A MAGNIFICENT REUNION

GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO | The Rocky Mountain Wing of the Commemorative Air Force based at Grand Junction Regional Airport , Grand Junction , Colorado , will host a reunion between Mr. Bryan Hayter of Toronto , Canada and the Wing's Grumman TBM "Avenger" September 20 at the Grand Junction Airport .

 

Sub Lieutenant Hayter operated this particular Avenger from the Royal Canadian Navy aircraft carrier, HMCS Magnificent, during the early 1950's. Mr. Hayter, has not encountered his old AS-3 anti-submarine warfare airplane since he flew her over five decades ago.

 

Mr. Hayter and the Avenger have a colorful history together. He and the aircraft were priviledged to fly in review of Her Majesty, The Queen of England at her Coronation Review of the Fleet in 1953. Although, Mr. Hayter was piloting a different Avenger that day at Spithead England . 2012 marks the official diamond jubilee of Her Majesty's coronation.

 

Later that same year, Mr. Hayter and Avenger 503 were minutes away from what almost became the largest peacetime mass ditching of aircraft at sea during Exercise Mariner conducted in the Mid Atlantic.

 

Having survived Mariner, the Avenger and Mr. Hayter later parted company. Mr. Hayter went on to take part in the formation of R.C.N.'s first anti-submarine helicopter squadron shortly before his retirement from the Royal Canadian Navy. The Avenger was "struck off charge" from R.C.N. inventory in 1958 and sold as surplus. The Avenger carried on in obscurity as an aerial sprayer until 1970 when she was acquired by the Confederate Air Force and painted in US Navy colors. Her 15 minutes of fame occurred in the opening scene of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, where she portrays one of the famed Avengers of Flight 19 lost in Bermuda Triangle. She was later assigned to the new Rocky Mountain Wing of the C.A.F. and restored back to complete United States Naval configuration.

 

Mr. Hayter continued in aviation flying helicopters for Kenting Helicopters of Canada in support of oil exploration and forest fire fighting, including operating in the Gulf of Mexico. After an illustrious career, he retired in 1990 as Senior Vice-President of Marketing from Field Aviation of Canada.

 

For the reunion, the Canadian consul general of Denver is expected to attend as well as a representatives of Canadian companies doing business in Grand Junction and a vintage Sea Fury fighter in Canadian colors, a type that also operated from HMCS Magnificent.

 

 

 

For more information:

Denis Godfrey, Public Information Officer                                 www.rmwcaf.org

dgodfrey@flywheelevents.com 

970 261-1804

 

 

Bryan Hayter, circa 1953

 

Canadian - Grumman Avenger "503", circa 1953

 

CAF - Grumman Avenger "503", today

 

 

Col. Denis Godfrey - Public Information Officer

Rocky Mountain Wing

 

 

Scott AFB Air Show this weekend!

 

 

Be at Scott AFB  to see the USAF Thunderbirds perform, and see the B-2 Spirit flyby on Saturday! See the B-25 Mitchell and the TBM Avenger from the CAF Missouri Wing!

 

We at AirShowsReview will be there to capture all the action with images and to write our report. For our latest reviews from several recent air shows from Toronto and Cleveland visit www.AirShowsReview.com!

 

 

Indy Transponder 27-JUL-2012 1045z

GoPro at EAA AirVenture, Oshkosh, WI, 2012 | Planes, planes and more planes... and more planes! GoPro is stoked to be in Oshkosh at what pilots and people who love airplanes consider Aviation Mecca!

GoPro's Incredible Airshow Action by eaavideo.org

Kirby Chambliss - Oshkosh 2012 from Latest Vlog

Quick Moving Squall Does Damage at AirVenture from State Aviation Journal by Kim Stevens | A strong, fast moving squall line moved through Oshkosh, Wisconsin causing some damage at EAA's AirVenture 2012

Volunteers keep AirVenture running - Fox11online.com | OSHKOSH - They're the heart and soul of AirVenture. Organizers say without volunteers, the organization couldn't afford to put on the kind of fly-in it has for the past 43 years in Oshkosh. Rita Eaves is what you would call a regular volunteer at...

Exclusive Video: The Story Behind the Record-Setting Electric Airplane Flight - Wired News | Here at Airventure, Yates continues to be busy answering questions about his record-setting run. And perhaps one of the more surprising answers is that Yates is a not a veteran test pilot. He just got his license in June and has about 58 hours of ...

AOPA Live This Week - July 26 AirVenture Special from AOPA Live: Latest videos from AOPA Live | A first look at the jet-fueled Cessna 182 NXT, celebrating 75 years of a little yellow airplane, crossing the Atlantic on battery power alone, only three women in the U.S. can claim this aviation achievement, and using aviation to improve educational achievement. All this and more from AirVenture.

