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.

U.S. military to be honored on Indianapolis 500 Race Day, including historic second flyover!

U.S. MILITARY TO BE HONORED ON INDIANAPOLIS 500 RACE DAY

Historic second flyover taking place after checkered flag

INDIANAPOLIS, Tuesday, May 24, 2011 - The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will continue its long-standing tradition of honoring the United States military during pre-race ceremonies for the 100^th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 29, and a first-time event after the race also will pay tribute.

After the checkered flag falls, a special second flyover recognizing the 100^th anniversary of U.S. Navy aviation will take place. A formation of U.S. Navy aircraft consisting of one A-4 Skyhawk and a T-2C Buckeye will soar over the track followed by the Navy flyover of four F/A-18E Super Hornets from Strike Fighter Squadrons 105 from Oceana, Va. and 137 from Lemoore, Calif. Representing the Navy at the Indianapolis 500 will be Vice Admiral Al Myers, USN, Commander, U.S. Naval Air Force.

"The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" has paid tribute to the troops since the inaugural event on Decoration Day - now known as Memorial Day - May 30, 1911.

Salutes to the military occupy many special moments during the pomp and pageantry of pre-race ceremonies on Race Day.

Military members march in uniform down the front straightaway. Large American flags have been unfurled in the infield during the performance of the national anthem, and a military rifle team fires a volley to honor fallen comrades. Florence Henderson also traditionally sings "America the Beautiful" to honor America and the troops.

General Peter W. Chiarelli, Vice Chief of Staff, United States Army, will give a speech honoring the U.S. Armed Forces during pre-race ceremonies. Chiarelli also will meet with the 400 service members and approximately 40 Wounded Warriors who will be on hand for the "500."

Global music superstars and Grammy Award winners David Foster, Seal and Kelly Clarkson will perform the national anthem during pre-race ceremonies for the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 on May 29.

Seal and Clarkson will sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" as a duet, accompanied by Foster on piano. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces will stand at attention beside Foster's grand piano during the performance.

The traditional flyover during the national anthem this year will feature a Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit, also known as a "Stealth Bomber."

Following the national anthem will be one of the most poignant tributes to America's veterans during pre-race ceremonies when a lone bugler plays "Taps."

Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Bruce P. Crandall will serve as the honorary starter, waving the green flag to begin racing for the field of 33 drivers.

Retired Col. Crandall, who flew more than 900 missions as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, received the Congressional Medal of Honor - the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government - in 2007.

***

2011 Indianapolis 500 tickets: Tickets are on sale for the 100^th Anniversary Indianapolis 500, "The Most Important Race in History," on Sunday, May 29, 2011 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Race Day ticket prices start at just $30. Fans can buy tickets online at http://www.imstix.com/, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or by visiting the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16^th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.

Children 12 and under will be receive free general admission to any IMS event in 2011 when accompanied by an adult general admission ticket holder.

Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.

The 100^th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 starts at noon (ET) May 29. Live coverage on ABC and the IMS Radio Network starts at 11 a.m.

EVENING WITH ASTRONAUTS, NAVAL CHIEF CAPS OFF MEMORABLE ‘NAVY DAY’ AT EAA AIRVENTURE 2011 #OSH11

Capts. Gene Cernan and Jim Lovell to speak on naval experiences

      EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (May 23, 2011) — As part of the week-long Centennial of Naval Aviation commemoration at EAA AirVenture 2011, a special “Navy Day” on Wednesday, July 27, will be filled with must-see attractions – capped off by an evening forum featuring renowned astronauts, Capt. Gene Cernan and Capt. Jim Lovell. Adm. Gary Roughead, the current U.S. Chief of Naval Operations, will also join Cernan and Lovell on stage for the Theater in the Woods program.

      The 59th annual edition of “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” scheduled for July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, will be filled with special attractions, appearances, and forums all week as part of its Tier 1 event status from the U.S. Navy for the year-long centennial festivities.

      Former “Good Morning America” host David Hartman will moderate the evening program as Cernan and Lovell will recall how their experiences as U.S. Navy pilots forged their careers into NASA and space exploration. Additional special guests will be announced at a later date. Theater in the Woods programming is presented by M&Ms.

      “We are always honored to welcome Gene Cernan and Jim Lovell to AirVenture, and are honored to host Admiral Roughead as we celebrate 100 years of naval aviation,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA and AirVenture chairman. "Not only can you experience the heritage of Navy aircraft, you can hear the stories of the people who built this legacy. This event will put the finishing touch on a very special day, one of many at AirVenture.”

      Cernan (EAA #456102), who served as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Navy, is one of only two men to have flown to the moon twice, becoming the last man to step foot on the moon as commander of Apollo 17 in 1972. Lovell (EAA #320945), who was a U.S. Navy test pilot, served on several missions, including Apollo 8 in 1968 that was first to orbit the moon and Gemini 7 space flight that lasted nearly 14 days in 1965. Lovell is well known for commanding the near-disastrous Apollo 13 that became a model of crisis ingenuity and teamwork.

