Indy Transponder 04-OCT-2011 0300z

Chabrian To Be Honored at Wright Brothers Memorial Gala from WAI Connect Blog by Amy Laboda | Dr. Peggy Chabrian, President and founder of Women in Aviation, International, will be presented with the Amelia Earhart Award at the 84th Annual Wright Brothers Memorial Gala and Golf Tournament, which benefits the GMAA-Bachelor Aviation Scholarship Fund, Inc. The award will be given at the Gala, being held at the Doral Golf & Country Club in Miami, Florida, October 22nd.

WWII Pilot, Astronaut to Speak at Glenn L. Martin Museum - Patch.com | Courtesy of NASA World War II fighter pilot Bernie Sledzik, who flew ground support missions during the Battle of the Bulge, is scheduled to speak at 7 pm Monday at the Glenn L. Martin Aviation Museum. Sledzik's appearance is part of the museum's ...  [photo: Valor Studios]

Video: Re-enactment of first Balloon Fiesta includes original pilots - KOB | A re-enactment of the first Balloon Fiesta back in 1972 made it off the ground Friday morning from Coronado Center, the site of the first fiesta.  The re-enactment of the first Balloon Fiesta was a success, even though not all the balloons made it off the ground.  The winds delayed the initial 6:45 am lift off, but about an hour later, balloonist Mike Rice was one of several pilots that made it into the air.  Rice's balloon is the official Albuquerque International Fiesta Balloon.  On Sunday he will take part in a tribute for the fiesta's creator Sid Cutter, who died earlier this year.  The Balloon Fiesta board began planning this ...

Podcast: CAF Week Day 1 – CEO Stephan Brown from WarbirdRadio.com by Matt | We’re devoting the entire week of programming to the Commemorative Air Force in honor of AIRSHO 2011.  Commemorative Air Force CEO Stephan Brown ...

From Minnesota CAF

• Around the Hangar
• Fall Bomber's Moon Ball
• Blog Update - 25June to 03October
  

Aviation Heritage Center at Sheboygan County airport gets a piece of history - The Sheboygan Press | Crews mount a Lockheed T-33 jet fighter outside the Aviation Heritage Center of Wisconsin at the Sheboygan County Memorial Airport last Saturday. The 1950s-era plane was restored over the last six years and will be formally unveiled Saturday in a ...

Hopewell to construct aviation museum at Twin Pines - NJ.com | Somewhere amid the jumble of junk collecting cobwebs in the ramshackle hangar at the old Twin Pine airfield lie a set of wheels from the personal plane of famed American flyer Charles Lindbergh.  At least that’s what Bill Weasner thinks.  The 85-year-old former owner of the airport remembers Lucky Lindy as a ...

Howard Hughes Lockheed Jetstar Refreshed at Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum from The Aero Experience by Carmelo Turdo | The Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum is sprucing up its Lockheed Jetstar once owned by Howard Hughes.  Members of EAA 64, who meet at the Museum's Curtiss-Wright Hangar 2 at ...

Jet Age Air Fair Thrilled Huge Connecticut Crowd in 1959 - Patch.com | ... display of the airshow was the precision flying performed by the Thunderbirds, the aerial demonstration team of the United States Air Force. At the time, the Thunderbirds were flying the F-100C Super Sabre. ...

Newark air Museum 2-10-2011 - Stick and Rudder | Shots showing EE Lightning T.5 being worked on. Grey 'primer' coat started and when complete it will back in the 'camo' scheme it was in before the problems with the paint-film. Also Harvard cockpit section restoration in hangar 1. Also GAL Monospar still coming along nice. Also better look at the F4 cockpit section. ...

View Of the Plane Cemetery From Your Apartment from English Russia | Central Aerodrome at Khodynka Field built by N. E. Zhukovsky, was the first aerodrome in Moscow. May 9, 1945, early in the morning, a plane landed there carrying the German Instrument of Surrender. Now, Khodynka Field is a big residential …

Dreamliner on display at Museum of Flight from General Aviation News | Boeing's first 787 Dreamliner will be on public display at Seattle's The Museum of Flight's parking lot Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A Helicopter Display Team | Movie Monday from Leaving Terra Firma by Matt Everett | If I had to guess, I’d say a lot of people are familiar with Chuck Aaron and the Red Bull BO-109. His act is spectacular, but what could you do with something smaller and more mundane? I don’t know, something like a Robinson R22?  If you’re curious, today’s video will interest you. It features a display team founded by Jim Cheatham, the Showcopters, formerly based out of Salinas, California. I say formerly, because unfortunately, as I found in  ...

