HONOR FLIGHT AT AIRVENTURE 2011 WILL FLY WWII NAVY VETERANS TO D.C. MEMORIALS #OSH11

Southwest 737 to depart AirVenture grounds as part of ‘Navy Day’ festivities

      EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (May 26, 2011) — EAA, Southwest Airlines, and Old Glory Honor Flight, Inc., have joined together to give World War II Navy veterans the opportunity to visit the powerful memorials dedicated in their honor with an Old Glory Honor Flight departing from EAA AirVenture 2011 on Wednesday, July 27, as part of “Navy Day” festivities.

      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 in celebrating the Centennial of Naval Aviation.

      On the morning of Wednesday, July 27, a Southwest Airlines 737 aircraft will fly approximately 80 World War II veterans who served in the U.S. Navy from the AirVenture grounds to Washington, D.C. After a reception greeting them at Baltimore-Washington International Airport, the veterans will be taken on a day-long tour of memorials honoring the sacrifices they made preserving freedom. Those stops will include the World War II Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, and the National Naval Museum.

      “We at Old Glory Honor Flight are very excited to have the opportunity to honor the World War II veterans of Northeast Wisconsin at AirVenture 2011,” said Drew MacDonald, Old Glory Honor Flight president. “With the generous support of EAA and Southwest Airlines, we are planning a very special tour for our heroes that is a perfect fit with AirVenture’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of naval aviation.”

      The Old Glory Honor Flight veterans will return to AirVenture shortly after 6 p.m. on Wednesday, and receive a welcome home reception that many did not receive more than 60 years ago.

      “The Old Glory Honor Flight at AirVenture in 2010 was memorable experience for all involved, which we hope to match and surpass as we pay tribute to very deserving Navy veterans,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA and AirVenture chairman. “We are honored to partner with Southwest Airlines and the Honor Flight Network, giving these heroes the opportunity to see the memorials dedicated to their service and allowing them to receive the recognition they deserve.”

      The Old Glory Honor Flight, the Northeast Wisconsin hub of the Honor Flight Network, recognizes World War II veterans for sacrifices and achievements by providing a memorable, safe and rewarding tour of Washington, D.C., memorials at no cost.

      Additional information on the Old Glory Honor Flight is available at www.oldgloryhonorflight.org. 

      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.

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

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• 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!

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AIRCRAFT WILL HONOR HERITAGE AS PART OF NAVAL AVIATION CELEBRATION AT EAA AIRVENTURE 2011 #OSH11

Dozens of current naval aircraft featuring paint schemes from previous eras to appear

       EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (Dec. 1, 2010) — Current naval aircraft in legendary paint schemes of their predecessors will be one of many highlights of the week-long Centennial of Naval Aviation celebration at EAA AirVenture 2011, which will be held July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” is one of the “Tier 1” events supported by the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard in their year-long celebration.

       Several featured attractions, appearances, and forums will highlight AirVenture 2011’s week-long commemoration of naval aviation’s centennial, including “Navy Day” on Wednesday, July 27. “Navy Day” will feature a variety of legendary naval aircraft spanning the past 100 years, showcased in the afternoon air show and spotlighted throughout the week.

       Among the many special features will be the appearance of current naval aircraft repainted in colors from previous eras, thanks to the efforts of the Centennial of Naval Aviation.

       Examples of already completed aircraft include two T-45 Goshawks painted in yellow-winged, pre-World War II tactical aircraft schemes; an S-3B Viking in the colors of naval airplanes that fought in the Battle of Midway during World War II; an HH-60H Seahawk helicopter painted like those of Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron THREE (HAL-3) Seawolf fire teams from the Vietnam era; and an F/A-18F with an unique scheme modeled after the current Navy Working Uniform. More than 25 of these specially painted aircraft are expected to appear at AirVenture 2011.

       “We’re excited that EAA has made the Centennial of Naval Aviation the theme of the 2011 show,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Tim Wilson, Executive Director of the Centennial of Naval Aviation. “We look forward to working closely with the professionals at EAA to make this preeminent event an unsurpassed success.”

       Already confirmed for AirVenture 2011 is a replica of the 1911 Curtiss-Ely Pusher 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. More features, programs and attractions Centennial of Naval Aviation celebration will be announced as they are confirmed.

       “Seeing current naval aircraft paying tribute to the legacy left by their predecessors is another unique way AirVenture attendees can learn about aviation history,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA and AirVenture chairman. “We are honored the Centennial of Naval Aviation recognizes AirVenture as a major destination, and the lineup of attractions and events expected in 2011 is sure to live up to its billing as a Tier 1 event.”