      From unique restorations and replicas to today’s modern fighters, the largest collection of naval aircraft spanning all eras ever assembled in one location will highlight AirVenture all week. Naval aircraft will be showcased on ConocoPhillips Plaza, and dozens will be located at special parking area dubbed “NAS Oshkosh” located just east of Scotts Warbird Alley.

      Navy World War II-, Korean-, and Vietnam-era warbirds will join modern day fighters in a special tribute to naval aviation during the day’s afternoon air show, honoring the legacy built over the past 100 years by the veterans who served and sacrificed in them.

      The always popular Warbirds in Review on July 27 will profile the Navy pilots and current owners of a comprehensive list of naval aircraft on Scotts Warbird Alley, including an F8F Bearcat painted in a Blue Angels scheme, an F7F Tigercat, and an award-winning SNJ Tailhook trainer. Additional forums and interview sessions will be held alongside featured aircraft on ConocoPhillips Plaza.

      “Navy Day” will kick off with an “Honor Flight” that will transport approximately 80 World War II naval veterans from AirVenture on a Southwest Airlines 737 to Washington, D.C., where they will spend the day touring the memorials in their honor before returning to Oshkosh to a heroes’ welcome.

      AirVenture 2011 will also feature tribute days dedicated to aviation legends Burt Rutan (Thursday, July 28) and Bob Hoover (Tuesday, July 26) as well as several attractions and events commemorating the 100th anniversary of air mail service.

      Advance purchase admission tickets at a discounted rate as well as camping for all dates are now available at www.airventure.org/tickets. 

      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.

LARGEST COLLECTION OF NAVAL AIRCRAFT SPANNING ALL ERAS MARKS CENTENNIAL AT EAA AIRVENTURE 2011 #OSH11

Unique flying warbirds, special programs will honor legacy of naval aviation all week

      EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (May 19, 2011) — Celebrating 100 years in one week, the largest collection of naval aircraft spanning all eras ever assembled in one location is coming together for EAA AirVenture 2011 during its week-long Centennial of Naval Aviation commemoration.

      The 59th annual edition of “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” scheduled for July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, will feature special attractions, appearances, and forums as part of its Tier 1 event status from the U.S. Navy for the year-long centennial festivities.

      From unique restorations and replicas to today’s modern fighters, the legacy of naval aviation will be on display and in action all week at AirVenture 2011. Flying examples will be featured on ConocoPhillips Plaza, as well as a special parking area dubbed “NAS Oshkosh” located just east of Scotts Warbird Alley.

      Among the dozens of unique aircraft anticipated are several World War II and Korean War-era naval warbirds, including the only flying SB2C Helldiver Navy dive bomber in the world, one of two airworthy PV-2 Harpoons, OY1/L-5B USMC Observation aircraft that saw combat during the Battle of Iwo Jima, a rare Temco Pinto jet trainer, TBM Navy torpedo bomber featuring the paint scheme of the aircraft flown by President George H.W. Bush, an award-winning SNJ Navy trainer, F8F Bearcat in a Blue Angels paint scheme, Grumman J2F Duck Navy amphibian, F4U Corsairs, FM2 Wildcat, and F7F Tigercat. 

      Vietnam War-era will be represented by a Douglas R4D, Douglas AD Skyraider, Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, and North American T-2 Buckeye, with more to be added. Bookending the centennial attractions are a replica of the Curtiss-Ely Pusher that made the first carrier landing on the deck of the USS Pennsylvania in 1911 and more than 25 current naval aircraft repainted in colors from previous eras.

      A listing of aircraft confirmed is available at www.airventure.org/attractions/aircraft.html, with more to be added in the upcoming weeks.

      “There is no other place where you can see a gathering of aircraft of this magnitude representing all eras of naval aviation over the past 100 years,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA and AirVenture chairman. “This epic event will not only honor the heritage of these legendary warbirds, as well as the brave men and women who served and sacrificed in them. You’ll hear their stories and see their beloved aircraft come to life.”

      Several forums and special programs, including the always popular Warbirds in Review, highlight activities each day, along with afternoon air show showcases, and a naval-focused Living History Encampment featuring wartime reenactors. To mark its 25th anniversary, the naval aviation classic film “Top Gun” is scheduled to be shown at the EAA Fly-In Theater. The Fly-In Theater is presented by Ford Motor Company and supported by Hamilton Watches.

      On Wednesday, July 27, a themed “Navy Day” will feature a full day of activities surrounding the centennial, including dedicated forums on ConocoPhillips Plaza and Warbirds in Review, a special tribute during the afternoon air show, an “Honor Flight” featuring approximately 80 World War II naval veterans departing AirVenture for Washington, D.C., on a Southwest Airlines 737, and a special evening program featuring very notable naval aviation figures and guests at Theater in the Woods, whose programs are supported by M&Ms.

      More details surrounding “Navy Day” on Wednesday, July 27, will be announced next week.

      Additionally, Navy veterans will lead the “Salute to Veterans” parade from Scotts Warbird Alley to ConocoPhillips Plaza on Friday, July 29, as part of that day’s salute activities.

