Tag Archives: sunnfun

Corsair reunion at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Corsair reunion among the warbirds highlights at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023

Events also feature major motion picture ‘Devotion’ playing at Fly-In Theater

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (February 17, 2023) — A reunion of the Chance Vought F4U Corsair aircraft, the unique gullwing fighter aircraft best known for its exploits off U.S. aircraft carriers, will be among the warbird highlights at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023. The 70th edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s fly-in convention is July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

“With only about two dozen flying examples of the Corsair remaining in North America, the opportunity to bring together the largest-possible group of these unforgettable aircraft at Oshkosh was one we had to organize,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “This airplane recently marked the 80th anniversary of its introduction to the U.S. military and remains a favorite warbird among many enthusiasts. Our goal is to create a memorable program with several activities that feature the Corsairs on ground display and in the air.”

Corsair owners are encouraged to join this unique reunion by contacting Chris Henry at the EAA Aviation Museum (CHenry@EAA.org) for further details and registration information.

The Corsair received heightened attention at the end of 2022 with the release of the major motion picture “Devotion,” which recognized the Korean War exploits of Medal of Honor recipient Thomas Hudner and his wingman Jesse Brown, the first Black U.S. naval aviator. That movie will be played during AirVenture at the event’s Fly-In Theater, with descendants of the Brown and Hudner families invited to participate.

In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to visit the newly opened Corsair display inside the EAA Aviation Museum, which is open to all attendees as part of their AirVenture admission. The exhibit honors both Brown and Hudner, including a Corsair flown by Hudner on his subsequent deployments in the early 1950s and painted with his VF-32 squadron markings.

The Chance Vought F4U Corsair was first flown in 1940 and introduced to the U.S. military on December 28, 1942. Its unique gullwing design came as a way to allow use of the powerful Pratt & Whitney R2800 Double Wasp engine and allow shorter, more rugged landing gear for use as a carrier-based aircraft. With those attributes and a top speed of more than 450 miles per hour, the aircraft became renowned as a naval aviation fighter and in support of ground forces.

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. 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.

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SUN ‘N FUN 2023 TITLE PARTNERSHIP WITH E3 AVIATION ASSOCIATION

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February 8, 2023
For Immediate Release

SUN ‘N FUN AEROSPACE EXPO ANNOUNCES 2023 TITLE PARTNERSHIP WITH E3 AVIATION ASSOCIATION

LAKELAND, FL (February 6, 2023) — SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, one of the largest and most successful aviation events in the world, announced today that E3 Aviation Association is the new title sponsor for the March 28 – April 2 event in Lakeland, Florida. As the first major air show and expo of the year, the partnership allows for the more than 200,000 aviation enthusiasts from around the world to enjoy what has become known as Aviation’s Season Opener and Spring Break for Pilots.

“E3 Aviation Association is the perfect partner to join SUN ‘n FUN this year. It’s an amazing brand fit in every way with the experiential event we’ve created,” said Gene Conrad, President and CEO for SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo. “At the core of it all is our shared passion for aviation. We have so many fun and interesting surprises waiting for our visitors this year.“

“As the premier aviation membership platform, we owe a lot to the incredible passion that aviation fans and pilots have created across the country,” said E3’s Vice President of Marketing, Josh Volpe. “The pinnacle of aviation events and airshows, like SUN ‘n FUN, is a big reason why the industry has grown into such a phenomenon for pilots, aviation enthusiasts and students. When we were introduced to the SUN ‘n FUN team; it was an easy decision to become the title sponsor after seeing their passion, cause and vision as they continue to inspire and educate people of all ages.”

Taking off for its 49th year, SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo showcases hundreds of aircraft on display including Vintage, Homebuilt, Aerobatic, Warbird, Jet, and Light Sport. One of the highlights of the five-day expo is the Blue Angels, the high-flying and awe-inspiring flight demonstration squadron of the U.S. Navy. Additional special airshow acts include U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightening II Demonstration Team, the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightening II Demonstration Team, and Doug Rozendaal flying Mr. Mulligan, the Howard DGA-6 pioneer racing plane. SUN ‘n FUN also features more than 500 exhibitors, hands-on workshops teaching building and maintenance skills, and educational forums from pilots and maintainers about safety, new products, and other timely topics.

Tickets for SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo are available online at flysnf.org.

Connect with SUN ‘n FUN at:
• Facebook: @FlySNF
• Instagram: @FlySNF
• Twitter: @SunnFunFlyIn
• TikTok: @flysnf

Access Press Release at flysnf.org

‘Vietnam Remembered: 50 Years Later’ at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023

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‘Vietnam Remembered: 50 Years Later’ to include aircraft displays, activities at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023

Air shows, Honor Flight included in commemoration

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (February 2, 2023) — The people and aircraft that participated in the Vietnam War will be remembered 50 years after the end of direct hostilities during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023, which will be held July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

The 70th edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s fly-in convention will include specific programs and activities that involve the aircraft of that period, from all branches of service that were engaged during that period.

“The Vietnam era was a remarkable time for aviation innovation and development,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “It was a bridge from the early jet age to the aircraft that are still a foundational part of our armed forces. More important, this is an opportunity to recognize those who served, many of whom did not receive a grateful welcome when they returned from their service.”

The aircraft involved in the individual programs will be announced as their presence is finalized. However, the lineup will include land- and carrier-based aircraft, as well as rotorcraft that are examples of those that saw service in Vietnam. Special activities will encompass the AirVenture air shows, evening programs, Boeing Plaza and Warbirds area displays, and areas such as the Fly-In Theater and EAA Aviation Museum.

In addition, the annual Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight is scheduled to return to the schedule on Friday, July 28, focusing on Vietnam veterans departing Oshkosh for a day trip to the monuments in Washington, D.C., prior to returning at the end of that day’s air show.

Additional highlights are currently in development and will be announced in the coming weeks.

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. 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.