Tuesday, June 30, 2009

'FLY4LIFE' CELEBRATION AT EAA AIRVENTURE 2009 READY TO RECOGNIZE HUMANITARIAN AVIATION

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (June 30, 2009) - The schedule is now set for the largest recognition program for humanitarian flying ever presented at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, as the weeklong "Fly4Life" program has been finalized for the event. EAA AirVenture 2009 is July 27-August 2 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.


The Fly4Life program will feature the breadth and depth of good works accomplished by general aviation, highlighting both public-benefit aviation activities and mission-based flight operations. Along with a major display adjacent to EAA AirVenture's showcase AeroShell Square, there will be aircraft displays, numerous forums and presentations, a July 27 evening program hosted by former CNN Science Editor Miles O'Brien, and other events.


"What we discovered as we finalized the schedule for the Fly4Life program at Oshkosh is there are more wonderful stories involving aviation than could possibly be told at an event a huge as AirVenture," said former EAA vice president Bob Warner, who is serving as the program's volunteer chairman. "Throughout this weeklong event, everyone at Oshkosh can discover how important aviation is not only to transportation around the world, but also how it improves and enhances the lives of people who may never fly in an airplane. We're very excited about the people, aircraft and activities that will be part of Fly4Life."


Among the scheduled activities for the week, featuring the theme "Fly for Life: General Aviation Serving People Worldwide," are the following highlights:

* An evening "hangar talk" program at EAA's Theater in the Woods on Monday, July 27, hosted by former CNN Science Editor Miles O'Brien, an active pilot himself. Featured guests include Peter J. Vanden Bosch, 2007 Winner Outstanding Achievement in Advancement of Public Benefit Flying Award; Walt Fricke, decorated U.S. Army Vietnam aviator and Veteran's Airlift Command founder/chairman; Steve Saint, aviation missionary, social entrepreneur and author of "End of The Spear"; and Gracie Burnham, aviation missionary, 2001 hostage of Pilipino militants and author of "In the Presence of My Enemies" and "To Fly Again";

* Fly4Life tent pavilions and aircraft displays open daily on AeroShell Square, showcasing mission aviation and public-benefit aviation;

* Special displays of a rare and historic 1934 Klemm L25 from Australia, which is the oldest known mission aviation aircraft still flying in the world, and the prototype "Maverick" - a combination powered parachute/dune buggy designed for mission jungle work;

* A "wings presentation" for the Able Flight group on Tuesday, July 28 at 11:30 a.m. at the pavilion to recognize disabled pilots who have overcome adversity to fly;

* Forums and presentations throughout the week as part of AirVenture's regular schedule of nearly 1,000 forums on the grounds (complete schedule is available in the Attractions/"Activities, Presentations and Workshops" area at www.airventure.org.).


"We look forward to thanking pilots and volunteers who donate their time and skill to public-benefit flying," Warner said. "We will also be hosting two group socials and on Friday, July 31, a group photo. In addition, pilots will also receive a special prop card for their aircraft and a badge that recognizes their commitment to humanitarian aviation."


More details and information are available at the activity's website at www.fly4life.org.

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 online 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.

Dayton adds B-2 and Longbow to Line-up

Army’s Attack Helicopter Demonstration Added to Air Show Line-up
USAF B-2 Stealth Bomber Flyover Also Confirmed
Two Convenient Shuttle Bus Locations Added


Dayton, Ohio – The Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger announced today two military additions to an already stellar line-up of performers for the 2009 show on July 18th and 19th. Spectators will be treated to a demonstration of the Army’s AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter on each show day as well as witness the eerily-shaped B-2 Spirit stealth bomber flyover the Air Show on Saturday, July 18th.

Appearing for the first time in 2008, the U.S. Army Reserve Apache Longbow Demonstration hails from the 8th Battalion 229th Aviation Regiment, the famed Flying Tigers, of Ft. Knox, Kentucky. The Longbow is a multi-mission, next-generation version of the original AH-64A. The fire-control radar on the Longbow distinguishes it from other AH-64D models. Having logged thousands of combat hours in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, the US Army Apache Longbow conducts rear, close and shaping missions including deep precision strikes with its HELLFIRE missiles, rockets and 30mm chain gun.

