ANTICIPATION BUILDS FOR NAVAL AVIATION CENTENNIAL, LANDMARK VISITS AS EAA AIRVENTURE 2011 NEARS

More than 10,000 aircraft to descend on ‘The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration’

      EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (July 14, 2011) — In just a few days, more than 10,000 aircraft and hundreds of thousands of attendees will descend on Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh for EAA AirVenture 2011, which begins Monday, July 25, and runs through Sunday, July 31.

      The 59th annual Fly-In Convention – “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” – will once again become the epicenter of the aviation world, bringing together aviation’s past, present, and future and mixing in with a variety of entertainment options that result in unlimited, affordable fun for the whole family.

      Below is a small glimpse into AirVenture 2011 and some of its highlighted events:

      • Centennial of Naval Aviation: From unique restorations and replicas to today’s modern fighters, the largest collection of airworthy naval aircraft spanning all eras ever assembled will be featured prominently on ConocoPhillips Plaza, as well as a special parking area dubbed “NAS Oshkosh” located just east of Scotts Warbird Alley. AirVenture 2011, which has been classified a Tier 1 event by the U.S. Navy for its year-long centennial celebration, will feature “Navy Day” on Wednesday, July 27.

      • Landmark Appearances and Rare Aircraft: On Friday, July 29, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner will appear at AirVenture for one day only, where the next generation of commercial airliners will offer public tours for the first time anywhere. Joining the 787 on ConocoPhillips Plaza is its rare Boeing brethren, the world’s only airworthy B-29 Superfortress “FIFI”, which will arrive at AirVenture for the first time since 1995 on Tuesday, July 26, and stay through the event. That is only a sampling of the rare and unique aircraft lining the flightline in the Warbird, Homebuilt, Vintage, and Ultralight areas, in addition to the innovations on display and in flight throughout the week.

      • Super Saturday: From sunrise to well past sundown on July 30, Super Saturday presented by Southwest Airlines has something for everyone – highlighted by the widely popular Rockwell Collins Night Air Show and Daher-Socata Fireworks to close an action-packed day. Super Saturday also features the expanded “Warbirds Extravaganza” afternoon air show, leading into a pair of concerts at 6:30 p.m. – country star and avid pilot Aaron Tippin, presented by FedEx, and Da BLOOZE Bros “Blues Brothers” tribute band, presented by Ford Motor Company. A mass hot air balloon launch and Runway 5K run/walk in the morning and the appearance of a Southwest 737 also highlight the day.

      • Tributes to Aviation Icons: Tribute to Burt Rutan Day on Thursday, July 28, salutes an aviation legend responsible for many unique aircraft designs that have become synonymous with AirVenture. It will feature more than 100 Rutan-designed aircraft in a special parking area comprising the largest and most diverse gathering of ever assembled with many flying in that day’s air show. Tribute to Bob Hoover Day on Tuesday, July 26, honors Hoover’s iconic aerobatic career along with heroic service in World War II of the “Pilot’s Pilot.” Tuesday’s air show includes the legendary aircraft flown by Hoover, in addition to programs chronicling his experiences and achievements. 

      • Evening Entertainment: Action keeps going into the night with plenty of free events included with admission. In addition to Tippin, music fans can enjoy the sounds of legendary rockers REO Speedwagon in the Opening Day Concert, presented by Ford Motor Company, on Monday, July 25, right after the afternoon air show, as well as actor and veterans advocate Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band in concert on Friday, July 29, at 8 p.m. Movie buffs can head over to the Ford Fly-In Theater for its nightly films, which will feature introductions from Hollywood legends Harrison Ford and George Lucas during the week. Plus, Theater in the Woods has a variety of programming each evening for everyone’s enjoyment.

      • Fun for the Whole Family: Children can build model rockets and balsa planes or fly in a high-tech flight simulator at KidVenture, as well as enjoy KidVenture Gallery fun inside the AirVenture Museum.

      Daily admission for non-members is $37 for adults and $30 for veterans and active military personnel. Admission for children ages 6-18 is $20 (free on Sunday, July 31, when accompanied by paying adult), and children age 5 and under are admitted free throughout AirVenture.

      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 www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.