      AirVenture 2011 is filled with must-see features and attractions all week, including tribute days dedicated to aviation legends Burt Rutan (Thursday, July 28) and Bob Hoover (Tuesday, July 26) as well as several attractions and events commemorating the 100th anniversary of air mail service.

      Entertainment lasts well into the evening each day, including a couple premier concerts that all ages will enjoy. REO Speedwagon will get AirVenture 2011 off to a rocking start with the Opening Day Concert presented by the Ford Motor Company on Monday, July 25. Highlighting the weekend is “Super Saturday” presented by Southwest Airlines on Saturday, July 30, which will feature country star Aaron Tippin in concert leading into the widely popular Night Air Show and Daher-Socata Fireworks.

      Advance purchase admission tickets at a discounted rate as well as camping for all dates are now available at www.airventure.org/tickets. 

      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.

Indy Transponder 28-APR-2011 0452z

A Debt We Need to Remember - Warbird Images | I received this email from Larry Grace / ISAP with the following set of stats that I felt as Larry, that has been forgotten by too many. With his permission, I share these stats with you to ponder and perhaps share with those who might have too forgotten this debt I think we need to honor...

Heavy Metal Jet Team at TICO 2011 - AirShowBuzz | Check out the Heavy Metal Jet Team at TICO!

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – DVIDS | Capt. Arthur Q. Bruggeman, an AV-8B Harrier II pilot with Marine Attack Squadron 231, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, will perform an AV-8B level III flight demonstration at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., Air Show, April 30...

Air Show Celebrates Centennial of Naval Aviation - Vertical Mag | The 2011 American Centennial of Naval Aviation (CoNA) celebrations started off with a bang at the launch event at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, Calif. on Feb. 12. The Marine Air Task Force demo was started off at North Island by an eight ship mixed formation of Bell AH-1W and AH-1Z Super Cobras and Bell UH-1Y Super Hueys...

Central Texas Airshow Is Coming Up - KWTX | Temple, Texas Airport (TPL) - Mark your calendars for May 6, 7 & 8, 2011 for the largest, most exciting family event in central Texas. This will be a weekend of Flying, Fun, Formation, Fireworks, Pyrotechnics and non-stop flying. We will take you on a journey through the corridors of time to view aircraft from the past, present, and future...

Air Show Atlantic Joins Forces with Pro Stock Tour - Inside Track | (Halifax, NS. April 27, 2011) The Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour (PFTPST) is pleased to announce Air Show Atlantic as a race sponsor for the 2011 season. Air Show Atlantic is the region’s largest annual air show and one of the biggest and best in Canada...

VIDEO: Honor Flight Takes Ninth Trip to WWII Memorial - WLTX | Columbia, SC (WLTX)- The Honor Flight boarded for its ninth trip to the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. with a plane full of some of our nation's bravest. Bill Dukes founded the organization back in 1998 and said the emotions are running just as high as they did the first time they took flight...

The Red Baron Strikes Again - Warbird Images | With the amazing Casey Odegaard at the stick, the Red Baron (PT-17 Stearman) took to the skies for us again. This time, it has its wheel covers so it’s now “complete.” We had some great light as we danced in and out of the clouds. This might be the last opportunity I have to photograph this very cool plane. It’s up for sale and the really sad thing is, the owner is using my photos to help sell it. May be I should take them back?

Podcast: The 509th Remembered Editor Bob Krauss – Warbird Radio LIVE! – Thursday | Bob Krauss…the Editor of The 509th Remembered joins us for a special Warbird Radio LIVE!  Tune in this Thursday at 10am (EASTERN) to hear the details on how you can receive a limited signed copy of this historic reference.  The signatures are not from Bob…but from the veterans of the 509th.  Listen in tomorrow for all the details.

Inside the Flagship Detroit American Airlines DC-3 - Airline Reporter | During my last trip down to San Francisco (SFO) and their showing off of Terminal 2, I had the opportunity to check out the Flagship Detroit Foundation’s DC-3 (NC17334) with classic American Airlines livery...

Aviation Day Offers Kids Chance to Fly, Learn about Aircraft - Valley Voice | Woodlake - The Woodlake Flying Tigers Chapter 1292 of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Young Eagles program will be having its annual Aviation Day this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Woodlake Airport...

VIDEO: Miles O'Brien to Host 'You Talk to Endeavour' - Spaceports | Space shuttle Endeavour and International Space Station astronauts will answer your questions in a LIVE interview -- scheduled for Monday, May 2, at 2:15 p.m. ET, and hosted by NewsHour correspondent Miles O'Brien, as the crew orbits the earth at 17,500 mph...

Final Launch Reviews Reveal Modifications to Endeavour for STS-134 - NASA Space Flight | With Endeavour zipping through S0007 (launch countdown) ops, teams at Launch Complex 39A have completed PRSD load for Endeavour’s three electricity-producing Fuel Cells. Meanwhile, with no outstanding issues for the baby orbiter’s launch Friday at ~15:47.52  EDT...

