Wings, Wheels and Water

NEWS RELEASE
(photos available on request)

July 15, 2015

Embry-Riddle Hosts Interactive Unmanned Experience, Aerobatic Pilot Matt Chapman at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

Attendees Invited to Test Speed, Obstacle Skills with Drones in sUAS Challenge

WHAT: EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015 attendees can get hands-on experience at the controls of unmanned flying machines as part of the Small Unmanned Aerospace System (sUAS) Challenge during this year’s fly-in at the 63rd annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) convention.

The sUAS Challenge, which will include both obstacle and speed courses for the unmanned flying vehicles commonly referred to as drones, will be part of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s aviation mobile interactive exhibit, the Embry-Riddle Experience.

The competition is open to participants ages 12 and older with previous experience flying unmanned systems. With a maximum of 15 competitors registered each day on a first-come, first-served basis, each day’s challenge will be held separately at the drone cage at Aviation Gateway Park, beginning with an afternoon operators’ meeting followed by competition from 3 to 5 p.m. Qualification flying will be followed by an elimination bracket for the final four competitors each day.

The 53-foot trailer known as the Embry-Riddle Experience also includes unmanned aircraft demonstrations, aviation and unmanned simulators, a virtual crash lab and information about the university’s more than 75 degree programs, with presentations on how Embry-Riddle students, staff and faculty are leading the way into the future of aerospace and aviation.

Simulators in the Embry-Riddle Experience provide a variety of fixed-wing, rotary and multirotor aircraft models in realistic operating settings such as airfield and steep soaring slope locales in the bayou, desert and mountains.

Another unique feature of the Embry-Riddle Experience is the Virtual Crash Lab (VLAB), which was developed in conjunction with the university’s Aircraft Accident Investigation curriculum and is designed to allow participants to interactively inspect a crashed commercial aircraft. Operators can move and survey the crash site, inspect the fuselage and debris and take photos with the use of Oculus Goggles.

Also scheduled is an appearance by world-renowned aerobatic performer Matt Chapman sponsored by Embry-Riddle. Chapman has been performing in air shows and competitions since 1984. Autograph signings throughout the week at the Embry-Riddle Experience will be scheduled.

Those who wish to participate in the sUAS Challenge must register in advance at thirtyad@erau.edu or during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh at the Embry-Riddle Experience exhibit at Aviation Gateway Park before 2 p.m. the day of the challenge. Unmanned aircraft will be supplied for competitors courtesy of Hobbico and Horizon Hobby LCC including Blade 180QX HD or Dromida Ominus systems. Weather or other factors may cause alterations or cancellation of each day’s competition.

WHEN: July 20-26, 2015; Daily sUAS Challenge competitions will be held beginning July 19, the day before AirVenture’s opening day, through July 26. Matt Chapman performs July 20-26 (check daily schedule for times).

WHERE: Wittman Regional Airport, 1145 W. 20th Ave., Oshkosh, WI 54902. The Embry-Riddle Experience will be located at Aviation Gateway Park within event property. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s information and alumni booth will be located at booths 49, 50, 59, 60 and 61.

INFORMATION:

• EAA AirVenture/Oshkosh: org/en/airventure
• sUAS Challenge: registration form and official rules
• Matt Chapman: com
• Embry-Riddle unmanned and other degree programs: edu/degrees
• Embry-Riddle Alumni Relations and events: erau.edu

MEDIA CONTACTS:

• Melanie Hanns, Director of University Communications/Media Relations, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; (386) 226-7538, (386) 283-0753; hanns@erau.edu
• Dick Knapinski, EAA Communications, (920) 426-6523; dknapinski@eaa.org

About Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world’s largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, is a nonprofit, independent institution offering more than 75 baccalaureate, master’s and Ph.D. degree programs in its colleges of Arts & Sciences, Aviation, Business, Engineering and Security & Intelligence. Embry-Riddle educates students at residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Prescott, Ariz., through the Worldwide Campus with more than 125 locations in the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and through online programs. The university is a major research center, seeking solutions to real-world problems in partnership with the aerospace industry, other universities and government agencies. For more information, visit www.embryriddle.edu, follow us on Twitter (@EmbryRiddle) and facebook.com/EmbryRiddleUniversity, and find expert videos at YouTube.com/EmbryRiddleUniv.

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.