Bell explores new missions for the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor Canada from CavokBlog | Bell Helicopter is exploring new markets for their missions and Bell-Boeing tiltrotor V-22 Osprey. Recently, the company demonstrated the capabilities of search and rescue (SAR) of the V-22 to the Canadian Forces. The V-22 is ideal for the SAR mission in Canada, a country with vast distances and difficult operating environments, and could do the work of several planes in a typical mission, according to a spokesman for Bell. ...

Pennsylvanian Firm Wins Largest Aviation Prize In History - iWeather Online | Image NASA-Bill Ingalls NASA has awarded the largest prize in aviation history to Pipistrel-USA.com, a company based at State College (Pennsylvania). The CAFE Green Flight Challenge, sponsored by Google, was created to inspire the development of more ...

NASA Awards Historic Green Aviation Prize from AVIATION-NEWS | NASA has awarded the largest prize in aviation history, created to inspire the development of more fuel-efficient aircraft and spark the start of a new electric airplane industry. The technologies demonstrated by the CAFE Green Flight Challenge, sponsored by Google, competitors may end up in general aviation aircraft, spawning new jobs and new industries for [...]

Berlin celebrates largest ever commercial aviation event - Breaking Travel News | A record number of senior industry figures and delegates have arrived in Berlin as the city becomes the centre of the aviation world for three days. The annual World Routes event will be attended by more airlines and airports than any previous event, ...

With New York’s Intrepid Museum Dealing with Issues, Texans Make Another Play for the Space Shuttle from UnBeige | If you thought the battle between museums over space shuttle ownership being over with had long since ended, you are sorely mistaken. Though NASA announced back in the spring which museums would receive the now-decommissioned space craft, and then offered a very thorough report back in August about how it came to pick which lucky museums would get one, late last week the fight revved back up again. The  ...

Bombers Take the Skies at AIRSHO 2011

Midland, Texas (Sept. 30, 2011) — The 2011 Commemorative Air Force (CAF) AIRSHO^® presented by Western National Bank is just a few short days away and this year, the CAF will be darkening the skies with the massive bombers of World War II and today!

“This year is all about the bombers,” said CAF Colonel/Volunteer AIRSHO Chairman, Gena Linebarger. “No other show in the country can feature this massive array of aircraft. Two B-17s, a B-24, four B-25s and the Queen of the CAF Fleet, the world’s only flying B-29, FIFI, will take the skies over Midland/Odessa! AND, we aren’t stopping at World War II! The B-1B Lancer and the B-2 (best known as the Stealth Bomber) will be soaring over AIRSHO crowds! This is an AIRSHO you can’t miss!”

In addition to the massive display of bombers, AIRSHO will feature World War II training, observation, transport and fighter aircraft. The exciting aerobatic displays of Corkey Fornof and Jan Collmer will thrill audiences as they spiral through the sky and the A-10 West Demo Team will demonstrate the capabilities of the A-10 Thunderbolt II in an exciting performance! For a complete list of aircraft please visit www.airsho.org.*

The 2011 AIRSHO will also feature a patriotic performance of the CAF’s Red, White & Loud Tour starring Aaron Tippin and the B-29 FIFI. Country music star and patriot, Aaron Tippin, will perform his chart-topping songs Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly, Kiss This and many more from a stage built into the wing of the historic B-29! This is a great performance not to be missed! The concert is included in AIRSHO admission and does not require an additional ticket.

Also making its debut appearance at this year’s AIRSHO is the CAF Red Tail Squadron RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit. The RISE ABOVE exhibit brings public awareness of the Tuskegee Airmen by taking their story to young people and exposing them to an immersive educational experience. The exhibit, which houses a 30-seat movie theater with a 180-degree screen, travels to air shows, schools, youth gatherings and malls where visitors can sit in climate-controlled comfort to enjoy an experience documentary about the Tuskegee Airmen created by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Adam White. The experience is free to AIRSHO audiences!