VIDEO: MANAGEMENT: Endeavour Ready to Fly - Spaceports | With two days to go to launch, the six-member crew of STS-134 Endeavour continued its last-minute preparations for its scheduled flight to the International Space Station on Friday. That assessment came following a meeting of the shuttle's Mission Management Team.

April-May 2011 issue of The Magazine by AirShowsReview.com

Our latest issue of The Magazine, April-May issue is now available for free from http://www.airshowsreview.com/ Featuring reports and great images from:

• Centennial of Naval Aviation -- North Island Open House San Diego,
• Avalon 2011 Australia's premier airshow,
• Flying with the Austrian Air Force in the Alps,
• and so much more!

Download yours today, Adobe reader required, and enjoy!

Indy Transponder 22-DEC-2010 1130z

Sabreliner Corporation Perryville, MO Facility Rolls Out 3 Centennial of U.S. Naval Aviation Aircraft from The Aero Experience by Carmelo Turdo | Sabreliner Corporation's Perryville, MO facility rolled out three aircraft in special Centennial of U.S. Naval Aviation celebration paint schemes Monday.  The Aero Experience was privileged to attend the presentation of aircraft to Navy Captain (Commodore) John R. Rodriguez, TAW-6 commander, NAS Pensacola, Florida.  We wish to convey our deepest appreciation to the management and staff of Sabreliner Perryville for their gracious accommodation and professionalism during our visit.  We look forward to reporting on future Centennial of U.S. Naval Aviation projects in the near future…

First International Sport Pilot Fly-In from General Aviation News by Dan Johnson | "Too much fun!" was a common exclamation of my Alaska ultralight friend Mike Jacober. His signature phrase ran through my head as 18 airplanes, mostly LSA, arrived at the Freeport, Bahamas, airport for the first International Sport Pilot Fly-in over Dec. 10-12…

Harrison Ford receives aviation's highest award from Aviation Blogs by Av8tor | Aviation bestowed its highest award, the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, on pilot, actor, humanitarian, and AOPA member Harrison Ford on Dec. 17, exactly 107 years after the Ohio brothers changed history on the sand dunes of North Carolina when their Wright Flyer took off on the world's first ever powered, controlled flight. The trophy is awarded annually to a "living American for significant public service of enduring value to aviation in the United States."…

Sneak peak of "Kids Days" at the EAA AirVenture Museum from eaavideo.org | The EAA AirVenture Museum is hosting Kids Days - a special event for families over the holidays from Dec. 27-31. Activities include everything from making space vehicles to scavenger hunts and more. It's hands-on fun for the entire family!

Future of Allentown's Queen City Airport in question - The Express Times - LehighValleyLive.com
View full sizeExpress-Times File PhotoIn this 2003 file photo, crowds gather for an air show at Queen City Airport in ...

Aircraft No. 13 in the Doolittle raid from Pilots of America Message Board by Let'sgoflying! | For you historians, this is an interesting account of the Doolittle raid on the mainland of Japan in early WW ll. Enjoy! This is a really excellent firsthand account by the pilot of aircraft #13 on the Doolittle Raid off the Hornet in 1942. Take the time and enjoy a bit of history. ~ My name is Edgar McElroy. My friends call me "Mac". I was born and raised in Ennis , Texas the youngest of five children, son of Harry and Jennie McElroy. Folks say that I was the quiet one. We lived at 609 North Dallas Street and attended the Presbyterian Church…

A380 engine explosion cost Qantas $70 Million says AON Insurance from Plane Nation by Braniff | The Qantas Airbus A380 engine explosion that required a Sydney-bound jet to return to Singapore shortly after takeoff on Nov. 4 caused at least $70 million in plane damage, according to a report from insurance company Aon…

Aircraft carriers with no aircraft….. by David Cenciotti | RAF: Harrier Retirement Won't Hurt F-35C Skills | By ANDREW CHUTER | Published: 17 Dec 2010 - One of Britain's senior Royal Air Force commanders has rebutted suggestions that retiring the Harrier GR9 will damage the ability to regenerate skills to operate the new F-35C variant of the Joint Strike Fighter off a new aircraft carrier when it enters service around 2020. "Anybody who thinks that operating a Harrier today was somehow going to link you with the F-35C on the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier is [wrong]. It is just not true," said Air Officer Commanding No. 1 Group Air Vice Marshal Greg Bagwell…

ISS Expedition 26 Holiday Message from Spaceports by jack@jackkennedy.net (JackKennedy) Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! The Expedition 26 crew sends holiday greetings to Earth from the International Space Station…

A rather splendid Moth by shortfinals | At first sight, this might seem to be another of those excellent creatures, a DH 82A Tiger Moth. However, close examination shows that G-ABZB is, in fact, another rara avis, a DH 60G III Moth Major, although the original name issued in the British Civil Aircraft Register was 'D.H. Mark Three Gipsy Moth (Wood)'. Built in 1932, at a time when De Havilland products were dominating the light civil aircraft market, the wooden framework fuselage sheathed in plywood had become a company trademark…

Online advance purchase tix for admissions, camping & flights now open for EAA #AirVenture 2011 #OSH11

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (Nov. 18, 2010) — Attendees staying at the drive-in Camp Scholler area at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh can now pre-purchase camping for all arrival dates in 2011, providing greater convenience for those travelling to “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.” The 59th annual edition will be held July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

      Advance admission ticketing is made possible through support from Jeppesen.