The Bruno Banani Trike World Tour: Around the World in 988 Days in an Ultralight Plane from EAA
AirVenture | By Sienna Kossman. On July 21, the bruno banani trike will began a trip around the world planned to last approximately 988 days, cross five continents, 74 countries, three oceans, and make a brief stop at AirVenture at ...

George Lucas at the Fly-In Theater by eaavideo.org | Legendary filmmaker George Lucas presented the full-length version of Red Tails on Wednesday, July 25. Red Tails centers on the heroic Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American pilots to fly in a combat squadron during World War II.

Carbon Cub with a cool P-51 themed paint job.

Blue Angels flying in Twin Falls this weekend - Northwest Cable News | TWIN FALLS -- Some of the best aerobatic pilots in the world will be in Twin Falls this weekend for the Magic Valley Air Show. More than 30000 people are expected to attend. The crowds are in for a treat -- the Blue Angels are performing. Each year top ...

Air show returning to Fort St. John in 2013 - CJDC | The Snowbirds, a CF-18 from 4 Wing in Cold Lake, Alberta, and Canada's top acrobatic pilot came along to announce that the Fort St John Air Show will be back for next year. For the first time, it's happening on a weekend. The event will be Saturday ...

Arctic Thunder Air Show Comes To Anchorage - Alaska Public Radio Network | Alaska is approaching its centennial anniversary for aviation. The first flight took off out of Fairbanks in 1913. Since then Alaska has maintained deep roots in air travel. And this Saturday, Anchorage will celebrate its history with the Arctic ...

B-25 Maid In The Shade Bomber Arrives In Twin Falls - KMVT | Twin Falls, Idaho (KMVT-TV) A B-25 bomber named "Maid in the Shade" landed at Magic Valley Regional Airport just before noon. The six person crew has scheduled their first ride for five o'clock tomorrow evening. The price tag is pretty hefty, though...

Air Show Tests Planes Before Big Weekend - KVEW | The annual air show that accompanies the boat races is back again this year, and organizers are looking forward to the biggest show in its history. A couple of F-16 fighter jets flew into the Tri-Cities around 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, and swung down near ...

Race on the River - Mid Columbia Tri City Herald | The air show features some of the country's top aerobatics pilots doing their daredevil stunts, including Mike Wiskus with Lucas Oil Air Shows, John Klatt with John Klatt Airshows, a Coast Guard helicopter rescue demonstration, the Air Force Heritage ...

NB WWII plane lands at Shearwater museum - CBC.ca | N.B. WWII plane lands at Shearwater museum. CBC News. Posted: Jul 26, 2012 6:15 PM AT. Last Updated: Jul 26, 2012 6:44 PM AT. The final Grumman Avenger Aircraft in New Brunswick went permanently to the Shearwater Aviation Museum in Nova Scotia ...

Lockheed Vega to be restored to flight from Another Time by Dan Linn | Good news for Lockheed Vega fans! Kermit Weeks has sent his Vega to Jim Kimball Enterprises to be restored to flight. Thanks to Jeff Eicher for the photo above of the Vega on arrival at the Kimball's shop. This Vega spent many years on display at the EAA Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin until it was purchased by Kermit a few years ago. It has been on static display at Kermit's Fantasy of Flight until recently. We look forward to seeing this Florida based beauty return to the skies! It wears the color scheme of the famous Vega the "Winnie Mae" but...

Indy Transponder 28-NOV-2011 1700z

Cape officials hopeful about 2012 air show - Southeast Missourian | The air show is likely to return to Cape Girardeau skies in 2012, but airport officials on Friday stopped just short of making it a promise.  But they did say they want the Cape Girardeau Regional Air Festival to return next summer, following this year's cancellation due to difficulty booking the performers they wanted.  "We're really wanting to do a show in 2012," airport manager Bruce Loy said. "But we really can't confirm it just yet. We're working as if it's going to happen, but you never know."....

Tatton survives stunt ride - Sunshine Coast Daily | SPORTING a shiny-green tinge, Paul Tatton proudly held up his barf bag from the front seat of an aerobatic stunt plane.  "I was sick all the way," the Sunshine Coast councillor yelled to family and friends who had watched in awe as the German-made Extra 300 was put through a series of loops, rolls, spins and stall turns 3000 feet above the ground....

Classic World War II bomber to fly here - Shreveport Times | A fully restored, classic warbird from World War II, a B-17 bomber, will visit the Shreveport Downtown Airport next week.  "Aluminum Overcast," restored and operated by the Experimental Aircraft Association, will be at the airport Tuesday and Wednesday in one of almost 70 stops across the nation in the EAA's "Salute to Veterans" tour....

Yuma Aeromodelers plan Dec. 3 model airplane airshow - Yuma Sun | Helicopters, jets, gliders and airplanes will be landing en masse on a local airfield Saturday and Sunday, and Yumans are invited to come out and watch the excitement.  A regional Radio Control Model Airplane Airshow will be held at the Yuma Aeromodelers' Model Airfield located at...

