Category Archives: aircraft ownership

EXPANDED PILOT PROFICIENCY CENTER

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EXPANDED PILOT PROFICIENCY CENTER ACTIVITIES DURING EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2019

Growing popularity brings upgraded training devices, scenarios

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (June 11, 2019) — Expanded hands-on activities and equipment are coming to the EAA Pilot Proficiency Center in 2019, as this popular area at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh meets the demands of pilots for opportunities to build their flying skills and safety awareness. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the 67th annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in, is July 22-28 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

“Using feedback from previous years, our emphasis this year is on a year-round proficiency initiative called EAA Proficiency365, where the lessons learned here can be applied when piloting,” said Radek Wyrzykowski, EAA’s manager of flight proficiency. “We have also improved the quality of scenarios and materials presented, and have built a close integration with the FAA WINGS safety program. It adds up to focused proficiency education for pilots, regardless of their individual experience level.”

Centrally located in the AirVenture grounds’ Four Corners area, the Pilot Proficiency Center this year features:

  • 14 upgraded Advanced Aviation Training Devices by Redbird, with larger displays and faster graphics;
  • Improved menu of scenarios for VFR and IFR pilots that require solid decision-making processes;
  • Historic weather data to practice avoidance of VFR flight into IMC conditions;
  • One-to-one attention by each flight instructor in individual sessions to focus on specific pilot needs.

All scenarios will qualify individually for FAA WINGS credits, as will the center’s TechTalks, both of which will be available year-round following AirVenture. Pilots who complete a WINGS credit, such as a Tech Talk or flight scenario, during AirVenture at the Pilot Proficiency Center will be eligible for prizes through the WINGS Industry Advisory Committee without having to complete a full WINGS phase, thanks to the support from a foundation created by Paul and Fran Berger.

The Pilot Proficiency Center also welcomes volunteer Certificated Flight Instructors to assist pilots during AirVenture. AirVenture volunteer benefits are available, based on the number of hours volunteered. More details and application materials are available in the center’s online registration area at eaa.org/pilotproficiency.

The EAA Pilot Proficiency Center at AirVenture is sponsored by Hartzell Propeller, Redbird Flight Simulations, BOSE, and Jeppesen, with support from the National Association of Flight Instructors, Society of Aviation and Flight Educators, National Air Traffic Controllers Association, Cloud Ahoy, Community Aviation, Mindstar Aviation, PilotEdge, and Plane & Pilot magazine.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. 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. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.

EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2019 NOTAM INCLUDES IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR PILOTS FLYING TO OSHKOSH

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EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2019 NOTAM INCLUDES IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR PILOTS FLYING TO OSHKOSH

Oshkosh air traffic procedures are required reading for all aviators flying to AirVenture

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (May 9, 2019) — There are several important Federal Aviation Administration-approved changes in the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019 Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), featuring arrival and departure procedures for the Experimental Aircraft Association’s 67th annual fly-in convention July 22-28 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. These changes are based on pilot feedback and FAA review of arrival procedure recommendations.

The NOTAM, which is in effect from 6 a.m. CDT on Friday, July 19, until noon CDT on July 29, outlines procedures for the many types of aircraft that fly to Oshkosh for the event, as well as aircraft that land at nearby airports. The NOTAM was designed by the FAA to assist pilots in their EAA AirVenture flight planning. This year’s NOTAM cover features two photos: One from the 1970 EAA fly-in at Oshkosh and a similar view at the 2018 event, showing the event’s huge growth over the past half-century.

Some of the 2019 changes include:

  • New procedures for aircraft diversion to Fond du Lac (KFDL) in the event of airport closure at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH)
  • Removal of restriction on transponder use
  • IFR routing changes
  • Multiple changes in the ultralight/homebuilt rotorcraft arrival and departure procedures

Other changes are part of the updated Oshkosh arrival “best practices,“ such as procedures to limit the impact of VFR mass arrivals; development of a text message system to keep pilots informed of KOSH current status for arrivals; and ATC utilization of a ground stop/delay system out to 150 miles.

Pilots can download a digital version of the NOTAM at www.EAA.org/NOTAM, or order a free printed copy via that website or by calling EAA Membership Services at 800-564-6322.

“EAA and pilots offered numerous recommendations for the AirVenture arrival procedures, some of which were approved by FAA for 2019. It’s especially important all pilots flying to Oshkosh read and understand this year’s NOTAM,” said Sean Elliott, EAA’s vice president of advocacy and safety. “In addition, the FAA is establishing a safety risk management panel to review the other recommendations, in which EAA will participate. EAA wishes to see an expedient process to update the Oshkosh NOTAM, but understands FAA’s mandate to prevent unintended negative consequences that may come as part of any change.”

In addition to the NOTAM, South 40 area expansion has added 17 acres of aircraft parking and camping at Oshkosh, allowing more aircraft to be accommodated at Wittman Regional Airport.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. 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. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.

P-51 REUNION HIGHLIGHTS EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2019 SALUTE TO WORLD WAR II ACE BUD ANDERSON

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P-51 REUNION HIGHLIGHTS EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2019 SALUTE TO WORLD WAR II ACE BUD ANDERSON

EAA invites all flying P-51 aircraft to Oshkosh for this summer’s activities

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (April 27, 2019) — World War II ace Clarence “Bud” Anderson, a National Aviation Hall of Fame member who was a triple ace during World War II, will be saluted during warbirds activities at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019, which is July 22-28 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The program will be highlighted by a reunion of North American P-51 Mustangs, the aircraft flown by Anderson in his “Old Crow” markings during the war. EAA has invited all flying P-51 aircraft to Oshkosh for the event, particularly for a salute to Anderson during the Thursday, July 25, afternoon air show. Those flying demonstrations are part of AirVenture’s “Push to Victory” theme for World War II anniversaries, which also encompasses the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landing in Normandy.

“Bud Anderson is well known and lauded for his courage and abilities as a flying ace from World War II, so EAA wants to bring together as many P-51 Mustangs as possible to salute him,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “His entire aviation career is also one for the record books, deserving of recognition at the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration and another ‘Only at Oshkosh’ moment.”

P-51 Mustang owners interested in participating in this year’s activities can pre-register at the EAA.org/MustangsForBud website. EAA AirVenture is the world’s largest gathering of warbird aircraft – former military aircraft now privately owned – with more than 300 aircraft participating in displays and flying activities each year.

Anderson, who earned more than 25 awards during his military career, served with the renowned 357th Fighter Group based in England during World War II and totaled 16¼ air victories. His unit was credited with more than 600 air victories in 15 months – the highest pace of victories during the war. Following the war, Anderson flew and led flight test programs in Ohio and California, and also led fighter squadrons during post-war Korea and in Vietnam. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1972 and worked for more than a decade in flight test operations for McDonnell Aircraft.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. 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. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.

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