Tag Archives: EAA

WWII 75th (Plus 1) lineup at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021

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Aviation history of World War II highlighted at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021

End of war’s 75th anniversary year (plus 1) to be highlighted July 30-31

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (May 13, 2021) — The aviation story of World War II will be told through special flying activities during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021, as the event commemorates 75 years (plus 1) since the end of the conflict. The 68th edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s fly-in convention will be held July 26-August 1 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The afternoon air shows on Friday and Saturday, July 30-31, will feature programs that chronologically recollect aviation history during that time, from U.S. involvement in the Eagle Squadron and American Volunteer Group “Flying Tigers” prior to Pearl Harbor and the Doolittle Raid, to the major battles in the European and Pacific Theaters, including D-Day, and the eventual celebrations of V-E and V-J Days.

Airplanes involved will span the aircraft used by the Army Air Forces and U.S. Navy during that time, as well as a variety of international aircraft from that period. All will be involved in each of the 90-minute shows presented each day.

“EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is already the world’s largest annual gathering of warbird aircraft, so it’s natural that this big commemoration would take place here,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programming, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “The EAA Warbirds of America and other select owners of these magnificent aircraft will showcase the evolution of air power during that period and salute the people who built, flew, and maintained these aircraft 75 years ago.”

Among the aircraft featured will be the P-40 Tomahawk, Supermarine Spitfire, P-38 Lightning, F6F Hellcat, C-47 Skytrain, Hawker Hurricane, P-51 Mustang, F4U Corsair, B-25 Mitchell, B-17 Flying Fortress, B-29 Superfortress, and others.

When not in the air, these aircraft will be on display in the Warbirds area on the north end of the flightline. Select aircraft will also be featured on the showcase Boeing Plaza.

Young Eagles Day on June 12

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EAA International Young Eagles Day on June 12 offers young people the inspiration of flight

EAA chapters, members to fly kids free of charge

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (May 10, 2021) — The Experimental Aircraft Association’s International Young Eagles Day, which focuses on flying thousands of kids as an introduction to aviation, returns on Saturday, June 12, at locations throughout North America. The return of the annual event comes after the COVID pandemic sidelined the all-volunteer effort in 2020.

EAA chapters and members will fly kids ages 8-17 free of charge at local airports in their communities on that day, in activities that highlight the year-round program that has flown more than 2.2 million young people since its introduction in 1992. Thousands of those Young Eagles have become professional and recreational pilots, air traffic controllers, aviation technicians, and more after being inspired by their Young Eagles flight.

“We are in many ways making International Young Eagles Day the restart point for the Young Eagles program after the COVID pandemic put most flights on hiatus for the past year,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA’s CEO and chairman of the board. “One thing that never faltered, though, was the enthusiasm of our volunteer pilots and ground support teams, who are eager to introduce kids to the possibilities of flight once again.”

Also expected to participate are Young Eagles program chairman and air show legend Sean D. Tucker, and Young Eagles co-chairman, NFL tight end Jimmy Graham, who are both avid pilots.

An EAA Young Eagles flight pairs a young person with a certificated pilot. After a pre-flight session that explains the parts of the airplane and how pilots prepare to fly safely each time, a brief 15-20 minute introductory flight provides a unique experience. All Young Eagles receive a certificate commemorating their adventure following the flight, and also receive follow-up opportunities ranging from free learn-to-fly courses to more aviation-related experiences that delve deeper into the world of flight.

Many Young Eagle flights are part of EAA chapter activities, which bring numerous airplanes together to provide flight experiences to youth. While the Young Eagles flights are available for the young people, parents and families are welcome to join in the activities prior to and after the flights.

More information is available at EAA.org/YoungEagles. Flight rallies and experiences throughout the country may have COVID-related protocols and precautions in place.

U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft

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Wide range of U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft coming to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021

Flying demonstrations and ground displays featured July 28-August 1

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (May 7, 2021) — The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) will bring a wide spectrum of its aircraft designed for unique missions as part of its presence at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, which takes place July 26-August 1 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

“As we’ve solidified the roster of aircraft from AFSOC this year, the variety of aircraft coming to Oshkosh is truly impressive,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programming, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “Each of these aircraft have a distinct mission and role within AFSOC, and those stories will be told at AirVenture 2021.”

AFSOC is comprised of highly trained, rapidly deployable Airmen, who conduct special operations missions worldwide. Airmen who undertake Special Operations careers specialize in unique skills such as parachuting, scuba diving, rappelling, motorcycling, survival skills, and more. Aircraft in the command include specialized mobility aircraft such as the MC-130, CV-22 and C-146, Strike aircraft such as the AC-130 gunship, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft such as the MQ-9 and U-28.

The AFSOC aircraft are scheduled to arrive on Thursday, July 28, and remain through Sunday, August 1. There may be more than one of some models at Oshkosh. The aircraft roster includes (subject to change):

  • AC-130J Ghostrider
  • MC-130J Commando II
  • EC-130J Commando Solo
  • CV-22 Osprey
  • U-28A Draco
  • C-145A Combat Coyote
  • C-146A Wolfhound
  • MQ-9 Reaper
  • MC-12W Liberty

The AFSOC aircraft will be on ground display with several participating in air show flying demonstrations. In addition, AFSOC personnel will participate in an evening program at EAA’s Theater in the Woods on Saturday, July 31, to highlight the activities and mission of the Special Operations Command.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s membership convention. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive the lowest prices on admission rates. Free youth admission for ages 18 and under is supported in part by The Boeing Company. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.