EAA Warbirds Of America To Expand Activities
The unmistakable din created by the roaring engines of former
military aircraft is one of the many unique sensory experiences
that bring aviation devotees back to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh every
summer. Visitors to this year's July 23-29 installment of the
annual event are in for a special treat... as the EAA Warbirds of
America will expand their activities in the air and on the
ground.
According to Rick Siegfried, EAA Warbirds of America president,
an impressive lineup of Warbirds attractions for AirVenture 2007 is
already taking shape, with more confirmations coming.
The current confirmed aircraft and personalities include:
- Lone Star Flight Museum's B-25, B-17, and Hawker
Hurricane;
- The Commemorative Air Force's Curtiss SB2C Helldiver, the
world's only flying example;
- P-51 "Old Crow" with WWII veteran Col. Bud Anderson
piloting;
- The third-ranking fighter-pilot ace of all time, Günther
Rall, and the T-6 that he flew after World War II;
- Col. Bob "Shorty" Rankin and a P-47 that was part of the
mission that shot down Rall;
- an F4U Corsair;
- a Flying Tigers P-40 and appearances by famed Flying Tigers ace
Tex Hill; and
- a Junkers JU-52.
Expanded activities will also include three popular Warbirds
offerings: the Living History program, the Training Command
program, and Warbirds in Review.
"The Living History program will offer visitors an even deeper
history-immersion experience this year," Siegfried said. Owners and
pilots of Warbirds aircraft and other volunteers will set up an
Allied Forces mini-camp that will feature authentic World War II
aircraft, equipment, uniforms, and weapons. In addition to fighter
and bomber pilots, the camp will include support personnel,
infantry, ground vehicles and weaponry, and even a mechanized tank
unit. The Living History ground forces will also participate in the
air show, simulating maneuvers with their vehicles along the flight
line.
The Training Command program will honor the aircraft,
individuals, and techniques dedicated to providing the training
that prepared armed forces pilots for service.
"This year, in addition to presenting an array of primary,
basic, and advanced military training aircraft, the Training
Command area will also honor the nation's civilian pilot training
centers," Siegfried said, referring to those private-sector
facilities that supplemented military training programs during
wartime.
In observance of the 75th anniversary of Beech Aircraft
Corporation, the Training Command will also include an exhibit
celebrating the role of Beech aircraft in military training from
the company's beginnings through the present day. Additionally, the
Training Command will conduct a daily mock air show flight
briefing, a firsthand look at the intricate planning and
orchestration required for a large and sophisticated air show.
Warbirds in Review, a popular AirVenture attraction for several
years, will offer up-close-and-personal presentations from Warbirds
aircraft owners and pilots, and from veterans relating their
air-mission and -combat experiences. "Sadly, every year we lose
more World War II veterans. Every opportunity to talk with and
listen to these remarkable veterans is a privilege," Siegfried
said.
EAA and its Warbirds Division will issue more information on
featured daily Warbirds in Review attractions and personalities as
the schedule in finalized.
The Warbirds of America also plans dazzling spectacles in the
air. AirVenture's weeklong air show schedule includes several
servings of Warbirds action, with expanded shows on Friday and
Saturday, complete with pyrotechnics.