Category Archives: EAA

75TH ANNIVERSARY – END OF WORLD WAR II

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HUGE FLYING DEMONSTRATIONS FOR 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF WORLD WAR II’s END AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2020

Comprehensive, chronological World War II aviation highlights throughout week

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (December 19, 2019) — EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2020 will feature expanded warbird flying activities as the annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention commemorates the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. The 68th annual EAA fly-in convention takes place July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

EAA AirVenture will tell the many aviation stories of The Greatest Generation and the worldwide conflict during its renowned afternoon air shows. It will feature flying displays and groups that are favorites for EAA audiences. Highlighting the weeklong commemoration will be major air show flying activities on Wednesday, July 22, and Friday and Saturday, July 24-25.

“Marking the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II and telling all the aviation stories involved is a mammoth task,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of programs, publications, and marketing, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “Our goal is to create the go-to event that properly commemorates the aviation story of World War II, from the Eagle Squadrons and American Volunteer Groups through the final Allied victories in 1945.”

Specific aircraft and flying demonstrations are still being finalized for EAA AirVenture 2020, but will feature aircraft from both the European and Pacific Theaters. Additional highlights will tell the stories of remarkable heroism and pioneering technology that changed the course of the war. Further details on individual highlights and aircraft will be announced as they are finalized.

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 the lowest prices on admission rates and all those age 18-and-under are admitted free. 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.

F-35A Lightning II Demo Team @Sun ‘n Fun

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For Immediate Release December 10, 2019

F-35A Lightning II Demo Team to Dominate the Skies at  2020 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo

The U. S. Air Force announced its 2020 schedule for the F-35A Lightning II Demo Team today at the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) and the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is honored to be its first east coast stop. Showing off its newest member, Air Combat Command and the 388th Fighter Wing will showcase the U.S. Air Force’s newest fifth-generation fighter that provides next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced vulnerability through its aerodynamic performance and advanced integrated avionics. The F-35A Lightning II Demo Team’s performance is known to push the aircraft to its limits as they pull off the kind of aerial acrobatics that can give even the most casual observer a thrill.

The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo had previously announced participation from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds who epitomize the pride and precision of today’s Air Force. “Having both demonstration teams as part of our 2020 SUN ‘n FUN airshow lineup is a privilege” says Greg Gibson, CMO and Air Show Director for SUN ‘n FUN Fly-in. “Aviation enthusiasts know how special it is to have these teams at our event so come Experience Flight in 2020 and be prepared to be wow’d.”

“The mission of these demonstration teams compliments the overall objective of the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo which is the largest fundraising event for the Aerospace Center of Excellence (ACE)” says John “Lites” Leenhouts, CEO / President of the ACE. “The opportunity to connect with America at an event like ours and as a result inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals in whatever path they choose, is invaluable for our engagement with youth as well as the Air Force’s goal of recruitment”.

SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo will be making additional announcements regarding its air show schedule in the near future. This year’s event is March 31st – April 5th, 2020 and tickets are available at www.FlySnF.org.

Canadian Snowbirds Return to AirVenture 2020

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CANADIAN FORCES SNOWBIRDS RETURNING TO EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH IN 2020

Canadian Snowbirds – Renowned military flight team marks 50 years of performances next summer

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (December 10, 2019) — The Canadian Forces Snowbirds, one of the most popular military aerial demonstration teams in the world, announced EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is part of its 50th year performance schedule in 2020, making Oshkosh a stop for the second time in five years. The announcement was officially made at the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) convention in Las Vegas.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the 68th annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention known as the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The Snowbirds are currently scheduled to have a public practice session over the grounds on Friday, July 24, with full performances during the daily afternoon air show on Saturday and Sunday, July 25-26.

The Snowbirds, officially designated as 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, were created in 1971 and have a nearly 50-year connection to EAA, as they were the first military team to perform at Oshkosh when they flew over the EAA fly-in during the 1970s. They last appeared at AirVenture in 2016, which was their first performance there since 1983.

“There is an elegance in the Snowbirds’ aerial choreography that is matched by no other military demonstration group,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of programs, publications, and marketing, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “When they appeared at Oshkosh in 2016, the Snowbirds were warmly welcomed not only for their air show performances but for the way they interacted with our attendees, including some team members even camping with their jet on the show grounds. The Snowbirds’ return is just one more reason that EAA AirVenture 2020 will be an event to remember.”

The Snowbirds fly Canadair CT-114 Tutor jets in approximately 60 air shows each year. The nine aircraft used in the performances are piloted by experienced team members from the Royal Canadian Air Force. During the show, the pilots fly at speeds ranging from 110 to 465 mph (180 to 750 km/h) and in formation with distances as close as four feet of wing overlap. Comprised of exciting loops, rolls and solo passes as well as graceful nine-jet formations, the Snowbirds’ show includes more than 50 different formations and maneuvers over each 35-minute performance.

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.