Wings, Wheels and Water

EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2008

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Results of the 2008 AirVenture

FACTS AND FIGURES
Comment from EAA president Tom Poberezny:
* “The concern was that 2008 would be less than a banner year, because of questions and challenges in areas such as fuel prices and the economy, but it turned out to be an overwhelming week. Each day on the grounds was filled with outstanding activities that made every day at AirVenture a unique event in itself. This year’s “Oshkosh” was the shot of enthusiasm, inspiration, and economic boost that aviation needed.”

Attendance: Estimated 540,000 – A slight decrease from 2007 and nearly equal to 2006’s attendance.

Comment from EAA president Tom Poberezny:
* “This year’s attendance held steady for a variety of reasons, including superb weather, the substantial number of outstanding programs, a large number of aviation innovations unveiled at Oshkosh, and the importance of EAA AirVenture to the aviation community. Initial exhibitor response indicates that the majority of exhibitors reported good to record-setting sales.”

Total aircraft: More than 10,000 aircraft arriving at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh and other airports in east-central Wisconsin.

Total showplanes: 2,516. That figure includes 972 homebuilt aircraft, 822 vintage airplanes, 404 warbirds, 114 ultralights, 131 seaplanes, 40 aerobatic aircraft and 33 rotorcraft.

Commercial exhibitors: 797 (up slightly over 2007).

International visitors registered: Up nearly 25 percent, with 2,128 visitors registered from 71 nations, with Canada (492 visitors), Australia (299) and Brazil (186) the top three nations. (NOTE: This total includes only non-U.S. visitors who register at the International Visitors Tent, so the actual international contingent is undoubtedly larger.)

Total estimated campers (fly-in and drive-in camping areas): More than 37,000.

Media: 865 media representatives on-site, from five continents.

What’s ahead in 2009? Comment from EAA president Tom Poberezny:

* “We are already looking forward to 2009 with the expected attendance of Virgin Galactic’s White Knight Two space vehicle, a reunion of participants from Concorde’s five visits to Oshkosh over the past 25 years, and a salute to mission aviators who perform humanitarian work around the globe. Visitors in 2009 will also begin to see additional amenities and site upgrades that will make EAA AirVenture 2009 an even better experience and value as The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.”

EAA AirVenture 2009: July 27-August 2

For more information: Dick Knapinski (920-426-6523 or dknapinski@eaa.org).

CONGRESS RESTORES 35-YEAR EXEMPTION

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CONGRESS RESTORES 35-YEAR EXEMPTION FOR RECREATIONAL BOATSFROM PROPOSED EPA PERMITTING REQUIREMENTSNO NEW PERMIT FOR BOATS REQUIREDALEXANDRIA, VA,

July 22, 2008 – In a remarkable display of bipartisan support for recreational boating, both the House and Senate today passed S. 2766, “The Clean Boating Act of 2008” which will permanently restore a long-standing exemption for recreational boats from permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act.

The legislation now goes to the White House for the President’s signature. Congressional action was spawned by a U.S. District Court decision in September 2006 under which an estimated 17 million recreational boats would have fallen under Clean Water Act permit requirements effective September 30, 2008. The permit would have dictated maintenance and operation procedures and potentially subjected boaters to citizen lawsuits as well as a penalty system designed for industrial polluters. “This is a fabulous victory for common sense and it just goes to show what can be done when the boating public, the marine industry and its representatives in Congress row together in a bipartisan way,” said BoatU.S. President Nancy Michelman.BoatU.S. Government Affairs Director Margaret Podlich was quick to shower praise on a boatload of legislators who did much of the heavy lifting including Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Representatives Jim Oberstar (D-MN), Steve LaTourette (R-OH), Candice Miller (R-MI) and Gene Taylor (D-MS).

A complete listing of all legislators involved will be available at http://www.BoatUS.com/gov soon.BoatU.S. has worked for more than a year with the National Marine Manufacturers Association and a broad coalition of stakeholders to resolve the problem before the permitting deadline. “One of the real keys to success here was our collective ability to activate the grassroots,” said Podlich, noting that tens of thousands of letters and e-mails were generated by boaters and anglers over the course of the past 12 months.

BoatU.S. is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boat owners with over 650,000 members

EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2008: PERFECT FOR AFFORDABLE FAMILY FUN

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If you are not going to be at Oshkosh, you are missing out on the fun. See you there!

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. – (July 21, 2008) – EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is not only “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” it’s also an outstanding value for families looking for a unique attraction this summer.
The 56th annual edition of the EAA fly-in convention is July 28-August 3 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, and will welcome more than 10,000 airplanes, including 2,500 showplanes.

EAA AirVenture features a gathering of airplanes that is unmatched anywhere else in the world, from the smallest ultralight to the largest cargo aircraft. While it is known as the ultimate annual event for those who are involved in aviation, EAA AirVenture also appeals to people of all ages who seek a spectacular, fun and educational getaway.

“EAA AirVenture has always been a family-friendly event and more than just a world-class air show, with aviation exhibits, entertainment, special presentations and personalities, and much more,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. “Families will discover that a day at EAA AirVenture is quite affordable. Admission and parking fees are less than those at many of the big events and attractions in Wisconsin, and admission includes almost everything on the grounds.”
Among the activities designed for families and included in EAA AirVenture admission are:

* KidVenture: For the past decade, thousands of young people and their families have enjoyed aviation in hands-on projects and demonstrations. From glider and rocket building to flying control-line and radio-controlled aircraft, young people can discover more about flight.

* Air show spectaculars: From dazzling aerobatics and formation flights, to historic warbirds and modern military aircraft, amazing displays fly daily over the AirVenture flight line.

* Up-close and personal: There is no better public opportunity to see some of the world’s most unique aircraft up-close and talk to the pilots who fly them. On AeroShell Square, for instance, it’s possible to talk with pilots who fly supersonic in military jets or pilot some of the most unique airplanes on earth. Throughout the week, aviation’s top personalities and legends also make presentations and answer your questions.

* Future aviators welcome: There are play areas on the AirVenture grounds where the youngest aviation enthusiasts can explore the flights of their imagination in pedal airplanes, aviation toys and crafts, and other activities.

* Evening entertainment: EAA AirVenture offers post-air show activities for all ages, including: Aviation films projected on a five-story-high screen at the outdoor Ford Fly-In Theater, presented by Ford Motor Company and Eclipse Aviation (with appearances by Harrison Ford and John Travolta during the week); music by Foreigner on July 28 and Gary Sinise’s “Lt. Dan Band” on August 1; comedy by Jeff Dunham on July 30; and more.

“EAA AirVenture has always been proud of its commitment to provide activities for the entire family, allowing families to create their own traditions throughout the grounds,” Poberezny said. “Families from throughout North America return year after year, forging unforgettable memories through the years whether it’s during a one-day visit or camping on the grounds for the entire week.”

The family-friendly atmosphere includes areas for diaper changing and infant nursing, as well as other family amenities. Another AirVenture tradition is that no alcohol is sold or allowed on the flight line, contributing to the family atmosphere.

EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH is The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket purchase, is available through the World Wide Web at www.airventure.org. 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.