       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. Additionally, returning for 2011 will be the Opening Day Concert presented by the Ford Motor Company on Monday, July 25, the widely popular Night Air Show and Fireworks on Saturday, July 30, and the World Symposium on Electric Aircraft, featuring influential industry leaders discussing the emerging era of electric flight, on Friday, July 29.

      Advance purchase admission tickets and camping for AirVenture 2011 are now available at a discounted rate at www.airventure.org/tickets. 

      The 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation Foundation’s mission is to raise national Naval Aviation awareness and honor a century of mission-ready men and women throughout the 2011 Centennial of Naval Aviation. As a result of regionally based events and educational displays, the Foundation will recognize unique Naval Aviation achievements throughout the past 100 years as well as provide resources for national involvement in the Centennial of Naval Aviation.

      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.  

NAVAL CELEBRATION, TRIBUTES TO RUTAN & HOOVER AMONG MANY TOP HIGHLIGHTS FOR EAA AIRVENTURE 2011

Opening Day Concert, Night Air Show also return as must-see attractions

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (Nov. 23, 2010) — Themed days dedicated to a notable centennial as well as aviation legends are shaping up to make each day at EAA AirVenture 2011 a must-see destination for all aviation enthusiasts. The 59th annual edition of “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” will be held July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

      Among the themed days are tributes to aviation pioneers and legends Burt Rutan and Robert A. “Bob” Hoover, as well as a “Navy Day” as part of the week-long Centennial of Naval Aviation festivities. EAA AirVenture 2011 has been classified a Tier 1 event by the U.S. Navy as the service celebrates 100 years of naval aviation.

      Additionally, several attractions and events in 2011 will commemorate the 100th anniversary of air mail service. Progress is also continuing on a number of other top-level attractions and programs for 2011, including the World Symposium on Electric Aircraft on featuring influential industry leaders discussing this emerging era.

      “AirVenture has always been known as the place to experience all aviation has to offer, and 2011 will be no exception,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA and AirVenture chairman. “We are delighted to not only partner with the U.S. Navy on its naval aviation celebration but also honor the legacies of two extraordinary individuals who epitomize what EAA and AirVenture are all about. Each day is shaping up to be an event in itself.”

      Daily highlights at AirVenture 2011 are as follows:

      Monday, July 25 – Opening Day: For the sixth consecutive year, AirVenture will get off to a rockin’ start thanks to a marquee musical act to be announced performing in the Opening Day Concert, courtesy of the Ford Motor Company. The concert, free of charge to all AirVenture attendees that day, will be held on the West Ramp following the afternoon air show.

      Tuesday, July 26 – Bob Hoover Tribute: Considered by many to be one of the founding fathers of modern aerobatics, Hoover enjoyed a legendary air show and air racing career after flying 59 missions in World War II and escaping a POW camp by commandeering a German Focke-Wulf 190. The afternoon air show will feature many of the legendary aircraft flown by Hoover over the years, in addition to programs chronicling his experiences and achievements.

      Wednesday, July 27 – Navy Day: As part of the week-long Centennial of Naval Aviation celebration, Navy Day will feature a variety of legendary naval aircraft spanning the past 100 years, showcased in the afternoon air show and featured on the West Ramp throughout the week.

      Thursday, July 28 – Burt Rutan Tribute: Many of the unique, innovative airplane designs from Rutan, who recently announced his upcoming retirement, will be featured in the afternoon air show. AirVenture attendees with Rutan-designed aircraft are encouraged to take part in a major gathering, including a special parking area for them on the flightline. Well-known Rutan aircraft designs will also be on prominent display on the West Ramp and serve as a backdrop for various presentations during the week. AirVenture 2011 programming will also celebrate the 25th anniversary of Rutan’s Voyager aircraft around the world flight.

      Friday, July 29 – Salute to Veterans: The service and sacrificed those who defend freedom throughout the world will be honored through a Parade of Veterans, prior to an expanded afternoon air show that will include warbirds from various eras. The day will also feature several premier top-level attractions and forums, including evening programming and entertainment.

      Saturday, July 30 – Return of the Night Air Show: After a widely popular debut in 2010, the Night Air Show returns with an all-star cast of air show performers putting on a stunning display of precision aerobatics accompanied by pyrotechnics. Fireworks will again close out the evening.

      Sunday, July 31 – Military Scramble: Prior to the afternoon air show on AirVenture’s final day, dozens of military aircraft will leave Oshkosh with an organized departure that gives attendees one final look at seeing these majestic aircraft in flight.

      Advance purchase admission tickets and camping for AirVenture 2011 are now available at a discounted rate 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.