Tuskegee Airmen exhibit gets new home at aviation museum - Macon.com | WARNER ROBINS -- The Museum of Aviation’s Tuskegee Airmen exhibit has a new and improved home, and as a result the Vietnam War now has its own hangar.  The museum recently completed the move of the Tuskegee exhibit from Hangar One to the World War II hangar. The new location includes the addition of a replica of a hangar from Moton Field in Tuskegee, Ala., along with several other improvements....

Film crew finds body of WWII airman - The Canberra Times | A British film crew has stumbled across the remains of a long-lost Australian fighter pilot who vanished over northern France and lay undisturbed in his Spitfire for 70 years.  Royal Australian Air Force Sergeant William James Smith was just 24 when he fell from the skies in May 1942....

USS Enterprise - 50 years in service and still going strong! - Bayou Renaissance Man | On November 25th, 1961, USS Enterprise, the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, was commissioned into the service of the US Navy. On Friday, November 25th, 2011, she marked her 50th year of service to this nation....
Additional Coverage:  Alabama Aviator

Vintage Flyers III - An Interview with Eric Presten - Fly to Another Time | When I am researching vintage aircraft out of personal interest, an article for this blog or to answer a friends question about a rare type I grab one of the books off my shelf published by Eric Presten.  Eric has traveled the globe to fill his self published books with quality photos of rare aircraft types.  His newest release, VINTAGE FLYERS III is a must have for the vintage aircraft enthusiast....

The TBM-3U Avenger - Moose Peterson Aviation Photography | Another of the amazing aircraft to come out of Grumman factory to see service in WWII was the TBM Avenger. This massive torpedo bomber first came on the scene at the Battle of Midway where, despite 5 of 6 being shot down, became the torpedo bomber of WWII. You’d think being a torpedo bomber that...

Fly with the Sporty’s Foundation - General Aviation News | The Sporty’s Foundation, in conjunction with the Aircraft Electronics Association, will offer two $3,500 scholarships to AEA member technicians to be used toward a Recreational Pilot Certificate. Administered through the AEA Educational Foundation, the purpose of these....

The heart — and art — of aviation - General Aviation News | Sam Lyons is an institution. You might go so far as to say he is a brand name. So much so that in 2010 Sun ’n Fun created an Artist in Residence position and awarded it to Sam.  He and his wife, Mindy, now live in Lakeland, Florida, home to Sun ’n Fun, and enjoy an official, and much appreciated, relationship with one of aviation’s proudest institutions....

Video: GE Aviation And The Fascinating World Of Building Jet Engines - AirPigz | I saw the short version of this video as a TV commercial yesterday and I really liked it. Even tho I have big issues with the mega corporate side of GE, GE Aviation seems to have its head screwed on pretty straight. The video also reminded me of an article from several years back that I had read that told of the unique manufacturing environment for jet engine building at GE... a quick search found the article: Engines of Democracy from Fast Company Magazine. If you've got an interest in how things get done, and especially in a very....

Aeroplanes & Airships: Artistic Displays of Quantitative Data, 1914 - JF Ptak Science Books | In another adventure in infographics and the artistic display of quantitative data we find this pair of very distinctive images that seems to work, a little:...

VIDEO: Little Bird - Shortfinal.tv | This short 1 minute video has been getting a lot of attention on YouTube the last few days. It's of an unmanned Little Bird helicopter landing on a trailer moving along a runway at speeds up to 15 knots.

Today in Aviation History – November 28 - CRUFC

Indy Transponder 11-OCT-2011 1000z

Fleet Week San Francisco Delights Thousands (PHOTOS) Huffington Post | This weekend, thousands flocked to the Marina in San Francisco to catch a glimpse of the famed Blue Angels at for the 31st annual Fleet Week San Francisco. Military ships crowded the bay as planes roared overhead, shaking the ground and painting the ...

Aviation and Political Luminaries Jump Start NBAA 2011  from www.ainonline.com : Latest News by James Wynbrandt | A roster of aviation and political luminaries welcomed an energized crowd to the NBAA 2011 opening general session this morning at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Joining NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen onstage were U.S. Senator Joseph Manchin III (D-W.Va.), FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt, NTSB chairman Deborah Hersman, Dave Everitt, presidetn of John Deere Agricultural and Turf Division, and former U.S. Senate majority leader Bill Frist of Tennessee…

WWII Bomber To Stay In Missoula - NBC Montana | Aviation historians say TBM Firebombers dropped torpedoes in World War II. In the 1950's, Johnson Flying Service of Missoula transformed several into slurry bombers to fight wildfires. Historians at the Museum Of Mountain Flying say this is one of the ...