      With rates remaining the same from last year, EAA AirVenture 2011 admissions are now available for advance purchase by EAA members and non-members via a secure website, allowing ticket holders to speed through the admissions process. Both daily and weekly admissions are available, as is the ability to join EAA and immediately receive the best possible admission prices available only to EAA members. Discounts are available to those who pre-purchase AirVenture tickets online before June 15, 2011, including $2 on daily adult admissions and $5 on weekly adult admissions.

      Advance purchase camping for Camp Scholler, which opens on June 24, 2011, provides the convenience of express registration at the campground entrance, including specially designated lines on peak arrival dates.

      “Camp Scholler visitors can now conveniently pre-purchase, no matter when they plan on arriving,” said Rick Larsen, EAA vice president of marketing. “Our objective for advance purchase camping continues to be delivering a faster check-in process, so attendees can get to the fun even faster.”

      New for 2011, attendees are now able to pre-purchase flights in advance on EAA’s 1929 Ford Tri-Motor. Passengers can avoid the lines and get more out of their AirVenture experience before taking a ride in the first mass-produced airliner. AirVenture flights aboard EAA’s B-17 “Aluminum Overcast” are also available for advance purchase.

      To access the advance ticketing area, visit www.airventure.org and click on the “Buy Tickets” link. Simply make your selections, pay by credit card, and print your tickets at home. Full instructions and answers to frequently asked questions are available at that site. Advance purchase AirVenture tickets are scanned and exchanged for an appropriate wristband at all AirVenture gates in a quick and easy process.

      “Tens of thousands of aviation enthusiasts have enjoyed the greater convenience and discounts advance purchase has provided since it was introduced in 2008,” Larsen said. “We continue to look for ways to streamline and improve the purchasing and admission process, enabling attendees to get the most out of AirVenture every year.”

      Advance purchase EAA AirVenture tickets also make great Christmas and holiday gifts, and allow recipients to enjoy many months of anticipation prior to their own Oshkosh experience. The advance-purchase option is also a unique gift idea for aviation enthusiasts. While buying admission tickets and camping, online purchasers can also select from limited edition AirVenture merchandise.

      EAA AirVenture 2011 has been classified a Tier 1 event by the U.S. Navy as it celebrates the Centennial of Naval Aviation throughout next year. Several top-level attractions and events will commemorate this notable anniversary as well as 100th anniversary of air mail service.

      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. 

1911 Curtiss-Ely Pusher replica is first aircraft confirmed for naval celebration at EAA AirVenture 2011

Original aircraft made first carrier landing on USS Pennsylvania

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (Nov. 9, 2010) — A 1911 Curtiss-Ely Pusher replica is the first confirmation in what is expected to be a feature-filled aircraft lineup celebrating the 100th anniversary of naval aviation at EAA AirVenture 2011. “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” will be held July 25-31, 2011, at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

      The Curtiss-Ely Pusher replica, built by Bob Coolbaugh (EAA 307903/Vintage 15150) of New Market, Va., with assistance from Andrew King (EAA 275985/Vintage 10739) of Vienna, Va., resembles the one that made the first carrier landing on the deck of the U.S. Navy’s USS Pennsylvania in the San Francisco Bay on January 11, 1911 – beginning the era of naval aviation.

      The U.S. Navy will celebrate the Centennial of Naval Aviation (CONA) throughout next year and has designated EAA AirVenture 2011 as a Tier 1 Event.

      “This Curtiss-Ely Pusher replica illustrates two key elements that make EAA and AirVenture so special, the premier event to see historic, pioneering aircraft and the dedication shown by two EAA members to recreate history,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA and AirVenture chairman. “This Curtiss-Ely Pusher replica is one of many aircraft can look forward to seeing up close as we celebrate the important role aviation has served in the U.S. Navy over the past 100 years.”

      The Curtiss-Ely Pusher replica, which took nearly two years to build, is powered by a 125-hp Continental engine turning a Sterba 74x40 propeller. Coolbaugh, a former airline pilot with 24,000 flight hours, plans to fly the Curtiss-Ely Pusher replica to as many as eight designated CONA events in 2011, including AirVenture – the farthest west he would travel.

      The aircraft successfully flew for the first time on a grass strip adjacent to Runway 6/24 at the New Market Airport on Oct. 8. By Oct. 14, Coolbaugh and King, an antique and vintage aircraft restorer with nearly 3,000 flight hours logged, combined to make 17 flights, averaging 20-45 minutes in duration.

      In addition to naval aviation celebration, the centennial of air mail service is being recognized in 2011, and events at Oshkosh will include that notable anniversary as well.

      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. 

Indy Transponder 08-NOV-2010 1000z

WINGS OVER HOMESTEAD - MiamiHerald.com | Among those performing aerial acrobatics were the famed Blue Angels. BY DIDIER MORAIS Bob Wilcox has fond memories of his last visit to Homestead Air ...