AIRSHO is also excited to continue in its recent tradition of working to support the local economy. AIRSHO ticket prices will remain at the same low price as the last two years and we have once again invited local food vendors to participate in this year’s show! Ticket prices for the 2011 AIRSHO are just $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12, Kids 5 and under are Free. Adult tickets will be $20 if purchased at the gate, but tickets for children ages 6 to 12 will remain only $5!

“In 2009, we “took a step back in time” and lowered ticket prices to make attending AIRSHO easier on families, and in 2010, the local food vendors enjoyed long lines and happy customers at AIRSHO,” said CAF President/CEO Stephan Brown. “The crowds enjoyed the unique variety of food available at AIRSHO, from fun fried foods to fantastic sandwiches. Inviting local food vendors back keeps the money in our hometown and keeping lower ticket prices makes the AIRSHO more accessible to our community.”

Discount tickets are on sale now at area Western National Bank branches, FINA 7-Eleven and Domino’s Pizza. Tickets are also available at www.airsho.org and at the Commemorative Air Force Headquarters at Midland International Airport.

On Saturday, Oct. 8 and Sunday, Oct. 9, the CAF AIRSHO gates will open to the public at 8:30 a.m. to give attendees plenty of time to view the static aircraft before the flying begins. CAF AIRSHO takes great pride in bringing the historic warbirds of the CAF fleet along with modern military aircraft to the public.

Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has more than 8,000 members and a fleet of 156 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 74 units located in 27 states for care and operation.

For more information, visit www.airsho.org or www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (432) 563-1000.

CAF Red Tail Project Becomes the CAF Red Tail Squadron As It Soars to New Educational Heights

South St. Paul, Minn. (June 15, 2011) – The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Project has changed its name to the CAF Red Tail Squadron. The change from Project to Squadron reflects the current status and mission of the group as an active volunteer-driven association of the Commemorative Air Force, a non-profit organization. The CAF Red Tail Squadron is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen - America's first black military pilots and their support personnel.

In existence since 1993, the CAF Red Tail Squadron uses a restored World War II P-51C Mustang fighter like those the Tuskegee Airmen flew over Europe as a tool to tell the Airmen's story at air shows across the country. In 2011, the Squadron will bring to fruition the RISE ABOVE traveling exhibit that will be housed in a 53-foot mobile exhibition and share the Airmen's inspirational story.

"Over time the CAF Red Tail Project has evolved into something larger than a 'project'- it has become a group of individuals with a shared vision to tell the story of the Tuskegee Airmen in such a way that it brings to life their struggle against adversity," said CAF President/CEO Stephan Brown. "The CAF Red Tail Squadron RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit and the P-51C Mustang will tour the country sharing the Tuskegee Airmen's achievements through overwhelming adversity to encourage and inspire today's children to Rise Above their own challenges in life."

The CAF Red Tail Squadron RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit will bring public awareness of the Tuskegee Airmen by taking their story off the airport to the young people and exposing them to an immersive educational experience. The exhibit will house a 30-seat movie theater with a 180-degree screen and travel to air shows, schools, youth gatherings and malls where visitors can sit in climate-controlled comfort to enjoy an experience documentary about the Tuskegee Airmen created by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Adam White.

"Our mission has always been focused on educating people about Tuskegee Airmen. They were talented and courageous aviators who were fighting the Nazis in the air and the military's segregationist policies on the ground during World War II,” said Bradford Lang, leader of the CAF Red Tail Squadron. “The Airmen and their crews painted the tails of their fighters red and, as they proved their skill and daring in the skies over Italy and Germany, white bomber pilots stepped back from their own prejudices and began requesting the 'red tail angels.'  Adding the word "Squadron" to our name reflects the fact that hundreds of people support our desire to tell the Airmen's story by making donations and volunteering."

The CAF Red Tail Squadron RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit is scheduled to be introduced at AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis., July 25-31, 2011.

 

 About the CAF: Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has more than 8,000 members and a fleet of 156 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 74 units located in 27 states for care and operation. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (432) 563-1000. For more information about the CAF Red Tail Squadron, visit www.redtail.org.