Monnett Finally Lives His SubSonex Dreams  from Jetwhine by Scott Spangler | John Monnett has been dreaming about a homebuilt jet since the 1980s, so one can only imagine the barely controlled eagerness that filled him with the first flight of the SubSonex. And one can only imagine the internal debate between making that flight himself or turning it over to someone like, Bob Carleton, right, who has the necessary flight experience and, perhaps more important, experience with the PBS TJ-100 engine, which powers Carleton’s Super Salto Jet Sailplane…

WWII bombers landing in CS - Bryan College Station Eagle | The aircraft, part of the Commemorative Air Force fleet, will be parked in the general aviation terminal, which is on the east side of the airport and near the control tower, from 9 am to 5 pm both days. B-29/B-24 Squadron, said the two planes are the ...

Sopwith One and a Half Strutter – crazy name, great aircraft  from Shortfinals's | The Grahame-White Factory at Hendon is a virtual shrine to early aviation. Even setting aside the prominent rôle its founder, Claude Grahame-White, had in the establishment of aviation in the U.K., and the significance of the early factory buildings themselves (Grade II* Listed), the Royal Air Force Museum, London, has chosen to display some superb early aircraft (plus some replicas) in this wonderful setting. It is a pity, therefore, that few people choose to taken the 400 yard walk, through what was part of the former RAF Hendon site, to reach this treasure trove. On a day when the main collections were very busy, I had this gem all to myself for more than 30 minutes! I think my trusty Nikon was feeling rather fatigued when I finally dragged myself away…

Earhart reminiscence evening at Age Concern - Derry Today | 80 years on and the Earhart myth still excites the imagination with yet another expedition to the remote Pacific intended to discover the final fate of the aviatrix.” Thompson will also reveal details of plans to bring the historic aircraft - which ...

4th Annual Conklin Scholarship Awarded at 2011 NBAA - AMTOnline.com | Christine is Vice President of the local chapter of the Women in Aviation Club, volunteers with a number of other organizations, and interned with Rolls-Royce this summer. She is looking forward to the opportunity to put her business background and ...

Historic propeller on show at Leeds Bradford airport - BBC News | Tony Hallwood, Leeds Bradford Airport's Commercial Director, said: "We are delighted that such an important part of Leeds Bradford's aviation history will be on display at the airport to mark our 80th anniversary. "It will serve as an iconic reminder ...

Kentucky High School Flight Monkeys Take Off  from Flight Monkeys  | You say that young people today lack drive, ambition and the ability to stick to a project? You say that your high school students are listless, lethargic, and more than a little cynical? Is that what’s bothering you, Pookie?  Maybe they’re bored and are wondering what all the things they’re learning in school could possibly be used for in the real world. Perhaps they ought to re-build an airplane and learn how to fly it.  Imagine a high school program in which students could undergo STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education that resulted in solid job and technology skills. This program would not only teach the skills and give the experience necessary to learn aerospace maintenance; its graduates could leave school with an A&P and a pilot certificate…

Air to Air Photo Shoot  from VAF Forums by Kevin Horton | Early Saturday morning I finally did an air to air photo shoot with Peter Lubig, a professional aviation photographer. We've been trying to make this happen since early this year, but something always got in the way - my schedule, his schedule, my aircraft U/S, his aircraft U/S, etc…

Today in Aviation History – October 11  from Calgary Recreational and Ultralight Flying Club by bikeal

Fancy a rather unique aircraft for your collection?  from Bayou Renaissance Man by Peter | The result of a painstaking 35,000-hour, 18-year restoration, K8203 is understood to have been the 23rd of a third batch built by Boulton-Paul’s Wolverhamton plant to Specification 8/34. Delivered in October 1937, it was initially assigned to No.64 Squadron at RAF Church Fenton, and it is their livery that adorns the aircraft again now…

Indy Transponder 18-JUL-2011 1000z

Red Arrows are definitely worth every single penny - This is Lincolnshire | However, I see no connection with a flawed argument to scrap the Red Arrows and replace them with AWCS to inspire our youth. PUBLIC FACE OF THIS COUNTRY: The upkeep of the Red Arrows is very much worth it. I was thrilled by the Hunters of the Black ...

RIAT: Red Arrows bring colour to grey skies  from Flight Image of the Day by Barbara Cockburn | The Red Arrows took advantage of a rare break in the clouds to perform an aerial display at RIAT at the weekend.  The display team painted the sky red, white and blue in celebration of its 40th anniversary this year…

Organisers hail military air show - Belfast Telegraph | Despite heavy showers, thousands of aviation enthusiasts packed into RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire for the Royal International Air Tattoo. Determined not to let the weather dampen visitors' spirits, organisers treated them to a wealth of ...

First-time air show guests delighted by aerial theatrics - nwitimes.com | US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team members dive from a plane over Gary on Sunday, the last day of the Gary South Shore Air Show. GARY | Secilia Mendoza covered her ears to cushion the piercing noise of the performing jets at Gary's South Shore Air ...

Heat takes a toll at ESL air show - Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | Blue Angels practice before Rochester air show: Marine Corps Maj. Brent Stevens of the Navy's Blue Angels and Rob Holland of Ultimate Airshows show off some of the moves they have in the air as they warm up for the ESL International Airshow Saturday ...