Skies Filled With Thunder At Homestead Airshow - CBS 4 | The two-day free air show "Wings Over Homestead" Air Show featured 17 different sky acts, including performances by the Blue Angels and the world famous ...

First Airshow Of The Year by PacificFlyer | The 36th Annual Cable Airshow (formerly The Pomona Valley Air Fair), is organized and presented by the Pomona Valley Pilots Association and EAA Chapter 448. Proceeds go to non-profit aviation scholarships, giving more kids and young ...

Roar n' Soar Weekend - Tampabay.com ... race boats on Lake Agnes, on shore boat display, a vintage air show, giant scale radio control aircraft, powered paragliders and a hang glider show. ...

Purdue to toast hero Hudson pilot 'Sully' from IndyStar.com News Headlines | WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Purdue University is preparing to toast alumnus Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the pilot who safely landed a jetliner on the Hudson River last year.

A veteran and his plane from Bayou Renaissance Man by Peter | I was very moved to read a story on the Backcountry Pilot forum, forwarded to me by Miss D. I don't mind admitting that it brought a tear to my eye. Perhaps it'll do the same for you. … He was an old man, suffering from serious depression and an incurable illness. His future, such as it was, looked grim. Just a few weeks earlier he had been diagnosed as having Hodgkin's disease. In an effort to cheer their father up, his sons had driven him from Massachusetts to the great air show taking place in Genessee. Their dad had been a Navy combat pilot in WWII. He'd often told them stories about his days as a younger man, a man they'd never met and perhaps never really believed existed. But they knew how is eyes would light up when he talked about his wartime experiences. Dad became young again, if only for a moment, as he remembered being strong and healthy, fighting against fascism so many years ago. The boys hoped that being around the old warbirds would lift his spirits for at least a day…

Marin City to honor Tuskegee Airmen on Veterans Day - Marin Independent-Journal | Otis Finley Jr.'s father -- who lived in Novato until he died in September 2008 -- was a B-25 bomber pilot with the famed airmen. ...

Fire causes $7M damage to Indianapolis plane site - Indianapolis Business Journal | The hangar is owned by the Indianapolis Airport Authority and is leased to ComLux, which used it to maintain and refurbish airplanes…

Curtiss 1911 Pusher Replica Video and Flight Story from Antique Airfield News - Bob Coolbaugh has been flying a 1911 Curtiss Pusher replica as a part of recognizing the 2011 Centennial of Naval Aviation, as well as Eugene Ely's contribution to aviation. Bob and Andrew King recently flew the Pusher from New Market, VA to NAS Norfolk in preparation for the Centennial events, including a lift up to an aircraft carrier flight deck!...

Curtiss Pusher Marks 100 Years Of Naval Aviation from AVwebFlash Current Issue | The Navy will mark 100 years of naval aviation with an air of authenticity next week thanks to a former naval aviator's handiwork. Bob Coolbaugh, who is now an airline pilot, spent two-and-a-half years building a replica of the Ely-Curtiss Pusher that Eugene Ely took off from a ship on Nov. 14, 1910. Coolbaugh first flew the replica aircraft in early October and took turns with friend Andrew Davis flying it 150 miles over two days from his home in New Market, Va. to Norfolk, where the celebrations will be held. The delicate-looking aircraft had to climb to 4,800 feet to clear the Blue Ridge Mountains but Coolbaugh said the flight went well. "Aside from the fact that I was freezing to death, it was wonderful," he told the Virginian-Pilot…

AVEX Int'l airshow kicks off in Egypt - People's Daily Online | The AVEX International Airshow 2010 started in Egypt's Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on Sunday, with more than 70 local and international aviation ...

Twin engines by Katie Cannon | A policeman walks next to an Airbus A380 passenger jet during the AVEX International Air Show at the Sharm El Sheikh airport in Egypt, Nov. 7. The jumbo jet is fitted with engines from Engine Alliance, a joint venture between General Electric and Pratt & Whitney. The four day event, staged every two years, focuses on the African and Middle East region's aviation sector…

Video: Yves Rossy Does Loops in His JetMan Rig from AVwebFlash Current Issue | The man you're watching is 51-year-old Yves Rossy — also called Jetman, for reasons that should be obvious. In 2006, he became the first person to fly with custom-made composite wings on his back powered by four small jet engines. This footage (shot Friday, November 5, 2010) is proof that he's now the first man to perform aerobatics and loop in the rig…

The Verticopter® , an Adaptable and Expandable Convertiplane from CAFE Foundation Blog by Dean Sigler | Oliver Garrow, founder, designer, and President of Garrow Aircraft LLC, says it right up front, "My design is completely counterintuitive."  Pilots are used to counterintuitive thinking.  Push the nose down and add power when you've stalled and are heading groundward anyway, for instance.  But the logic of what Garrow is doing becomes apparent only when you see the Verticopter® flying…

Aeronca C-3 Air to Air by Gilles Auliard from Antique Airfield News | Gilles Auliard says: "Being a Flivver kinda guy, the Aeronca C-3 was always high on my list with the Taylor E-2 or the Heath Parasol. After a flight in the Brodhead C-3, I had my mind set to do some air-to-air with one…

Indy Transponder 07-NOV-2010 1300z

Flying High: Planes, aerobats show off during Jacqueline Cochran Air Show - The Desert Sun | Thousands of people turned out Saturday for the seventh annual Jacqueline Cochran Air Show in Thermal. Attendees got to see fast-moving fighter jets speed ...