Another powerful asset in the US military and a crowd favorite at air shows is the Northrup Grummen B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, which will flyover the Vectren Dayton Air Show on Saturday, July 18th. The amazing flying wing, the B-2, is based with the 509th Bomb Squadron at Whiteman AFB, Missouri. The B-2 is capable of flying 6,000 nautical miles while carrying 40,000 pounds of weapons. Its low observable or “stealth” characteristics give it the unique ability to penetrate an enemy’s most sophisticated defenses. Known for its ominous appearance, the B-2 has a maximum takeoff weight of 336,500 pounds and a crew of only two pilots.

“The Vectren Dayton Air Show presented by Kroger is one of the nation’s premiere air shows,” stated Michael Emoff, Chairman of the USATS Board of Trustees, producers of the annual air show. “The addition of the Apache Demonstration and B-2 flyover substantiates our fine reputation, and we are thrilled to present another blockbuster show for our spectators,” he added.

With families watching their budgets more than ever, the Vectren Dayton Air Show offers three ways that spectators can leave more money in their pockets. Discounted General Admission tickets are on sale now at all area Kroger stores, the exclusive advance ticket outlet for the Vectren Dayton Air Show presented by Kroger. Patrons will enjoy a $3 savings for adult, senior citizen and child tickets purchased at Kroger. This means that advance adult tickets are available for $16 while senior citizen and child advance tickets are $12 at Kroger.

The Show offers families a terrific bargain with its Family 4 Pack. The Pack includes 4 show tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 Pepsis, 1 souvenir program and free General Admission parking for only $64.95, a 40% savings off the full gate price. But this great offer is not available at the show; purchase your Family 4 Pack by July 12th by either going to www.daytonairshow.com or by calling 800-585-3737.

For Air Show spectators desiring the best seats in the house, the all-inclusive Blue Sky Chalet, is now on sale for $89, a discount of $15 off the regular price. This is an exclusive 2009 show year offering. The popular Blue Sky chalet includes a continental breakfast, catered luncheon, afternoon snacks and unlimited beverages. Best of all you can enjoy the show from the comfort of an umbrella table seat, and air-conditioned tent with restrooms. Patrons also receive free parking and shuttle service. Like the Family 4 Pack, this offer is available through the show’s web site or by calling 800-585-3737.

Another convenience for spectators is an expanded express shuttle service provided by the Greater Dayton RTA. The shuttles run from the National Museum of the Air Force and the University of Dayton Arena parking lot. The shuttle service is $3 round trip. Children five-years-old and under ride for free. Shuttle service drops patrons at the show entrance and run continuously from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Show general admission tickets are available for purchase on the bus. Call RTA at 937-226-1144 for more information.

Previously announced the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the 2009 Vectren Dayton Air Show and will be commanded by Lt. Col. Greg Thomas, a Cincinnati native and graduate of Anderson High School in Cincinnati and Wright State University in Dayton. The Thunderbirds will be joined by a special appearance of the Brazilian Air Force Smoke Squadron, the Esquadrilha da Fumaça, a seven-ship formation team. Also announced earlier this year were, a US Air Force A-10 Demonstration, a US Navy Super Hornet Demonstration, Tora Tora Tora, an eight aircraft dramatic reenactment of the bombing of Pearl Harbor; Patty Wagstaff, three-time US National Aerobatic champion and 2004 National Aviation Hall of Fame enshrinee; the US Army Golden Knights; a US Air Force C-17 Demonstration; and Sean D. Tucker, a world-famous aerobatic pilot and a 2008 National Aviation Hall of Fame enshrinee.

Air shows are among the most cost-efficient family entertainment alternatives available today. With today’s discount announcement the Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger is no exception. Please visit our website www.daytonairshow.com to learn more about Dayton’s premier summer event and other seating options available.

Founded in 1975, the Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger is one of America’s premier air shows. The Air Show showcases world-class aerobatic champions, military jet demonstrations and entertainment for the whole family celebrating Dayton’s aviation heritage as home of the Wright Brothers, National Museum of the US Air Force and Wright-Patterson AFB. For more information visit www.daytonairshow.com


For more information contact:
Michael Emoff, Chairman, United States Air & Trade Show Board of Trustees, 937-221-7820
Brenda Kerfoot, General Manager, Vectren Dayton Air Show, 937-898-5901 ext. 133

Widebay Airshow time – Tips to ensure a smooth ride!