Have a go at being a 'para' at Shoreham Airshow - Shoreham Today | Alongside the six hours of flying displays, on August 20 and August 21, this year's airshow will also feature extra attractions. The Parachute Regiment will bring its Para Tower to the event to link in with the Red Devils' freefall parachute team ...

Atlantic City Airshow "Thunder over the Boardwalk" is city's signature summer ... - The Star-Ledger - NJ.com | Yes, this annual event has easily made the transition from Atlantic City's signature summer event to the largest mid-week airshow in the country. The airshow is set to be a stars-and-stripes-studded affair featuring “flybys” and other aerobatic ...

Miniature air show was on a large scale - shropshirestar.com | Scaled down models of historic aircraft took to the skies of Shropshire this weekend, attracting thousands of visitors from across the county and further afield to RAF Cosford. The annual Large Model Aircraft Rally saw dozens of remotely operated ...

NARAM-53 at T-5 days, 8 hours  from The Original Rocket Dungeon by Dick | The NAR's annual model rocketry contest event, NARAM-53 is now less than a week away.  I haven't heard anything but assume Chris will cover it on NARAM Live.  This assumption is only based on the fact that he has covered the previous 13 NARAM's. If he covers it, I'll cover his posts…

TBM Avenger  from Moose Peterson Aviation Photography » Torpedo Bomber GM is the amazing plane that came from Grumman (originally was TBF, F = Grumman). After prototypes and few production units were made, manufacture went over to GM so Grumman wouldn’t have to interrupt F6F Hellcat production. Grumman delivered two completed TBF’s, with special removable “PK” screws in place of rivets. These helped GM see how the Avengers were assembled. Under the Navy’s aircraft designation, GM Avengers were identified as TBM…

WWII-era plane bound for Zephyrhills - Tbo.com | Volunteers at the Zephyrhills World War II Barracks Museum will restore this C-47 plane for an exhibit. By TBO.COM What's currently a disassembled airplane sitting on the ground in Florala, Ala., soon will become a new exhibit at the World War II ...

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I Was There: When the DC-8 Went Supersonic  from Air & Space Magazine

Touring Kennedy Space Center - Part I  from A mile of runway will take you anywhere. by Steve | As if viewing a Space Shuttle launch in person wasn't awesome enough, launch tickets also include a second day's admission into Kennedy Space Center. Gina and I relaxed on Saturday and Sunday, visiting her great aunt and uncle, a winery, and getting some much-needed rest to recover from the all-nighter that preceded the launch. I figured the crowds would have calmed down plenty after a couple days, so we headed back out to Cape Canaveral on Monday to visit KSC…

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.

CAF’s Red, White & Loud to Land at Legends Over the Colorado Fly-In

MIDLAND, TEXAS (March 10, 2011) – The Commemorative Air Force’s (CAF) Boeing B-29 Superfortress FIFI and country music star/patriot Aaron Tippin will land at the Legends Over the Colorado Fly-In on April 9-10 at Laughlin-Bullhead International Airport in Bullhead City, Arizona. The tour celebrates America’s freedom through song and the roaring radial engines of the world’s only flying B-29 Superfortress.

The CAF’s B-29 will arrive Thursday, April 7 to participate in the fly-in throughout the weekend. On Saturday, April 9 at 7 p.m., Aaron Tippin will take to the stage at the nearby Aquarius Casino Resort Outdoor Amphitheater for a unique performance of such songs as Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagles Fly, You’ve Got to Stand for Something, and Kiss This. The concert will begin with a fly-over of the CAF’s B-29 FIFI and other rare warbirds. Tickets are on sale now at www.aquariuscasinoresort.com

FIFI will be available for guided tours (small donation requested) and the public will also have an opportunity to purchase a ride in the Boeing B-29 Superfortress! Rides will be available beginning the afternoon of Thurs., April 7, through Sun. April 10, and can be purchased in advance by visiting www.cafb29b24.org.

"In our second year of Legends Over the Colorado we have added some of the most historic aircraft of the World War II era. To be able to say that the only flying B-29 in the world will be attending is a benchmark to say the least! From there we have added a collection of planes to complement FIFI that could only be described as AMAZING! We have a TBM Avenger, a Supermarine Spitfire, an authentic Japanese Zero, a P-51 Mustang, and the Flying Formation group out of Arizona,” said James Templeton, General Manager of Landmark Aviation at Laughlin-Bullhead Airport. “The fact that FIFI is flying today along with these other aircraft rich in history is a testament to the dedication of all involved who strive to maintain public awareness and appreciation for our history, our veterans and the aircraft that made it possible for us to be where we are today."

“The Commemorative Air Force is unique, we aren’t like other museums,” said CAF President/CEO Stephan Brown. “We start our engines, we fly our airplanes and we get loud, taking history to the public, not waiting for them to come to us. The Red, White and Loud Tour is an exciting opportunity for the CAF to continue doing what we do best, educating and reminding Americans of the cost of our freedom.”

