Category Archives: formation flying

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.

 

SUN ‘n FUN Welcomes Full Honda Product Lineup, Including HondaJet

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SUN ‘n FUN Welcomes Full Honda Product Lineup, Including HondaJet
Lakeland, FL – The annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo is famous for being “Spring Break for Pilots”, bringing thousands of aviation enthusiasts from all over the world to Lakeland Linder Airport in Lakeland, Florida for 43 years. This year, Honda is teaming up with SUN ‘n FUN and Banyan Air Service to bring a unique and spectacular display. Known for its innovative and premium quality products across multiple industries, the Honda brand will be well represented in several exhibits and activities including, for the first time at SUN ‘n FUN, the fully certified HondaJet.
Honda Power Equipment has been a major sponsor and supporter of SUN ‘n FUN for many years, hosting a regular exhibit, supplying generators, remote lighting, landscaping power tools, and other critical equipment to help the SUN ‘n FUN organizers prepare for and service their massive event. For 2017, they will add an exciting display of Honda Power Sports and Honda Marine products to their area in the main Exhibit complex, and, in partnership with Banyan Air Service, they will host an airside display.
Banyan Air is excited to provide the first SUN ‘n FUN appearance of the HondaJet. The beautiful, recently certified HondaJet, world-renowned for its “Ultimate Balance of Innovation and Inspiration” will be joined by the Honda Generators-sponsored Race 90 T-6, a perennial top finisher at the storied “Fastest Motorsport on Earth” held at Stead Field, Nevada each year, along with Honda Marine, Honda Power Sports and Honda Auto exhibit on the Runway 5/23 display area showcasing the amazing depth of Honda products.
“We are truly excited to bring the wide array of Honda’s product lineup to SUN ‘n FUN 2017,” said Tom Pernice, Sr. Marketing Specialist for Honda Power Equipment. “Honda Power Equipment has been involved with SUN n FUN for years, but now show goers can see and appreciate the many items Honda manufactures, all in one place at an amazing venue. It is going to be really fun.”
Mike O’Keeffe, Senior Vice President of Banyan Air Service of Ft. Lauderdale, oversees the sales of the HondaJet as the regional dealer for the sleek new business aircraft. “SUN ‘n FUN is a great event, and we are very pleased to be a part of it this year to introduce the HondaJet to show attendees,” he said in a recent statement.
“Seeing it fly up close will really give people an excellent perspective of the cutting edge technology, refined and impressive performance. The SUN ‘n FUN airshow environment really lets the HondaJet show off.”
And fly it will, according to Greg Gibson, SUN ‘n FUN Director of Operations and Business Development. “SUN ‘n FUN is the perfect venue for the HondaJet to be presented. We have an educated and demanding crowd that expects to see the cutting-edge technology of today as well as the finest of aviation’s history, so we really have a treat for them this year. Honda is a great sponsor and supporter, and we are thrilled to have the HondaJet in the air and on display”
Gibson confirmed that not only will the HondaJet fly in the daily flyby showcase prior to the aerobatic airshow, but that it will be joined by the Race 90 T6 in a unique formation appearance of Honda branded aircraft.
On the ground product side, Honda will introduce Miimo, their new robotic lawn mower, which will be in operation at the Honda display near the Sunset Grille. The exhibit will display products from Honda Power Equipment, Honda Marine, and Honda Power Sports., In addition, attendees have the opportunity to register to win some great Honda prizes, including a Honda EU2000i Generator, a ride with the AeroShell Aerobatic Team, a Big Green Egg Prize Package, or a Richard Petty NASCAR Driving Experience.
Patrons can also look for Honda Charging Stations around the grounds. “Honda Power is there when and where you need it,” said Pernice, “so if you need to charge your mobile phone, camera or any other hand held electronic device, feel free to plug in for all the power you need to enjoy capturing and sharing the excitement at this year’s SUN ‘n FUN.”

The SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In & Expo is prepared for an action-packed show, which will include performances by the US Navy Blue Angels and the largest gathering of P-51 Mustangs in close to a decade. Air show and workshop schedules, camping reservations, registration for activities, and ticketing information can be found on the SUN ‘n FUN website at flysnf.org. As always, safety will be a top priority.

SUN ‘n FUN Planning 2015 annual event

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Presented by Visit Florida, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, the 41st Annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In & Expo will be held April 21-26, 2015 in Lakeland, Florida.  An anticipated crowd of 200,000 people during the event will include more than 500 credentialed media, 500 exhibitors and guests from 80 different countries. 
An International Jet Team, U.S. Military Jet Team and Warbirds will keep attendees entertained and educated.  CEO & President John R. “Lites” Leenhouts is directing staff and volunteers to design this event as one that offers exciting ‘finds’ on the grounds and in the air that have been suggested by the aviation community.  Themes used each day will combine Florida Day, World Aerobatics, Education, International Hospitality, Warbirds, Formations, Aviation Potpourri, Military, Florida Resident Day and more.  “Dinner with Legends” (a fund-raising event for year-round education programs and scholarships), will feature big names from the sporting community who are also pilots.  Lectures, workshops, continuing education credits for teachers, international food vendors, youth activities, and rides on aircraft like the Ford Tri-Motor round out the week for all attendees.
In 2015, there will be a mid-week twilight illuminated aviation airshow as well as a Saturday spectacular include fireworks.  The 40th anniversary for Air America will be celebrated in the Veterans Plaza.   Celebrating “A Brighter Future through Aviation”, there will be an unveiling of a new “Piedmont Education Experience” as the only fully-functional aircraft classroom on a high school campus in the world.  The Boeing 727 will also have a Bernie Little Memorial community meeting space.
For further information about how to become involved at SUN ‘n FUN as a volunteer, sponsor, partner, exhibitor, vendor or advertiser, visit www.sun-n-fun.org or call 863-644-2431.
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Aviation education experiences are offered year-round for students of all ages on the SUN ‘n FUN Convention Campus.  Proceeds from any event at SUN ‘n FUN, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, are returned to STEM-based education programs and activities.  Take time to visit Aerospace Discovery at the Florida Air Museum with your family.