,000 forums,
\nworkshops and seminars; special activities for young people and
\nfamilies; aviation personalities and notables; and more than 2,500
\nshowplanes of all descriptions. All of these activities are included in
\nAirVenture admission, as are top-flight entertainment options throughout
\nthe week.<\/p>\n
EAA AirVenture 2009’s features and attractions include :<\/p>\n
* Virgin Galactic’s VMS Mothership "Eve", the next generation of space
\ntourism launch vehicle, which will be on the grounds July 27-August 1;
\n* The Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger airliner, making its
\nfirst North American public air show appearance July 28-31;
\n* Hear from the "Miracle on the Hudson" cockpit crew in command of US
\nAirways flight 1549, as pilots Sully Sullenberger and Jeff Skiles
\nrecount their experiences that day last January;
\n* Recognition of aviation’s important humanitarian work around the world
\nin the weeklong Fly4Life activities;
\n* The Erickson S-64F Aircrane helitanker, nicknamed "Elvis", a
\nheavy-duty, twin-engine firefighting helicopter that will make aerial
\ndisplays;
\n* More than 400 Warbirds that include aircraft from World War II and
\nclassic fighter jets, many flying in spectacular shows throughout the
\nweek (expanded programs July 31-Aug. 1);
\n* Modern military aircraft such as the C-5M and C-17 transports, and
\nA-10, F-16 and F\/A-18 fighters, including the popular Heritage Flights
\ncombining old and new aircraft;
\n* A variety of special anniversaries, from the centennial of flight in
\nCanada, 80th anniversary of the Pietenpol, 60th anniversary of the T-28
\nwarbird, and 50th anniversary of the Cessna 150;
\n* Upgraded areas throughout the grounds, including new pedestrian
\nwalkways, flush toilet facilities on the flight line and in the
\ncampgrounds, increased wi-fi coverage, and more;
\n* Top-flight entertainment such as the Doobie Brothers on July 27,
\npresented by Ford Motor Company; pilot\/comedian Jeff Dunham on August 1,
\npresented by Rotorway International; and nightly aviation movies under
\nthe stars July 26-August 1 at the Fly-In Theater.
\n* More than 2,500 showplanes that include homebuilts, vintage models,
\nultralights, and seaplanes.<\/p>\n
The variety makes EAA AirVenture an outstanding value for
\nindividuals and families, with nearly every activity on the grounds,
\nincluding the evening programs and concerts, part of admission.<\/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. Instant updates
\nare available at http:\/\/twitter.com\/EAAupdate.<\/p>\n