About Legends Over the Colorado:

In addition to the planes, the event offers: photo opportunities with the Pinup Patriettes, Veterans Tribute Recording Studio, American Heroes Museum Exhibit, Food and Beverage and more. Free shuttle service is available from designated free parking areas near the airport and some casinos offer shuttles, too.

Information and tickets for Legends Over the Colorado are available at www.lotcflyin.org, the Laughlin Tourism Commission and the Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce. Advance tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12, and under age 5 are free. 

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 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 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 www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (432) 563-1000.

World War II Fighters Historical Gathering

The 2011 Wide Bay Australia International Airshow is building momentum with the announcement that the event will be host to the most varied collection of international World War II Fighters to be gathered together in Queensland.

The International Fighter Collection will feature the Japanese Zero Replica, the Italian Fiat, the British Sea Fury, the Russian Yak 9, the American Mustang, Trojan and Avenger.

“This is an impressive line up of warbirds and is an exciting addition to the 2011 air
program. It is a great opportunity for young and old to come along and experience a living
piece of history” said Daryl Corpe, Deputy Chairman.

Representing the Soviet Union the Yakovlev “Yak-9” – Is one of the Soviets finest fighter
aircraft. The sight of the Yak 9 bought great fear to German pilots during WW2 due to its
speed and maneuverability. It is also famed as the first Russian fighter to shoot down a
German Me262 Jet fighter

Representing the United States are the Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk & the Grumman TBM
Avenger. The P40 Kittyhawk is famous for seeing service in every theater of WW2. The
Grumman TBM Avenger was the U.S. Navy's main carrier based torpedo bomber during
WW2 and claimed over 30 submarines victories during the conflict

“The P51 Mustang is one of the most revered aircraft in the world and one that I have been
very fortunate to fly on many occasions. Just hearing the sounds of the Mustang is
something to behold and I for one will be watching closely when it displays at
Barnstorming Bundaberg” said Matt Hall, Matt Hall Racing and key performer at the
Wide Bay Australia International Airshow.

Representing England the Hawker Sea fury - The last propeller-driven fighter to serve
with the Royal Navy, The Sea fury was also one of the fastest production single piston engined
aircraft ever built. The Sea Fury also served with the Royal Australian Navy with
distinction on the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne.

“These are a few of the International fighters that will feature in our program. We will
also have a strong Australian representation. Keep watching this space for more
information as we announce more committed fighter aircraft and performances” said
Daryl.

The Wide Bay Australia International Airshow 2011 will be held in Bundaberg on the 19th
– 21st August 2011. Early Bird tickets are currently available. Visit us at
www.widebayairshow.com.au for further information.

Indy Transponder 26-APR-10 0130z

 
Air Show Wing Walker Leaves Fears on the Ground - News On 6
There are only six active wing walkers in the country. And the one who performed at Saturday's QuikTrip Air and Rocket Show air show is proud to call Tulsa home.
Ashley Battles walks a thin line between danger and disaster. She walks that line because it's her job.
She's been flying since she was a teenager. Ashley graduated from OSU with a degree in aviation. She could fly any plane she wants. Instead, she climbs on top of them.
"I knew I wanted to be a pilot for the rest of my life, but after getting all of my ratings, I was really kind of bored with flying straight and level," she said.
Saturday's air show was the first one in Tulsa in 13 years. Ashley says it was a thrill to perform for a hometown crowd. ...

Chalet Tickets from Windsor International Air Show
We are going to be releasing the Chalet Tickets very soon. The corporate purchases are almost finished and we will be offering the tickets to our Members list first. By signing up to the Members list you will get the first opportunity at the Member Price. The Member price will only be available for a limited period.
By becoming a member you will have the opportunity to Win a VIA Rail package which consists of a VIA Rail Trip, a $500 Gas Card From Pioneer Petroleum, and a Two Night Hotel Stay, courtesy of the Air Show.  And, as an extra bonus...

The 'Gathering' at North Weald. 25-4-2010 by Gary Watson
Considering, that the weather was awful, on the way down, who would have thought, that come later on in the morning, we would be taking our coats off, because of the warmth. I linked-up with Peter Smith, but was lucky to talk to Alan as well. He had flown down in the Dakota from Coventry. Great attending line-up at this venue, which included Me 109J, Hurricane, Seafire,Mustang,Stearman, to name a few. The soon- to- depart to the USA Catalina, gave an engine run, as seen in Peter's video. Now if your a big 'fan' of road-cones, red and white safety

The Fort Worth Air Show - The Haws' Happenings
... Saturday morning with Eddie and the kids at the Fort Worth Air show because he had the morning off from work. ....