Don’t miss the most exciting event in the Bundaberg family outing calendar, the Wide Bay Australia International Airshow spectacular this weekend 3-5 July 2009. Here’s a few reminders and guidelines to ensure it is a memorable day out for all.

OPENING TIMES:• Gates open 8.30am - Gates close 4.30pm daily• FRIDAY 3 July (Trade Exhibition & Aviation Careers Day)• SATURDAY & SUNDAY – Aviation / Aerobatics spectacular. Check out the full program schedule at http://www.widebayairshow.com.au/

WHAT to BRING:• Buy your tickets NOW. Save money and avoid the gate queues by buying online (http://www.widebayairshow.com.au/ or at any Wide Bay Australia or RACQ Office)• Bring a hat, sunscreen and folding chair to relax in• Bring money as there are NO ATM’s on site• Bring your own radio & tune into FM frequencies (Thursday 2 July – Sunday 5 July) 90.1 FM – General interest 89.3 FM - Technical detail

WHAT’s not allowed: • No eskies - Fully licensed bars and boutique food vendors at local prices are readily available around the event grounds. In fact, the gourmet food array is just one of the many attractions.

CAR PARKING: Across the road from the airport at the Agrotrend site. Shuttle buses are available for $2 a ride or walk down Airport Drive to the entrance gate.

ROAD CLOSURE: The following roads will be closed from 6am to 5.30pm. Airport Drive from the Isis Highway (Takalvin Street) and the Commercial Avenue entrance to the Airport from the intersection with Johanna Boulevard.

Travellers to Childers and south along the Bruce Highway are advised to use the Goodwood Road and avoid the vicinity of the airport.

SUNSTATE AIRLINES passengers:Bona fide passengers may be driven to the airport for drop off and pick-up. Access is via Commercial Avenue. You are strongly advised to allow extra time due to the expected heavy traffic conditions.

From vintage Biggles to modern fighter jets, the skies above Bundaberg will be abuzz with aircraft of every description. Come along for a memorable day out. Phone the Airshow hotline on 4155 0044 for further information or check out the website on http://www.widebayairshow.com.au/

Airshow Traveler's July 1, 2009 Newsletter

Airshow Traveler's Air Show Weekly

Volume 7, Issue 1 

July 1, 2009

 

 O'Neil Real Estate 

WOLI Ad

AMC Dover AFB

Indy Transponder

 

 

 

Welcome to Airshow Traveler Magazine's Newsletter, Air Show Weekly, where we take a look at upcoming airshows and showcase current aviation topics.

All air show information listed is accurate as we know it.  Still, it is best to check with the individual air show to see if there are any changes.  Even then, scheduled aircraft may not appear due to bad weather en route, or because of mechanical breakdown.

 

In This Issue

Battle Creek Air Show

Binghamton Air Show

Kokomo Wings and Wheels

And More Shows

Museum News

Special Events

Looking Ahead

 

Battle Creek Air Show, July 4-5

 

Location:  WK Kellogg Airport, MI

Admission, Adults:  $15

Children Under 4 Feet Tall:  Free

Gates Open:  10:30AM

Website:  http://www.bcballoons.com/airshow.asp

The official title for this show is the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival.  With a title that long, we'd need two newsletters.  The festival runs from July 1-5, but the air show is on the weekend, including a night show.  There are just too many activities associated with this event, so please check their website listed above.

 Aerial performances are highlighted by the Thunderbirds.  More jet performances by the F/A-18F Super Hornet, F-15E Strike Eagle, and the Shockwave Jet Truck.  And the best Stearman pilot in the land, John Mohr, will be on hand with top notch aerobatics and a one wheel landing.  Well, the other wheel does touch the runway eventually.  Dan Buchanan and Manfred Radius will perform both during the day and at the night show, so stick around after dark.

 The Shockwave Jet Truck is expected to perform at the show.  Photo below taken at the 2007 Dayton Air Show.

