Category Archives: airshows

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.

BURT RUTAN TO BE FEATURED AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH

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LEGENDARY AIRCRAFT DESIGNER BURT RUTAN TO BE FEATURED AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (June 4, 2019) — Renowned aircraft designer and aerospace engineer Burt Rutan will be honored and celebrated at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019. The 50th consecutive EAA fly-in convention at Oshkosh is July 22-28 at Wittman Regional Airport.

Rutan Is highly regarded among the aviation community after founding two ground breaking aerospace companies: Rutan Aircraft Factory and Scaled Composites, where he designed and developed 48 different aircraft. He is a two-time recipient of the Collier Trophy and has also been inducted into the International Air and Space Hall of Fame as well as the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

“I’m looking forward to returning to Oshkosh and taking part in EAA AirVenture 2019,” Rutan said. “Since debuting the VariViggen at EAA Oshkosh in 1972, Oshkosh has been an important part of my career and life and I always enjoy interacting with homebuilders, EAA members, and aviation enthusiasts in general.”

Rutan will be featured during the Theater in the Woods evening programming on Thursday, July 25, while also joining in other events during the convention such as the Homebuilts in Review session and participating in three additional forums throughout the week.

Rutan’s passion and innovations in aviation has continued to draw him back to AirVenture nearly every year. From 1972 to 2010, Rutan and his companies unveiled 24 separate research prototypes at EAA fly-in conventions.

“We’re thrilled to honor Burt Rutan, who has been at the forefront of aerospace innovation for decades, this year at AirVenture,” said Rick Larsen, EAA vice president of communities and member programs, who also coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “His work in the aviation industry has continuously pushed the envelope in terms of design and energy efficiency and has inspired many to think outside the box.”

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

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.