Wings, Wheels and Water

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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.

SkyWatch.AI Announces Partnerships with Sky Smith

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SkyWatch.AI Announces Partnerships with Sky Smith

Palo Alto, California, May 2nd, 2019 – SkyWatch.AI, a leading risk-assessment and InsurTech platform for the drone industry, announced today its partnership and technological integration with Sky Smith along with eight other leading US aviation brokers to provide drone insurance on a monthly subscription basis from a dedicated web portal.

Sky Smith will now offer their customers direct access to SkyWatch.AI’s monthly drone insurance plan as part of their service, the policies are underwritten by Starr Insurance Companies.

The commercial drone industry continues to grow exponentially, with projections that businesses and civil governments will have spent $13 billion on drone technology between 2016 and 2020. With the potential for usage in industries from firefighting to photography to farming, drones have proven their value in safety, accuracy, and costs. But if proper risk protocols are not taken before operation, these drones can pose major risks. The potential threat posed by commercial drones has led to the need for more effective insurance platforms for any pilot engaging in these activities.

To mitigate these risks, SkyWatch.AI created an on-demand insurtech platform for commercial drone use that provides data analysis and active risk-reduction capabilities for drone pilots; this means pilots can fly safer, faster, and more efficiently at great insurance rates. Drone pilots can now purchase SkyWatch.AI’s liability and hull insurance through their broker’s web portal. Pilots benefit both from the personal service of their trusted broker and a seamless, intuitive digital experience.

“After serving thousands of drone pilots with the SkyWatch.AI mobile app, we saw the demand to expand our solution to include even more drone pilots, including those who would like to continue working with their existing brokers. Hence, we’re excited to launch this new development,” said Tomer Kashi, CEO of SkyWatch.AI. “We are proud to have partnered with innovative brokers to offer best-in-class, on-demand drone insurance solution via web and mobile.”

 

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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