EAA Air Venture 2010
photo by Bonnie Kratz
courtesy of EAAphoto by Bonnie Kratz
Even for lifelong attendees, there is uniqueness to each EAA AirVenture that keeps you coming back for more.
This year will be no different as EAA AirVenture 2010 presents a week-long “Salute to Veterans” commemoration. An extensive lineup of special programs and events will honor America’s veterans at this year’s festivities, including 75th anniversary celebrations for the DC-3/C-47 and B-17 “Flying Fortress.”
The legacy of the DC-3 and C-47 along with people of an aircraft that played a massive part in the development of both civil and military aviation will be celebrated as part of “Max Effort Day” on Tuesday, July 27, featuring formation flights and aerial displays during the afternoon air show.
At least four of the remaining airworthy B-17s – Texas Raiders, Thunderbird, Yankee Lady plus EAA’s Aluminum Overcast – will honor the exact anniversary of the B-17’s first flight, July 28, 1935, and will perform a “Missing Man” formation during the week.
An expanded warbirds area, Scotts Warbirds Alley, will house them and other fighters. From World War I replicas to Vietnam War fighters to even restored World War II aircraft from Germany and Japan, Scotts Warbird Alley is a must-see for every AirVenture attendee.
Stories of these legendary warbirds will be shared through the aviators who flew them at the always-popular, twice-daily “Warbirds in Review” program. Also featured at AirVenture will be an Old Glory Honor Flight departing Oshkosh for Washington, D.C., on Thursday, July 29 as well as a Parade of Veterans from Scotts Warbird Alley to AeroShell Square on Friday, July 30.
Themed air shows will celebrate the warbirds from all eras. In addition to the “Max Effort” show, Vietnam War fighters will be featured on Wednesday, July 28, followed by classic warbird jets on Thursday, July 29, plus expanded shows on Friday, July 30 and Saturday, July 31.
photo by Jim Koepnick
courtesy of EAA
Air action isn’t limited to the daytime. A rare Night Air Show will light up the skies on Saturday, July 31. Several air show performers, including the AeroShell Aerobatic Team, along with the “Wall of Fire” and fireworks finish off AirVenture’s final evening.
And what would AirVenture be without some big-time events to close out the jam-packed days?
The legendary band Chicago kicks off week with a concert at AeroShell Square on Monday, July 26, courtesy of Ford Motor Company. Chicago’s jazz-infused “rock ’n roll band with horns” sound has created memorable hits in five decades.
The rock rolls on when actor and veterans advocate Gary Sinise and the “Lt. Dan Band” returns to Theater in the Woods on Friday, July 30 for a concert sponsored by EAA Warbirds of America and the Disabled American Veterans. Coming off a widely popular AirVenture appearance in 2008, the Lt. Dan Band covers everything from Bruce Springsteen to Linkin Park.
That’s only a start to the weekend jams at the Theater in the Woods. Asleep At The Wheel begins the final evening on Saturday, July 31 with its unmatched mix of Americana, blues, country and western swing.
photo by Bonnie Kratz
courtesy of EAA
In addition to the Theater in the Woods’ nightly entertainment, the Fly-In Theater presented by Ford Motor Company will feature aviation-related films, biopics and documentaries introduced by notable figures. The lineup is highlighted by U.S. Airways Flight 1549 pilots Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and Jeff Skiles appearing on Wednesday, July 28.
Everywhere you turn on the AirVenture grounds is something for all aviation enthusiasts, truly making it “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.”
Take a step back in time and capture what the early days of flight were like through an original Hamilton H-47 Metalplane or replicas of the legendary Bleriot IX and Avions Caudron C.460.
photo by Jim Koepnick
courtesy of EAA
Jump into the future and explore what advancements in electric flight are on the horizon. Themed forums at the Aviation Learning Center and flight demonstrations at the Ultralight area will be held daily. The World Symposium on Electric Aircraft presented by GE Aviation Systems on Friday, July 30 will bring together several influential industry leaders discussing electric aircraft in an open forum.
An aviation icon, the Goodyear blimp, returns to AirVenture for the third time in four years. The “Spirit of Goodyear” arrives on Tuesday, July 27 and will fly regularly during the festivities as well as give visitors an up-close view of an aircraft that is commonly seen only from afar.
Early risers can check out the mass hot-air balloon launches scheduled for the early mornings of Saturday, July 31 and Sunday, August 1. The sight of these majestic balloons rising along with the sun is a spectacle you won’t want to miss.
The Piper Cherokee turns 50 this year, and mass arrival of 50 aircraft on Friday, July 23 will mark its golden anniversary and kick off the week’s activities for the four-place, low-wing airplane.
Top it off with KidVenture, where kids can build their own model rockets and balsa planes or fly in a high-tech flight simulator, along with numerous youth activities and you have summertime fun the entire family will enjoy.
With so much to do and so much to see in just seven days, where are you going to start? The best place to start is www.airventure.org, the comprehensive website that features all the highlights and the place to get advance tickets online, so you’re prepared when you get to Oshkosh!
by Kevin Hazaert
photo by Jack Hodgeson
courtesy of EAA