Thunderbirds inspire kids of all ages at Lackland Airfest - San Antonio Express | Twice, the famed Thunderbirds air acrobatics team visited his base in Hawaii. Both times, Gradel was deployed overseas. "My experience with the Thunderbirds ...

'Daring Birdman' kicked off a century of Naval aviation - The Virginian-Pilot | Ely, meanwhile, returned to barnstorming, delighting crowds across the country with his aerobatic displays. When an interviewer from The Des Moines Register ...

New Pilots Go To Salinas Airshow from Pacific Flyer | Editor's Note: a freshly-minted pilot e-mailed us that he and his brother were going to their first airshow and asked if we'd be interested in a report, no charge. Those were the magic words, since our assigned man took ill. So here's Larry Pemberton's unedited story, with photos by Curt Fargo. - By Larry Pemberton and Bob, Photos By Curt Fargo | Me and my brother Bob decided it was time that we went to an airshow. We are, after all, officially government-certified pilots, tested and approved and have yet to run into anything firm. But, between the both of us, we'd never been to an airshow; can you believe it?...

Aerobatic Racing Challenge from Pacific Flyer | What is the Aerobatic Racing Challenge Series? The Aerobatic Racing Challenge Series (ARC Series) is a new and innovative racing format featuring pilots with high-performance aerobatic aircraft competing against each other on a vertical race course. As a featured Air Show event, pilots race through an aerobatic sequence in a side-by-side dual that challenges each pilot to fly the maneuvers as quickly and cleanly as possible…

The Jet Man does it again! from Bayou Renaissance Man by Peter | I've written about Swiss pilot Yves Rossi before in these pages. He's famous as the 'Jet Man', having built a carbon-fiber 'wing' powered by four jet engines of the type used on small radio-controlled hobby aircraft…

Pilots Fly Onto AF Lakebed from Pacific Flyer | Editor's Note: In September, we published a news release from the FAA and Edwards AFB announcing they were coordinating the first ever civilian fly-in to the historic Rosamond Dry Lakebed. The event, to be held on Friday, Oct. 1, was limited to 100 aircraft and the pilots were to be selected by lottery. A runway was to be "created" on the Dry Lake Bed, located 12 miles west of Edwards' main runway…

Amelia Earhart: the turbulent life of an American icon — a book review from Travel for Aircraft | Amelia Earhart: the turbulent life of an American icon — a book review | Amelia Earhart: the turbulent life of an American icon, Kathleen C. Winters, 2010, ISBN 978-0-230-61669-1, 233 pp. + index | I have been learning about aviation's history from the 1930s and earlier over the previous year or so. I've learned that much of what I learned in my youth has been substantially revised. The academic publisher, Palgrave MacMillan, offered me a prepublication copy of a new title about Amelia Earhart so that I might review and post about it. I happily accepted as there were no strings attached, no requests to edit the post or lavish gifting. Palgrave MacMillan does not work that way, thankfully…

Bombardier Follis shot down over Germany - Bellingham Herald | Our crew was assigned to the Pyote Army Air Base near Pecos, Texas, for training on B-17 Flying Fortresses. Our bomber crew went overseas in a convoy ...

During WW2, this woman veteran taught Army boys to fly. - Susan Rodriguez, who grew up York, Pennsylvania and now lives in Bethesda, Md., sorts through World War II-era papers related to her work as a flight instructor. (Daily Record/Sunday News -- Paul Kuehnel) York, PA - Susan Smith was just out of college and teaching foreign languages in 1942, an emergency replacement because the regular teacher had just gone off to war. Every morning her father…

Gathering Of Mustangs (Well, 5) from Pacific Flyer - Story and Photos By Roger Cain | Although 10 P-51 Mustangs were expected at this year's one-day "Gathering of Mustangs" only five were able to make it to the event October 9th at Nut Tree Airport, about one hour northeast of San Francisco. Hosted by the Travis Air Museum and co-sponsored by its non-profit arm of the Jimmy Doolittle Air and Space Museum Foundation and the Nut Tree Airport, the turnout also attracted the four wheeled kind…

Nearly 100 years since Wiseman's special delivery - Santa Rosa Press Democrat | There will be exhibitions centered on Wiseman's flight at five places (at least) throughout the month of February — the Pacific Coast Air Museum, ...

Some amazing aerial footage of World War I from Bayou Renaissance Man by Peter | The BBC has unearthed some amazing film footage shot from an airship in 1919 over the battlefields of World War I. It's going to form part of a program called 'The First World War From Above'. The director of the program reports: I was approached to direct The First World War From Above earlier this year. Back then, my fantastic production team at the BBC had put together a dazzling array of stories and elements.

