All Wings Point to AirVenture Oshkosh Next Week

July 19, 2011 — Whether you dream of flying fast military jets, doing aerobatics in the sky, or piloting an LSA, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2011 is where you’ll want to be next week. The 59th annual fly-in and convention is scheduled for July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. “There is so much going on throughout each day of AirVenture that it’s almost impossible to say one day is the best one to be at Oshkosh,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA and AirVenture chairman. Some of the highlights include: The largest flying airship in the world - the Farmers Airship Zeppelin NT- will offer 45-minute scenic flights for purchase throughout the fly-in convention. At 246 feet long, the airship is 15 feet longer than a standard Boeing 747, and 50 feet longer than the largest blimp currently operating. The gondola accommodates one pilot, one flight attendant, and up to 12 passengers, with luxury features including huge panoramic windows, onboard restroom with window, and a 180-degree rear observation window. Aviation enthusiasts will be able to tour Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, which is making its first public showcase in North America. It is scheduled to arrive at 9:30 a.m. Friday, July 29 and depart the same day following the afternoon air show, at approximately 6 p.m. The largest collection of flying naval aircraft spanning all eras will pay tribute to naval aviation as part of the weeklong Centennial of Naval Aviation celebration. Navy World War II-, Korean-, and Vietnam-era warbirds will join modern day fighters in a special tribute that also includes special forums and presentations. The widely popular Rockwell Collins Night Air Show and Daher-Socata Fireworks will literally light the skies above Wittman Airport on Saturday, July 30. Tributes to aviation icons, including Bob Hoover, who is considered by many as one of the founding fathers of modern aerobatics; Burt Rutan, who is known for his innovative airplane designs such as SpaceSpaceOne and Voyager; and others Hollywood legends George Lucas and Harrison Ford are just two of the many notable names scheduled to headline a marquee list of presenters at EAA’s Fly-In Theater, which features nightly movies free of charge with an AirVenture admission. Additionally, the final day of AirVenture – Sunday, July 31 – is Family Day, where all people ages 18 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.   For updates on activities and Immediate news, follow EAA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.

The Farmers Airship will be visible over the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2011 grounds, as the largest flying airship makes its first Oshkosh visit. Photo credit: Farmers Airship Matt Younkin in his Twin Beech is just one of many air show performers who will entertain crowds at Oshkosh. Photo credit: EAA Burt Rutan, center, stands next to a display of his work in the EAA AirVenture Museum. He is one of several people who will be honored at the 2011 fly-in convention. Photo credit: EAA

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