Tag Archives: FAA

F-35A Lightning II Demo Team @Sun ‘n Fun

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For Immediate Release December 10, 2019

F-35A Lightning II Demo Team to Dominate the Skies at  2020 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo

The U. S. Air Force announced its 2020 schedule for the F-35A Lightning II Demo Team today at the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) and the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is honored to be its first east coast stop. Showing off its newest member, Air Combat Command and the 388th Fighter Wing will showcase the U.S. Air Force’s newest fifth-generation fighter that provides next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced vulnerability through its aerodynamic performance and advanced integrated avionics. The F-35A Lightning II Demo Team’s performance is known to push the aircraft to its limits as they pull off the kind of aerial acrobatics that can give even the most casual observer a thrill.

The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo had previously announced participation from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds who epitomize the pride and precision of today’s Air Force. “Having both demonstration teams as part of our 2020 SUN ‘n FUN airshow lineup is a privilege” says Greg Gibson, CMO and Air Show Director for SUN ‘n FUN Fly-in. “Aviation enthusiasts know how special it is to have these teams at our event so come Experience Flight in 2020 and be prepared to be wow’d.”

“The mission of these demonstration teams compliments the overall objective of the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo which is the largest fundraising event for the Aerospace Center of Excellence (ACE)” says John “Lites” Leenhouts, CEO / President of the ACE. “The opportunity to connect with America at an event like ours and as a result inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals in whatever path they choose, is invaluable for our engagement with youth as well as the Air Force’s goal of recruitment”.

SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo will be making additional announcements regarding its air show schedule in the near future. This year’s event is March 31st – April 5th, 2020 and tickets are available at www.FlySnF.org.

FREE ADMISSION FOR AGES 18-AND-UNDER AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2020

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FREE ADMISSION FOR AGES 18-AND-UNDER AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2020

FREE ADMISSION – Boeing support opens door for youth to attend World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (December 6, 2019) — Young people ages 18 and under will be admitted free to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2020, as a way to introduce more youth to the possibilities in the world of flight. The 68th annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention will be July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport.

The Boeing Company is financially supporting this effort for the next two years to encourage more aviation-minded families and their children to attend the event that brings more than 10,000 aircraft from around the world to Oshkosh each year.

“EAA’s mission is growing participation in aviation and in 2019, after EAA reduced admission costs for students, we saw an increased number of families coming to AirVenture,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA’s CEO/chairman of the board. “Inspiring young people and giving them a first look at what’s possible in aviation is only achievable if they can get in the gate. This effort will build on the more than 60 years where AirVenture has earned a reputation as a wonderful family event. We’re incredibly appreciative of Boeing’s support and like EAA, Boeing is committed to inspiring the next generation of aeronautical innovators. Because of Boeing’s belief in our mission, we can invite youth from around the world to experience AirVenture at no cost.”

The free youth admission is available throughout AirVenture week. Along with Boeing’s financial support, a small fee on AirVenture advanced purchase adult admissions and value-added opportunities such as the Aviators Club will support this free admission opportunity for young people.

“At Boeing, we aim to inspire and prepare the next generation of innovators, and EAA AirVenture provides a unique opportunity to encourage the natural curiosity of young people,” said William Ampofo, vice president, Business Aviation, General Aviation & OEM Services, Boeing Global Services. “We are proud to provide an opportunity for thousands of youth to experience this world-class event, and be inspired to use their talents, creativity and vision for the future of aviation.”

Longstanding youth activities and programs at AirVenture include such popular offerings as the hands-on KidVenture display and program area; technology, innovation, and education options at Aviation Gateway Park; and extraordinary events such as daily air shows and more than 1,500 forums, workshops, and seminars.

Complete admission pricing and advance online purchase is currently available at EAA.org/AirVenture.

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.

EXPERIMENTAL, AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT ACCIDENTS REMAIN BELOW FAA DECADE-LONG CHALLENGE GOAL

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Uptick in aircraft accidents in past year a reminder that continual safety focus is essential

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (November 22, 2019) — While fatal aircraft accident totals in amateur-built aircraft remain at historic lows, a slight increase in the total for the last 12-month reporting period shows the continuing necessity for dedicated educational efforts to push the total even lower, according to the Experimental Aircraft Association.

The Federal Aviation Administration reports that for the 12-month period from October 1, 2018, to September 30, 2019, fatal accident totals for the experimental category overall, including amateur-built aircraft, racing aircraft, those used for exhibit only, research-and-development, and some types of light-sport aircraft, rose to 52 – five above the FAA’s “not to exceed” goal of 47 for the period. Of that total, 39 fatal accidents were in amateur-built aircraft, an increase of four from the previous reporting period.

FAA measures accident totals on an October-through-September annual basis to coincide with the federal government’s fiscal year. In addition, the National Transportation Safety Board earlier this month noted that fatal accidents in all categories of general aviation increased in calendar year 2018 after several years of decline.

“What this increase tells us is that enhancing safety is not simply a target number to be reached, but a continual effort to build on the positive foundation we have already established,” said Sean Elliott, EAA’s vice president of advocacy and safety. “We are pleased that the accident totals remain below the challenge goal FAA issued to us in 2010, when the agency asked us to reduce the accident rate by 10 percent over the ensuing decade. It is not enough to simply reach a number, however; we must keep a steady focus on making improvements, especially as the number of general aviation flight hours have increased over the past several years.”

Elliott noted that the overall fatal accident numbers for experimental category aircraft remain much lower than other recreational pursuits, such as boating, skiing and snowboarding, and driving all-terrain vehicles.

EAA has worked closely with the FAA and NTSB on recommendations to reduce fatal accidents, including through participation in the FAA General Aviation Joint Steering Committee that EAA has co-chaired for the past three years. Efforts have also included more than 2,500 copies of the one-year old EAA Flight Test Manual now in the hands of amateur-built aircraft owners and the increasing use of an additional safety pilot during initial flight testing in amateur-built aircraft.

“With already very small numbers involved, a few additional accidents can create a percentage-rate anomaly, so it’s important to focus on driving the overall accident numbers lower,” Elliott said. “We must focus on training, situational awareness, and good pilot skills to complement the ever-improving technology that is part of today’s aircraft cockpits.”

About EAA

EAA embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 230,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org. For continual news updates, connect with www.twitter.com/EAA.