Shockwave

Performers

Thunderbirds

F-15E Strike Eagle Demo

Aerostars Yak Demo

Aeroshell Aerobatic Team

Manfred Radius and his Glider

A6M Zero

Hoppers L-39 Aerobatic Team

Otto the Helicopter

Shockwave Jet Truck

John Mohr and his Stearman

Dan Buchanan and his Hang Glider

F/A-18F Super Hornet Demo

 

Binghamton Air Show, July 4-5

 

Location:  Greater Binghamton Air Show, NY

Admission, Adults:  $15

Admission Ages 6-10:  $7

Admission, Under age 6:  Free 

Gates Open:  9AM

Website:  http://binghamton.schultzairshows.com/

The performer list at Binghamton reads like a who's who of Airshow Traveler magazine.  Five of the performers have graced our cover, namely the Blue Angels, Golden Knights, Carol Pilon, Vintage T-33 Shooting Star, and the F-16 Fighting Falcon.  What more of a reason do you need to attend this show?  Top flight performers, a plethera of static displays, reasonable entrance fee.  Get off the couch and go, why don't cha'.


Fowler 'Big Dog' Cary's T-33 Shooting Star (58-0665, NX556RH) in Thunderbird markings is expected at Binghamton.  Photo below taken by Howard German at the 2008 McGuire AFB show.  As you know from previous newsletters, we love this aircraft, its pilot Jerry 'Jive' Kerby, and the narrator LM 'Lunar' Sawyer.  Lunar and Jive are never too busy for us and that puts them in a special place.  What I recently discovered was that Jerry is an instructor pilot for the Collings Foundation's F-4 Phantom.  Shame on you, Jerry, for not letting us know :)

 

T-33 Thunderbird

 

Performers

Static

Blue Angels

B-25J Mitchell

US Army Golden Knights

C-54E Skymaster

Rob Holland and his MX-2

A-10A Thunderbolt II

Third Strike Wingwalker Carol Pilon

F-16CJ Fighting Falcon

Firebirds Extreme Aerobatics

KC-135R Stratotanker

AV-8B Harrier Demo

L-17 Navion

Matt Chapman and his Cap 580

L-39 Albatross

Vintage Thunderbird T-33

L-5 Sentinel

F-16 Fighting Falcon

L-6 Interstate Cadet

 

UH-1N Iroquois

 

CF-18 Hornet

 

Waco

 

SNJ-5

 

C-45G Expeditor

 

C-47D Skytrain

 

B-17G Flying Fortress

 

C-5B Galaxy

 

AV-8B Harrier

 

E-2C Hawkeye

 

MH-60S Seahawk

 

T-34C Mentor

 

T-45C Goshawk

 

HH-65C Dauphin

 

T-6G Texan

 

T-6A Texan II

 

T-1A Jayhawk

 

PT-17 Stearman

 

Kokomo Wings and Wheels, July 4

 

Location:  Kokomo Airport, IN

Admission to Air Show:  Free

Pancake Breakfast, Adults:  $5 in advance, $7 at gate

Pancake Breakfast, Ages 3-17:  $3 in advance, $5 at gate

 

I'm a marching band nut, so I love promoting an air show that benefits one, namely the Western High School Marching Band.  My oldest daughter and son were in one of the best marching bands in the country, the North Penn High School Marching Knights of Lansdale, PA.  Hey, they're my kids, I had to get a plug in :)

 This event starts out with a pancake breakfast from 7-noon.  Prices are posted above.  The air show runs from 1-3PM and is free.  Donations are gladly accepted for the marching band.  We don't know a lot about the air show schedule, but we are told by Dave Jackson that they expect two Mustangs and two Texans, as well as a Corsair.  Aerobatics are expected by Mike Wild and his Super Decathlon, and Greg Aldridge and his Super Chipmunk.  A dragster and airplane race is also expected.

 Nathan Davis's P-51D Mustang 'Checkertail Clan' (44-74446 marked as 44-13498, NL1451D) is based at Kokomo and is due to perform at the show.  You know we love checkerboard paint schemes so it's no wonder that this is one of our top ten Mustangs.  The markings honor Hershel 'Herky' Green who flew with the 319th Fighter Interceptor Squadron in WWII.  Herky was a combat ace with 28 victories, 18 of which were in air to air combat.

 

P-51D Checkertail Clan 



 

And More This Weekend.....

Dubuque Air Show & Fireworks, Dubuque, IA, July 3-5 


8 Wing Anniversary Weekend Air Display, ON, Canada, July 4-5

Website:  http://www.cfbtrenton.com/anniversary/

 

Thunder Over Cedar Creek Lake, Tyler, TX, July 4

Website:  http://www.tocclairshow.com/

 

National Cherry Festival Air Show, Traverse City, MI, July 4-5

Website:  http://www.cherryfestival.org/events/airshow/blue_airshow.php

 

Tacoma Freedom Fair Air Show, Tacoma, WA, July 4

Website:  http://www.freedomfair.com

 

Museum News

 

Note:  Clicking on the Museum Name will take you to their website.