Warbird Radio Presents

• WOW Plane's B-25 Flight Demo!
• Planes of Fame's Steve Hinton Sr. – Warbird Radio LIVE! – Monday
• The 68th Doolittle Raider's Reunion

New Member Benefit: Free Admission to Hundreds of Great Museums - EAA News
In addition to the annual pass to EAA's AirVenture Museum, EAA members now gain free admission to more than 300 museums throughout the world. To provide this new member benefit, EAA joined the Association of Science-Technology Centers and is now a member of the group's Passport Program. ...

Sporty's Academy named FAA Safety Team member from General Aviation News
Sporty's Academy has been named an industry member of the FAA Safety Team (FAAST) to help promote aviation safety and awareness to all pilots.
The mission of the FAAST Team and Sporty's partnership is to improve aviation's safety record by conveying safety principles and practices through outreach and education. To help accomplish this mission, Sporty's offers  ...

N.B. water bomber crash cause unclear from CBC News - New Brunswick
It will take some time before the Transportation Safety Board releases a final report and possibly determines the cause of the crash of a water bomber near Miramichi airport on Friday.
Investigators expected to finish collecting evidence from the crash site Sunday.
The pilot, 62-year-old Ron Clowes of Grand Falls, was killed when the aircraft went down in a wooded area just after taking off.
Investigators need to gather more evidence before they can consider what caused the crash,  ...

Two people killed as balloon crashes in Emirates desert - BBC News
An investigation into the cause of Sunday's crash was under way, the General Civil Aviation Authority said. The operator, Dubai-based Balloon Adventures ...

Matthias Dolderer's Photos - FB
2010 Southernmost Air Show - Key West, Florida by tropicdiver
Top of 24 Hours for April 26, 2010 from AIRFIGHTERS.COM - Top Photos of the Day

Indy Transponder 24-APR-10 1430z

Museum of Aviation to honor former commander of Thunderbirds - Macon Telegraph
Smith commanded the Air Force's elite Thunderbirds Aerial Demonstration Team from 1979 to 1981. His daughter, Sharon, and his son-in-law, Col. ...

Defenders of Liberty Air Show ready to roll - Shreveport Times
Gates open at 9 am today for the first of two days of one of the area's signature attractions, an air show that draws an estimated 300000 people inside ...
   
Free Air Show and Concert in Fort Worth – Apr 24 - Things To Do in Dallas
Come out this weekend to see a showcase of America's aviation during our two-day Air Power Expo and Free Concert starting on April 24 on board NAS Fort Worth.

Tom Richards column: Plenty of high-flying fun planned at EAA - Appleton Post Crescent
The big convention of aviation enthusiasts, known as AirVenture, runs July 26-Aug. 1, as usual at Wittman Field in Oshkosh. The organization plans a salute ...

Navy Week slated in KC area - Kansas City Star
The Navy's Blue Angels and other aerial performance teams will take part in Aerospace America from June 18 to 20 in Oklahoma City. ...

Saints Drew Brees and Jabari Greer Fly With the Thunderbirds - KSLA-TV
Both Greer and Brees flew with the Thunderbirds for around an hour. For the Superbowl MVP Brees, it was just another top highlight of his life. ...

Jubilee Air Show held in Kecskemet - Szent Korona Radio
The anniversary is also interesting that the famous Italian Frecce Tricolori repülőkötelék now celebrating its fiftieth anniversary, ...

Robeson County Relay for Life Demonstration jump was a Success! from armygoldenknights's
The winds were low and the skies were blue when 6:45pm rolled around for the Robeson County Relay for Life 2010.  SSG Chris Acevedo was the first jumper out the door, with the important job of narrating the jumpers to follow.  SSG John Aughtman acted as ground control and safety officer on the field of the Lumberton Senior High School in Lumberton, NC.  The remaining jumpers performed a modified stack out jump from 5,000 feet..  A stack out jump is where the jumpers exit the aircraft in succession and deploy their parachutes upon the team leaders wave off.  The first two jumpers were SFC Elisa Tennyson and SSG Dannielle Woosley, who exited the aircraft together with smoke and deployed their parachutes at 2,000 feet.  The next two jumpers ...

Re-live the excitement of Perth From www.redbullairrace.com
Watch all the action from Perth, Australia in this full length re-run of the second stage in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship 2010. Nick Fellows and Steve Jones are on hand with expert analysis...

BOOK YOUR NYC RED BULL AIR RACE FAN PACKAGE TODAY from Mike Goulian Airshows
Team #99 is excited to finally reveal our fan packages for the NYC Red Bull Air Race this coming June 19 – 20. We are offering three different packages to built to suit your trip needs – whether you live in Boston, NYC, NJ, or are coming from afar, we have the package for you. For a complete list of the various packages and pricing please visit our dedicated "New York City Race Team #99 Fan Trip" page.
Join Mike and Team #99 in NYC and help cheer us on as we race for the podium!

