EAA AirVenture DC-3 75th anniversary reunion growing

EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH'S DC-3 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION TAKING SHAPE
FOR GRAND ENTRANCE
Mass fly-in arrival to highlight July 26 air show at Oshkosh
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (March 4, 2010) - Possibly
the largest gathering of DC-3 aircraft since the 1940s is committed to
the aircraft's 75th anniversary commemoration during EAA AirVenture
Oshkosh, coming July 26-August 1 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
That celebration includes what could be a 40-airplane mass
arrival at Oshkosh on Monday, July 26 - the opening day of the 58th
annual edition of AirVenture. Aircraft and DC-3 enthusiasts from around
the world have already committed to participate in the event, including
many aircraft that have never before been seen at Oshkosh. In all, as
many as 50 or more DC-3s (or its military counterparts, the C-47 and
R4D) could be at the event.
"When we first suggested the DC-3 75th anniversary party, we
thought as many as 25 aircraft might make for an outstanding program,"
said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. "The
response has been far beyond our greatest expectations and now will be
one of the greatest aircraft reunions ever seen at Oshkosh, with more
surprises to come."
The mass arrival fly-in was capped at 40 aircraft, which will
stage at Whiteside County Airport in Sterling/Rock Falls, Ill.,
beginning on Saturday, July 24, with support provided by M & M Aviation.
Following a media day and dinner on July 25, the formation's pilots will
have their full safety briefing on Monday morning, July 26, prior to the
public departure for Oshkosh. The full group, with a combined 96,000
horsepower, is scheduled to arrive at AirVenture in time to open that
day's afternoon air show with an unforgettable flyover.
The previous world record for a DC-3 formation is 27 aircraft in
1985. Those aircraft not participating in the mass arrival will arrive
at Oshkosh on their own schedule and be part of the many activities
surrounding the DC-3 anniversary.
In addition, a special guest "mystery aircraft" - rarely seen in
flight - will be part of the mass arrival. That's airplane's identity
and pilot will be announced on the www.thelasttime.org website that is
the host website for the mass arrival. That website is also posting
"Hero FBOs" that are offering fuel and food discounts for DC-3 crews
heading to Oshkosh; as well as a diary section that welcomes DC-3 fans
to post their own fond remembrances of the iconic airplane.
Other activities honoring the DC-3 and its military cousins
include an evening program at EAA's Theater in the Woods; a series of
forums and presentations throughout the week at AirVenture; DC-3
aircraft flying skydiving teams during the afternoon air shows; special
movie presentations at the Fly-In Theater; and other activities. A
number of aviation personalities involved with the development and
flight operations of the DC-3 will also be guests at AirVenture.
"We appreciate all the efforts of dedicated volunteers who are
helping make this celebration possible," Poberezny said. "There is
already an enormous 'buzz' around this once-in-a-lifetime event for the
DC-3, and the military C-47 and R4D versions, which also fits very well
with this year's 'Salute to Veterans' activities at Oshkosh."
Complete presentation schedules will be posted at
www.airventure.org as they are finalized.
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.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.
Immediate news is available at http://twitter.com/EAAupdate.