B-58 Launcher, Part D'oh from The Unwanted Blog | The second of two illustrations of a B-58 as a carrier for some form of large rocket, from the SDAM via Mark Nankivil. While this sketch shows more clearly that the intention  was to launch the rocket in a direction safely describable as "up," this illustration also displays a number of… anomalies…

Wings of war: Vintage war planes visit Perry airport - Macon Telegraph | On hand at the Perry-Houston County Airport's Open House and Fly-In on Friday and Saturday were a vintage World War II B-17 Flying Fortress, ...

Fort Hood hero speaks at Danville veterans ceremony - GoDanRiver.com | In his speech, Hopewell spoke about his father's wartime experience aboard a B-17 bomber and how that event brought him to Danville. ...

Bombshell Beauties Calendar from Pacific Flyer | Bombshells 2011 is our hottest issue yet featuring gorgeous women and air to air photography of the most rare and unique vintage warbirds flying today. The 2011 theme brings nose art to life with the girls dressed like the very art work that appears on the aircraft with which they are being photographed…

DVD Review: Waddington International Airshow 2010 from Flightline UK - UK Airshow News | The Media Group have once again produced a a very different and interesting interpretation of an airshow DVD. As well as coverage of the flying display highlights there are a number of other background features covering some of Waddington's units as well as airshow preparations. The E-3D Sentry AEW1 crew provide a "video diary" of their own preparations for the opening station flypast while other sections focus on 8 Squadron's Memorial Garden, the Waddington Fire Crews, the Air Traffic Control Caravan  as well as preperations for the Tornado GR4 Role Demo and Harrier GR9 displays amongst others…

Area 51 Movie to be Released in 2011 from Spaceports by jack@jackkennedy.net (JackKennedy) The movie Area 51 is a "found footage" take on the secret location in the Nevada desert, that supposedly houses a UFO, as three students try to break in to the secure facility back in 1994. The video cam was later recovered. Production of the movie took place in Utah…

'Super 8' Movie to be released June 10, 2011 from Spaceports by jack@jackkennedy.net (JackKennedy) The secretive sci-fi movie "Super 8" will be released in theaters June 10, 2011. The story is set in 1979 when a train is carrying something that came from a section of Area 51. The train is heading for Ohio together with the unknown cargo taken from Area 51. What was taken from Area 51 will eventually escape. Production is now underway in West Virginia. Steven Spielberg is producing "Super 8" with J. J. Abrams and his Bad Robot partner Bryan Burk…

SiFi Apollo 18 Movie Coming in March 2011 from Spaceports by jack@jackkennedy.net (JackKennedy) A new SciFi movie Apollo 18 will imagine a world where the mission actually took place and led an encounter between aliens and humans on the surface of the Moon. The early 1970's Apollo 18 moon mission was officially canceled by NASA, but according to urban legend, it actually happened. The movie footage shows signs of alien life taken by the Apollo 18 moonwalkers, and the events of the mission are built into a thriller story line…

Arcadia Publishing from Pacific Flyer | Arcadia Publishing has teamed up with some of the best aviation historians to create the Images of Aviation series. This series focuses on preserving the history of the aviation industry and chronicling its progression throughout the years. Each book contains more than 200 vintage images celebrating the history of flight - from the early experimental, lighter-than-air craft to modern commercial, military and private air machines…

For Sale: The only aviation-themed, all-suites hotel in the Midwest by Jay Honeck | Now's your chance to hang out with pilots all day long, too! As seen in AOPA Pilot Magazine, GA News, and a host of other aviation periodicals, I present for your consideration the Alexis Park Inn & Suites: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...#ht_582wt_1135

A quick trip to Masterton: post 2 of 3 from Rodney's Aviation Ramblings | In this second post of the quick trip to Masterton, here are a few of the aircraft sitting and flying around…

A big thank you! from From the Flight Deck | These "kids" are now in their late twenties and early thirties. Looks like I was spreading the "word of aviation " for quite some time. I took them up for a tour of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Even though none of them pursued aviation, I think they had a great day…

Kids get heads up in the clouds at first annual fly-in - Columbus Telegram | Those who did fly received a Young Eagles certification. Young Eagles is a program of the Experimental Aircraft Association, an international aviation group ...

The Fall of the Concorde from Aviation by K.P. | The Concorde, introduced in 1976, was the first passenger airliner that traveled at supersonic speeds. This was the product of a joint venture between British and French companies and remained in operation until 2003… The Concorde could supercruise at Mach 2.02 and had a top speed of Mach 2.04…

The Ryan FR-1 Fireball and F2R Dark Shark: an Evolutionary Dead-End  - When the US Navy initiated the development of its first jet fighter, the McDonnell FD-1/FH-1 Phantom, in 1942, not only did it hedge its bets on McDonnell's design by carrier testing the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star, but it also initiated a back up program at the insistence of the Navy's Bureau of Aeronautics (BuAer) for a mixed-powerplant fighter that combined a conventional piston radial engine with a jet engine...