Tag Archives: warbirds

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh commemorates 30 years of women flying combat aircraft

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EAA AirVenture Oshkosh commemorates 30 years of women flying combat aircraft during EAA WomenVenture on July 26

Special programming, exhibits, and more included throughout week

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (June 9, 2023) — Celebrating women advancing in aviation, including 30 years of flying active-duty combat aircraft, will be part of EAA WomenVenture on July 26 during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The 70th edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s fly-in convention is July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

EAA WomenVenture has become an annual gathering point for women involved in aviation, from the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of World War II to teenagers involved in EAA’s GirlVenture day camp that week. The programs are design to encourage and inspire women who want to pursue their dreams of flight.

“What we’ve seen over the 15-plus years of EAA WomenVenture is that it has become an unforgettable annual reunion of all women engaged in aviation,” said Margaret Viola, an EAA-member pilot who is the volunteer chair of the event. “We are inspired by those who came before us and, in turn, are enthused to share the world of flight with others who want to become part of it. It’s a celebration that happens in a unique way at Oshkosh.”

Events will be held all week, with an emphasis on July 26 activities, including commemoration of 30 years of women flying combat missions in the U.S. military. Programs during the week include:

  • All week: EAA WomenVenture Center, located at Aviation Gateway Park, features exhibitors and events that support women in aviation.
  • Monday, July 24: Ice Cream Social, sponsored by Endeavor Air (SOLD OUT)
  • Wednesday, July 26:
    • Annual WomenVenture group photo, 11 a.m., Boeing Plaza
    • Power Lunch, Theater in the Woods (SOLD OUT), with keynote speaker Michelle “Mace” Curran, author and former U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds pilot, presenting Upside Down Dreams.
    • Evening program, Theater in the Woods, 6:30 p.m., with pioneering women military pilots Jeannie Leavitt, Sharon Preszler, and Martha McSally, plus more women pilots who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
  • Thursday, July 27: Female aviation authors featured all day at EAA WomenVenture Center.
  • July 26-29: Evening activities hosted by exhibitors on WomenVenture Center patio.

More information is available at EAA.org/WomenVenture, including how to register for this year’s free commemorative WomenVenture T-shirt, designed by EAA member Leticia Williamson.

EAA WomenVenture is present by The Boeing Company, with additional support from Endeavor Air, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, The Ninety-Nines, Piedmont Airlines, United Airlines, University of North Dakota Aerospace, U.S. Air Force, and Women in Aviation International.

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.

Corsair reunion at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023

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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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‘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.