———————-

Melanie Hanns

Director of University Communications/Media Relations
Marketing & Enrollment Management

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Daytona Beach, FL

hannsm@erau.edu

Office: (386) 226-7538

Cell: (386) 283-0753

This is pretty cool. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NASA FEMALE ROCKET SCIENTISTS TO ATTEND JULY 24 FORUM AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2015

Astronaut Sandra Magnus joined by executives and professionals from NASA industry

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (July 13, 2015) — Many advancements have been made in the field of space exploration due to the work of engineers, leaders and scientists. At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015 attendees can meet the women who are building tomorrow’s space exploration programs. Seven NASA rocket scientists will participate in a forum on Friday, July 24, at 10 a.m. in Forum Pavilion 9. The innovators will address their careers, current NASA mission plans, and answer audience questions.

Participants include:

Sandra Magnus – Astronaut on Atlantis, Endeavour and the International Space Station

Susan Baggerman – NASA’s Health and Medical Technical Authority for Orion

Janica Cheney – Director of Safety and Mission Assurance at Orbital ATK

Iylene Patino – Boeing

Kathryn Crowe – NASA Propulsion Systems Engineer

Julie Van Kleek – Vice President of the Advanced Space & Launch Business Unit for Aerojet Rocketdyne

Abby Harrison – Aspiring astronaut

Their objectives are to help women in STEM feel like the doors are wide open in the space industry and to engage a new audience in the deep space journey. This forum is part of a larger set of NASA forums celebrating NASA/NACA’s 100 year anniversary. The week’s forum schedule is as follows:

• Surviving Mars: Wednesday, July 22, 10 – 11:15 a.m. in Forum Pavilion 7
• Living in Deep Space: Wednesday, July 22, 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. in Forum Pavilion 9
• Exploring Deep Space: Thursday, July 23, 10 – 11:15 a.m. in Forum Pavilion 4
• Space Trends Changing the Future: Thursday, July23, 2:30 – 3:45 p.m. in Forum Pavilion 7
• Woman Rocket Scientists: Friday, July 24, 10 – 11:15 a.m. in Forum Pavilion 9
• Finding Life in Other Worlds: Friday, July 24, 2:30 – 3:45 p.m. in Forum Pavilion

The scientists in the July 24 NASA Forum also add to the extraordinary females participating at EAA. Other AirVenture events celebrating women in aviation include: female aerobatic pilot performances, WomenVenture, Women Soar You Soar program, and featured guests. With different events every day, women can meet other aviation enthusiasts, be inspired, and enjoy the “World’s Largest Aviation Celebration.”

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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AVIATION GATEWAY PARK A UNIQUE NEW NEIGHBORHOOD WITHIN EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2015

Featured innovations, technology, careers and more will open world of flight to visitors

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (July 9, 2015) — A brand-new neighborhood of flight is part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015, as Aviation Gateway Park brings together imagination, ingenuity, and possibilities in one area at the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.” EAA AirVenture, the 63rd annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention, is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

Aviation Gateway Park is located on James Ray Boulevard, just northwest of the FAA control tower, and is sponsored by Piper Aircraft. The area opens with a public dedication at 8:30 a.m., on Monday, July 20, when a quadcopter delivers a pair of scissors to EAA Chairman Jack Pelton and Piper CEO Simon Caldecott, who will then cut the ribbon to open the facility.

“Aviation Gateway Park and its four different venues introduce exciting flight innovations, new technology, and aviation-based start-up companies,” said Dave Chaimson, EAA’s vice president of marketing and business development. “Through all its activities, it offers numerous ways to engage with aviation ranging from hands-on experiences to career exploration. Most of all, it will be abuzz with plenty of exciting activity and enthusiasm in an air conditioned setting.”

Among the featured areas at Aviation Gateway Park are:

Innovation Center, presented by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), with world-class organizations such as NASA’s special 100th anniversary activities, SLS/Orion, Lockheed Martin (with its F-35 simulator), Terrafugia’s flying car, and the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s AeroInnovate program that features five innovative start-up aerospace companies.

Drone Cage, presented by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, features an 80-by-80-by-30-foot flying area with indoor and outdoor seating. Some of the world’s largest unmanned aerial systems manufacturers, and the Academy of Model Aeronautics, will be represented with flying demonstrations as well as a daily drone flying competition for attendees. Flying activities will be featured on live video feeds from the drones, presented by Multicopter Warehouse, to screens in the area.

Education/Career Center, with more than 25 university aviation programs and representatives from airlines throughout the nation present throughout the week. The center offers resources and contacts for young people seeking aviation education and careers as well as aviation professionals seeking advancement in their current careers. Special activities include a July 20 college tailgate party, July 22 job fair, and July 24 college social.

Forums Area sponsored by NATCA, with daily sessions and seminars covering a wide spectrum of topics, from drone flying to NASA technology.

Aviation Gateway Park also features green space and air conditioned areas, with plenty of room to meet friends and connect with fellow aviation enthusiasts.

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.