 

 

July 18:  Auction, Raffle, and Taste of Local Cuisine
The evening opens at 6:30 p.m. with hundreds of items in a silent auction and a one-hour open bar.  The live auction begins at 8:00 p.m. and a Taste of Local Cuisine starts at 7:00 p.m. featuring signature food items from 30 local area restaurants and caterers.

 

Raffle tickets are $75 which includes Auction admission for 2 people and a chance to win a new car or truck or $20,000.  Second Place is a $2000 cash prize and the Third Place winner receives $500.  Several $100 cash prize drawings will also be held throughout the evening.

 

We are going to have some great items this year," said Auction Chairman Steven Davison.  "We'll have things like vacation trips, furniture, sports equipment, lawn and garden items, artwork, appliances, house wares and fur coats. The Auction is one of the major events each year which helps the Museum sustain its outstanding exhibits and education programs."

 

A large volunteer Auction committee includes Raffle Ticket Chairmen Rick Drury and Co-Chairpersons retired Colonel Brian Grady, Shirley O'Neill, Linda Shingler and Tim Dupree. Auction tickets are available for purchase on the Museum web site at www.museumofaviation.org or by calling the Museum of Aviation Foundation at (478) 923-6600.
 

 

 

Special Events

 

The National Museum of the United States Air Force has announced their dates for their annual Dawn Patrol Rendezvous.  What started out to be a bi-annual one day affair has turned into a three day annual event.  This year's dates are September 25-27.  As Event Coordinator David C. Thomas puts it, "...we honor the memory of our WWI troops with the same spirit and patriotism that these early aviators displayed in defense of our countries."  For more information click on the link above.

 

Navy Theme at Geneseo This Year

A Navy theme this year at the 1941 Historical Aircraft Group museum is keeping with this museum's efforts to refresh itself every year.  The museum is located in Geneseo, NY, and is better known as simply the Geneseo show.  Or as they tout it, the Greatest Show on Turf.  Not only are they expected to have four Corsairs, two Avengers, one Hellcat and one Wildcat at its July 11-12 show, but they have also booked the world's only flying Helldiver.  If that doesn't tickle your warbird fancy, there is something wrong with you.  For more information, click here.

 

Looking Ahead

 

Next Week:

Jul 11-12:  Fly Iowa, Independence, IA

Jul 11-12:  Prairie Air Show, Peoria, IL

Jul 11-12:  South Shore Air Show, Gary, IN

Jul 11-12:  1941 Historical Aircraft Group Air Show, Geneseo, NY

 
Blue Angels:

Jul 4-5:  Binghamton, NY

Jul 11:  Pensacola Beach, FL

Jul 18-19:  Ypsilanti, MI

Jul 25-26:  Sioux Falls, SD

 

Thunderbirds:

Jul 4-5:  Battle Creek, MI

Jul 11-12:  Peoria, IL

Jul 18-19:  Dayton, OH

Jul 22:  Cheyenne, WY

Jul 25-26:  Milwaukee, WI

 

Snowbirds:

The Snowbirds have been indefinitely grounded so their schedule listed below may not be accurate:

Jul 4-5:  CFB Trenton, ON, Canada

Jul 18:  Peace River, AB, Canada

Jul 19:  Fort St. John, BC, Canada

Jul 22:  Airdrie, AB, Canada

Jul 25:  Lethbridge, AB, Canada


 

 

Thank You

 

Thank you for reading the latest issue of our newsletter.

 

God Bless Us Everyone,

 

Wayne Matusiak, Publisher
Airshow Traveler Magazine

Visit Our Sponsors

 

American Airpower Museum:  Republic Airport, Farmingdale, NY.  Great aircraft and warm, friendly people.  Very knowledgeable staff.  A great place to visit any time of year.  We thank them for their support over the years.

 

Warbirds Over Long Island:  With the passing of Bob Baranaskas, the future of this top notch outfit remains bright.  Bob's oldest son Chris will continue his Dad's vision and we support him 100%.  These are trying times for the Baranaskas family so please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

 

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