CAF to Host WASP Reunion at AIRSHO 2011

Midland, Texas (May 20, 2011) — The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is proud to announce that it will be hosting a reunion of Women Air Service Pilots (WASP) at the 2011 CAF AIRSHO presented by Western National Bank. To date, 28 of the WASP veterans have committed to take part in the reunion. The Best Warbird Show in America returns to the skies Oct. 8-9, 2011, above Midland International Airport between Midland and Odessa, Texas.

The CAF Ambassadors Committee, who will be hosting the WASP, is currently raising funds to bring as many of the remaining 266 WASP as possible to AIRSHO 2011. The Ambassadors will provide lodging, travel and meals for each WASP and one guest. In addition, they will be given reserved seating and honored with a special celebration at AIRSHO.

“As of May 19^th, 28 WASP have committed and we still have about four months until AIRSHO, which means this is only the beginning,” said CAF President/CEO Stephan Brown. “Over the next few months we expect many more of the surviving WASP to sign up for the reunion. These ladies are an important part of our history and were an integral part of our military services during World War II. The CAF is proud to honor these unique women and we would like to invite our community to help show their gratitude.”

Both members of the Commemorative Air Force and non-members are invited to participate in supporting this reunion through monetary donations or donations of airline tickets and miles.

“These ladies are on fixed retirement,” said CAF Ambassadors Committee member Bob Halford. “But they deserve the opportunity to reunite with their fellow WASP. This is why we are doing everything we can to raise the funds and support needed to bring these brave ladies back together at AIRSHO.”

Unlike other women who served their country in a military capacity during World War II, the WASP were never recognized as veterans of the war and did not enjoy veterans privileges. The 38 women who died in the line of duty were buried without military honors and surviving members often had to pass around a hat for funeral expenses. In 1977, recognition finally came when Congress declared WASP were indeed veterans of World War II. Official military acceptance came from the Air Force in 1979. In 1984, each WASP was awarded the Victory Medal. Those who served for more than one year were also awarded the American Theater Medal.

In March 2010, the 300 surviving WASP were awarded a Congressional Gold Medal for their service.

“We have a unique opportunity to share, maybe for the last time with many, their lives and sacrifices,” said Bob Halford.

To make a donation to the CAF Ambassadors Committee WASP Reunion, please contact the Commemorative Air Force at (877) 767-7175 or submit your donation to CAF Ambassadors Committee, P.O. Box 62000, Midland, Texas 79711-2000.

In addition to the WASP reunion, AIRSHO will feature aircraft on display and in the air, ranging from early vintage aircraft to the thundering sounds of today's American military. CAF AIRSHO takes great pride in bringing modern military to the public along with the historic aircraft of the CAF fleet.

AIRSHO will also feature recreated historic battles of World War II using the CAF’s collection of rare vintage warbirds. The show will include aerial dogfights, simulated bomb explosions that rock the ground and a recreation of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor with the world-renowned TORA TORA TORA pilots.

Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has more than 8,000 members and a fleet of 156 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 74 units located in 27 states for care and operation. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (432) 563-1000.

CAF’s Red, White & Loud To Take Part in “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration”

MIDLAND, TEXAS (March 24, 2011) – The world’s only flight-worthy Boeing B-29 Superfortress FIFI, and country music star/patriot Aaron Tippin will take the CAF’s Red, White & Loud Tour to the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” EAA AirVenture July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

“We are thrilled to bring the CAF’s ‘Red, White & Loud Tour’ to EAA AirVenture. Country music star Aaron Tippin is a great supporter of our American troops and veterans, as well as the CAF and what we stand for, honoring American military aviation through flight, exhibition, and remembrance,” said Stephan Brown, CAF president/CEO. “Partnering with Aaron to create this tour has allowed the CAF to reach new audiences and we are excited to celebrate America’s freedom through song and the roaring radial engines of the world’s only flying B-29 at one of the greatest aviation events.”

On Saturday evening, July 30, Aaron will take to the stage for a unique performance of such songs as Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagles Fly, Kiss This and You’ve Got to Stand for Something. The concert will precede the widely popular Night Air Show and Daher-Socata Fireworks, capping a day filled with memorable attractions.

“After four years and countless of hours of work on behalf of our volunteer-members, the CAF is proud to see FIFI return to the skies,” said Brown. “There is no other event better than AirVenture to celebrate the world’s only flyable B-29’s new lease on life. While the CAF has participated in AirVenture for many years, it is exciting for FIFI to return after more than 15 years away from one of the most popular and well-attended aviation events in the world.”