Surviving WASP, 93, fulfills dream to pilot plane again - MiamiHerald.com

Two months into her 93rd year, Tex Amanda Brown Meachem ditched her four-wheeled walker, settled into the cockpit of a restored World War II training plane and flew into her past.
``I hope we do some aerobatics,'' she confided.
Meachem, a wartime pilot who lives at John Knox Village in Pompano Beach, wasn't disappointed. During a 30-minute joy ride with History Flight pilot John Makinson on Friday, she said she did ``two rolls -- one right and one left -- and a chandelle,'' a climbing/banking/direction-reversing maneuver.
``Super!'' she declared on landing. ``He let me solo.''
As a member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots -- WASP -- Meachem flew dozens of AT-6 Texans, camo-striped two-seaters with a red nose and tail. ...
    Pictures are from this YouTube video of the flight. 

Warbirds to honour veterans - Northern Rivers News
Northern Rivers Aero Club Recreational Pilot Centre chief flying instructor Bill Kiernan said the fly-over was a 'show of our history' and was not meant to distract from the march. "Anzac Day is all about the fellas (war veterans), ...

Saluting the brave with laying of the Air Gunners National Standard, at The ... - The Press, York
More than 80 former members of the disbanded Air Gunners Association attended a special ceremony at the Yorkshire Air Museum and Allied Air Forces Memorial ...

Utah-born aviator was an aerobatics pioneer - Salt Lake Tribune
Eighty-five thousand spectators at the National Air Show in Culver City, Calif., craned their necks for a better view of the action ...

Video: Excellent Flying RC Model Of The WWII Era Miles M.39B by Martt
 I've been blessed with a lifetime of exposure to aircraft from all over the aviation landscape, but in my effort to generate interesting content for AirPigz, I continually come across airplanes I never knew existed.  For example, this British Miles M.39B Libellula.  It was preceded by the smaller single engine M.35 which also had a tandem wing configuration, but it had the forward wing on the fuselage top and the main wing at the bottom.  The M.39B as shown above was really a 5/8 scale proof of concept aircraft for what was meant to be a good sized bomber.  The M.35 first flew in 1942, and the M.39B made its first flight in 1943, but neither aircraft progressed beyond these two prototypes. ...

One dead after N.B. water bomber crash - Canwest News Service
Undated handout photo of the Forest Protection Limited's Grumman TBM Avenger, the water bomber that crashed shortly after takeoff in Miramichi, N.B. on Friday. Its 62-year-old pilot was killed.

WMU aviation marks 10 years in B.C. - Battle Creek Enquirer
Aviation has been part of Western Michigan University for more than 70 years, and Herbert Ellinger taught at the college for more than half of that time. ...
   
Flight Academy partners with aviation group - Pensacola News Journal
"EAA's outreach to both the aviation community and to young people ... makes it a partner that can help us raise interest in aviation as well as discovery ...

Applications for Aviation Scholarships available - Kingston
PLYMOUTH – The Plymouth Aero Club is accepting applications for this year's Aviation Scholarships. The scholarships are to be used toward post-secondary education or training in the pursuit of a career in aviation, i.e.: aviation management, aviation maintenance, flight or other aviation related careers.

Book review: 'The Dream Machine: The Untold History of the Notorious V-22 ... - Washington Post
By the time he got to fly in a V-22 in 2005, Whittle had covered the aircraft's development for 20 years. "Flying in the Osprey was like nothing else," he ...

Air Force Launches Secretive Space Plane; 'We Don't Know When It's Coming Back' from Wired: Danger Room
Atlas AV-012 OTV LaunchThe Air Force launched a secretive space plane into orbit Thursday night from Cape Canaveral, Florida. And they're not sure when it's returning to Earth.
Perched atop an Atlas V rocket, the Air Force's unmanned and reusable X-37B made its first flight after a decade in development shrouded in mystery; most of the mission goals remain unknown to the public. ...

Atlantis on Last Launch Pad Campaign from Spaceports
The Space Shuttle Atlantis  advanced to the launch pad [39A] in what will be the last launch of the spacecraft on the STS-132  mission now set for launch on Friday, May 14, 2010 at 2:19 PM from Kennedy Space Center, Fla. The launch campaign appears to be advancing smoothly [VIDEO].

STS-132 Crew Set for Countdown Rehearsal from Alabama Aviator - Aviation News
NASA- The six STS-132 astronauts that will fly space shuttle Atlantis to the International Space Station are visiting NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida this week to participate in a simulated countdown and related training, known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. The event concludes Saturday with a full dress rehearsal of their upcoming launch.

Muskegon Air Show Little Bird Loach OH-6A Cobra & Huey Helicopters - Digital Cameras Online Review
Boeing 787, 777s, 767, Dreamlifters and a B-25 at Paine Field from Aerospace News
Sun n Fun Fly-in 2010 - Lakeland - 04/13/10 from FenceCheck Forums
Sikorsky S-43, the baby clipper. from Planeshots
NAS Fort Worth from FenceCheck Forums
Eglin AFB Open House and Air Show 2010 from FenceCheck Forums
Supermarine Spitfire "LZ138" at the 1949 Cleveland... from x planes