Tuesday, February 8, 2011

APPLICATIONS FOR $60,000 ELECTRIC FLIGHT PRIZE AT EAA AIRVENTURE 2011 NOW BEING ACCEPTED

       EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (Feb. 8, 2011) -
Applications for the $60,000 Electric Flight Prize at EAA AirVenture
2011, showcasing the accomplishments and viability of flight powered
exclusively by electricity, are now being accepted. An Initial
Application Form, along with the official rules, is available to
download at www.airventure.org/electric

       Three flight competitions held during EAA AirVenture 2011,
scheduled for July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, along
with an electric aircraft innovation evaluation will determine prize
recipients. Completed applications can be emailed to eventure@eaa.org.

       Cash prizes totaling $60,000 will be awarded to the winners of
each category as well as the overall winner of the Electric Flight
Competition. The prizes and support for the competition comes from Wicks
Aircraft Supply, Dynon Avionics, Aircraft Spruce & Specialty and
AeroLEDs - four companies highly active in the sport aviation community.

       The first competition, scheduled for Tuesday, July 26, will test
electric aircraft for endurance to determine which aircraft can be kept
aloft for the longest period of time. Working with Dynon measuring
equipment, each airplane can then enter the time to climb competition
scheduled for Wednesday, July 27.

       The third and final competition, held on Thursday, July 28, will
measure the maximum speed of each aircraft. The innovation evaluation
will be conducted by representatives of the four companies contributing
to the prize. They will reach a consensus on the top three developments
in electric flight based on battery, motor, controller and airframe.

       Each activity will be scored and plaques will be awarded to the
aircraft placing first, second or third in each category. The first
place winners in endurance, time to climb, maximum speed and innovation
will receive $10,000. The overall winner of the Electric Flight Prize,
based on the highest cumulative score, will receive $20,000. It may not
be necessary to place first in each event to win the overall category.

       The competitions are open to anyone with an electric powered
aircraft who has flown at least 40 hours and has an airworthiness
certificate.

       EAA AirVenture 2011 will also host the second annual World
Symposium on Electric Aircraft, featuring several influential industry
leaders discussing electric propulsion aircraft in an open forum,
offering what they envision is the future for this rapidly growing
flight segment that is attracting the attention of scientists,
engineers, manufacturers, and investors.

        AeroLEDs (www.aeroLEDs.com) was created to bring new LED
technology to aviation. Initially focused on the Experimental and LSA
markets, AeroLEDs is awaiting TSO approval for installation in
everything from J-3 Cubs to airliners.

        Aircraft Spruce & Specialty (www.aircraftspruce.com) is the
world's largest supplier of materials, tools, avionics and instructional
media for homebuilders, restorers and general aviation aircraft owners.

        Dynon Avionics (www.dynonavionics.com) has made "glass cockpit"
technology available and affordable to all homebuilders and LSA owners.
They are constantly developing new upgrades that are free to Dynon
owners.

        Wicks Aircraft Supply (www.wicksaircraft.com) focuses on the
needs of homebuilders, restorers and general aviation aircraft owners
with a wide range of aircraft materials, tools, covering materials, and
instructional videos.

        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.

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