“The addition of the B-29 to the lineup at EAA AirVenture 2011 further solidifies Oshkosh as the greatest aviation gathering point in the world,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA and AirVenture chairman. “This legendary warbird represents the highest American bomber technology during World War II, and will be an integral piece of the festivities honoring those who served and sacrificed for the freedom we enjoy today.”

About EAA 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 http://www.eaa.org/. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.

About Aaron Tippin:
A highly experienced airman himself, Aaron soloed on his 16th birthday. He became a commercial multi-engine instrument-rated pilot by the age of 18 and is also helicopter-qualified. A certified aircraft and power plant mechanic, he owns a 1941 Stearman, a 1946 J3 Cub and 1959 Helio Curior--all in flying condition.

Over the past two decades, platinum recording artist Aaron Tippin has become one of the most recognizable and influential voices in country music. With 13 recorded CD’s to his name and more than 30 charted singles, he performs nearly 200 dates each year. For more, visit http://www.aarontippin.com/.

About the CAF’s B-29 Superfortress:
Late in 1974, the CAF's B-29 was christened FIFI and joined the other World War II fighters and bombers to preserve the memories and teach lessons of mankind's greatest war. In 2006, the B-29 was grounded by the CAF due to recurring engine trouble and after four grueling years of work by volunteer-members, FIFI returned to the skies in late 2010 with a new lease on life. She has been refitted with new custom built engines that are a combination of the R-3350-95W and R-3350-26WD engines. The re-engine project and subsequent return to flight is due in large part to the generosity of Jim Cavanaugh, founder of the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison, Texas. For more information visit http://www.cafb29b24.org/.

About the CAF:
Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has more than 8,000 members and a fleet of 156 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 74 units located in 27 states for care and operation. For more information, visit http://www.commemorativeairforce.org/ or call (432) 563-1000.

World's only airworthy B-29 'Superfortress' returning to EAA AirVenture in 2011

WWII bomber back in air after restoration, making first Oshkosh visit since 1995

      EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (March 23, 2011) — Flying again following a four-year renovation, the world’s only airworthy Boeing B-29 “Superfortress,” FIFI, is scheduled to make a much-anticipated appearance at EAA AirVenture 2011 on July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

      FIFI, which is owned by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) and is a part of its B-29/B-24 Squadron based in Addison, Texas, will arrive Tuesday, July 26, and stay through the event’s duration – joining hundreds of other warbirds on display at the 59th annual Fly-In Convention, known as “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.”

      The Boeing B-29 “Superfortress,” one of the greatest airplanes during the World War II era, is scheduled to fly during the afternoon air show on Friday, July 29, as part of the day-long veterans salute. FIFI last appeared at AirVenture in 1995.

      “The addition of the B-29 to the lineup at EAA AirVenture 2011 further solidifies Oshkosh as the greatest aviation gathering point in the world,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA and AirVenture chairman. “This legendary warbird represents the highest American bomber technology during World War II, and will be an integral piece of the festivities honoring those who served and sacrificed for the freedom we enjoy today.”

      FIFI’s appearance also brings country music star and pilot Aaron Tippin to AirVenture 2011 for an evening concert on Saturday, July 30, as part of Commemorative Air Force’s “Red, White & Loud Tour.” The concert will precede the widely popular Night Air Show and Daher-Socata Fireworks, capping a day filled with memorable attractions. Tippin joins REO Speedwagon (Monday, July 25) and Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band (Friday, July 29) as musical acts confirmed for AirVenture 2011.

       “We are thrilled to bring the CAF’s ‘Red, White & Loud Tour’ to EAA AirVenture. Country music star Aaron Tippin is a great supporter of our American troops and veterans, as well as the CAF and what we stand for, honoring American military aviation through flight, exhibition, and remembrance,” said Stephan Brown, CAF president/CEO. “Partnering with Aaron to create this tour has allowed the CAF to reach new audiences and we are excited to celebrate America’s freedom through song and the roaring radial engines of the world’s only flying B-29 at one of the greatest aviation events.”

      Over the past four years, FIFI was refitted with custom-built engines – combining Wright R-3350-95W and R-3350-26WD powerplants – to replace the Wright R-3350-57AM engine in place since the early 1970s. The refit required reworking the engine mounts and some of the engine cowling. Mechanical difficulties prevented FIFI from making scheduled visits to AirVenture in 2005 and 2006.

       The Boeing B-29 “Superfortress,” which was first flown in 1942 and began active service in 1944, is perhaps best known as the aircraft from which the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, in 1945. It was designed as a replacement for the older B-17s and B-24s, with longer range and greater bomb loads. The B-29 was also used in the Korean War in the early 1950s and was a staple of the U.S. Air Force until jet bombers began to appear in the late 1950s.

       This particular B-29 was saved from use as a ground target for weapons tests in the 1960s and first flown by the CAF in 1971. The B-29 was christened FIFI in 1974 in honor of the wife of Col. Victor N. Agather, who had been on the wartime development team for the aircraft and had been personally committed and involved with the airplane’s restoration in the early 1970s.

       Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has more than 8,000 members and a fleet of more than 150 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 73 units located in 27 states for care and operation. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (432) 563-1000.

      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

Commemorative Air Force Voted Favorite Don’t Mess with Texas Ad of Past 25 Years

 AUSTIN, Texas — After nearly 600,000 total votes cast in the Face-Off, Texans have declared the Confederate Air Force, now the Commemorative Air Force, the favorite Don’t Mess with Texas TV ad of the past 25 years. 

The Texas Department of Transportation celebrated the start of its Don’t Mess with Texas campaign’s silver anniversary with a Celebrity Face-Off. Texans voted in January and February at http://dontmesswithtexas.org/celebrityfaceoff/ on a pool of 38 commercials, the first of which aired during the Cotton Bowl in 1986.

“The sheer number of votes in the Face-Off shows Don’t Mess with Texas is adored for its commercials,” said TxDOT Travel Information Division Director Doris Howdeshell. “We launched the Face-Off to get people engaged in litter prevention. I know we can carry this momentum forward and keep litter off our roadways.”

In the winning Don’t Mess with Texas spot, an airplane flies overhead letting Texans know that somebody up there is watching for litterers. Texans can view the spot at http://dontmesswithtexas.org/celebrityfaceoff/, and it will air the rest of the year.

“The Commemorative Air Force was founded in Texas over 50 years ago, which makes Texas our home and the Don’t Mess with Texas campaign extremely important to us,” said CAF President/CEO Stephan Brown. “When the Face-Off began, we saw an outpouring of support from our 8,000 members. Getting to the finals and then winning has been great fun for our staff and members. We’re excited that the CAF’s B-17 Sentimental Journey brought it home.”

There was also a buzz about the Face-Off on Don’t Mess with Texas’ Facebook page. Post views on the page increased by 963 percent and post “likes” increased by 457 percent, with 1,695 people liking the Don’t Mess with Texas page since the Face-Off started. Friends of the campaign wrote about their most-loved TV spots. One fan wrote, “Let's vote the King of Country as the King of Texas!,” while another fan said, “Okay it is time to get behind Jerry Jeff. He has been my hero since way back in the early 70s.” Another Don’t Mess with Texas Facebook friend declared, “Commemorative Air Force commercial just rocks.”

The latest research commissioned by TxDOT shows that there are approximately 1.1 billion pieces of litter on Texas roads. A success is that food-related trash is down 76 percent in Texas, yet tobacco trash remains a culprit, as 400 million discarded cigarette butts made up 43 percent of Texas litter in 2009.

In 1986, TxDOT spent $2.33 per person for litter pickup, and the agency now spends $1.90 per person. Research shows roadway litter in Texas is down 11 percent since 2001 despite our state’s population and road growth.

About Don’t Mess with Texas

Don’t Mess with Texas has been educating Texans about litter prevention since 1986. TxDOT’s litter prevention program includes Adopt-a-Highway and a grassroots partnership with Keep Texas Beautiful. Don’t Mess with Texas activities also include a spring “Trash-Off,” community outreach, a scholarship, a corporate partner program, and a photo album where Texans can share their iconic Texas images. For more information, visit www.DontMessWithTexas.org. TxDOT’s goals are to prepare for the future, enhance safety, maintain the transportation system, relieve congestion, enhance connectivity, and work with partners to identify funding strategies. For more information, visit www.txdot.gov.

About the CAF: 
Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has more than 8,000 members and a fleet of 156 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 74 units located in 27 states for care and operation. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (432) 563-1000.

Western National Bank Signs Up for 5 Years with AIRSHO

Midland, Texas (Jan. 10, 2011) — The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is proud to announce that Western National Bank will return as the exclusive Presenting Sponsor for the next five years of AIRSHO! The Best Warbird Show in America returns to the skies Oct. 8-9, 2011, above Midland International Airport between Midland and Odessa, Texas.

“Western National Bank has again stepped forward to support the Permian Basin by sponsoring one of the most significant events in West Texas – our CAF AIRSHO,” said CAF President/CEO Stephan Brown. “They have recognized that the CAF provides world-class entertainment for families and they are ensuring that we can continue to do so with their strong five-year commitment. Their support also allows us to provide this entertainment at family-friendly prices, while we continue our mission of Honoring American Military Aviation. We are very grateful to Western National Bank.”

With the support of Western National Bank, the CAF is working to create a full educational plan for area students for AIRSHO 2011. The program will include the Junior Aces program that was begun in 2009 when area sixth grade students were invited to participate in the Special Show event on Friday morning of AIRSHO weekend. The new plan also includes classroom lessons that will give educators an opportunity to share different viewpoints of World War II and American Military Aviation.

"We are honored to continue serving as the CAF Airsho Presenting Sponsor," said Jack Wood, president and CEO of Western National Bank. "We take our responsibility seriously as corporate citizens, and it is a privilege to participate in an event that reminds us of the freedoms we enjoy."

AIRSHO features over 100 aircraft on display and in the air, ranging from early vintage aircraft to the thundering sounds of today's American military. CAF AIRSHO takes great pride in bringing modern military to the public along with the historic aircraft of the CAF fleet.

AIRSHO will feature recreated historic battles of World War II using the CAF’s collection of rare classic warbirds. The show will include aerial dogfights, simulated bomb explosions that rock the ground and a recreation of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor with the world-renowned Tora, Tora, Tora pilots.

Western National Bank is headquartered in the Permian Basin, with offices in Odessa, Midland and San Antonio.  With assets of $1 billion, it has been a leading independent community bank for over 30 years and is the largest locally owned bank in this market.

Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has approximately 9,000 members and a fleet of 156 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 74 units located in 27 states for care and operation.

For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (432) 563-1000.

CAF President Elected to 2011 ICAS Board of Directors

Midland, TX (Dec. 10, 2010) - The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is proud to announce President/CEO Stephan C. Brown has been elected to serve as a member of the board of directors for the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS).

"Steve is an outstanding choice for the ICAS Board," said ICAS President John Cudahy. "He brings a wealth of experience to the board, as well as an extensive background in non-profit management and critical representation of the warbird community." "This is the next step for CAF in ensuring a strong reputation in the aviation and air show industry" said Stephan Brown. "As a member of the ICAS Board of Directors, I will work diligently to make the voice of the CAF and other Warbird owners and operators heard. I look forward to being part of the governing body of such an important organization in the air show industry."

The 2011 Board of Directors was announced following elections at the annual ICAS Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Also newly elected to the board of directors are: Col. Marcus Jannitto of the National Guard Association of Rhode Island, Dale Drumright of AirPower Over Hampton Roads, and George Cline of Air Boss Inc.

About ICAS:

The International Council of Air Shows is a 501 (c)(6) not-for-profit trade association composed of professionals working in the air show community. Approximately 40 percent of the organization’s members are air show event organizers from the United States, Canada and the rest of the world. Another 40 percent of the organization’s members are individuals or organizations that perform at air shows. And the remaining 20 percent are support service providers who offer ancillary services (concessions, insurance, photography, etc.) to the air show community.

About CAF:

Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has more than 8,000 members and a fleet of 156 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 74 units located in 27 states for care and operation. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (432) 563-1000.

Commemorative Air Force
Midland International Airport
P.O. Box 62000, Midland, Texas 79711-2000
(877) 767-7175, FAX (432) 563-8046
www.commemorativeairforce.org

CONTACT:
Executive Assistant to the President
Donna Blalack

(432) 563-1000, ext. 2228