WhiteKnightTwo, Concorde Reunion Among Highlights Scheduled July 27-August 2, 2009

Even as the aviation industry's attention turns to next week's AOPA Expo in San Jose, CA, the Experimental Aircraft Association wants everyone to start planning now to attend AirVenture 2009 in Oshkosh. Preparations for the 57th annual gathering are already underway, getting ready for the event at Wittman Regional Airport on July 27-August 2, 2009.

Each year, more than 10,000 airplanes migrate to the Oshkosh area to participate in the event. Whether these aviation enthusiasts fly their own airplanes and camp along the flight line, or pitch a tent in the adjacent Camp Scholler, or find their own accommodations in area hotels, dormitories or private housing, they come to AirVenture to share the joy and excitement of flight.

"At EAA AirVenture, we often see and hear about the big events, such as the one-of-a-kind aircraft or the new innovations in flying," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. "But more important, in one week this is where the whole, true spirit of aviation comes together to celebrate the world of flight. That means the heritage, the pride and the vision of aviation. Each person who attends has an individual flying story. Oshkosh is the one place where all those stories come together to create a celebration that is unmatched anywhere around the world."

Among some of the scheduled highlights already announced for EAA AirVenture 2009 are an expected visit from WhiteKnightTwo, the carrier ship for the new SpaceShipTwo space tourism vehicle; a reunion of participants from the five visits of British Airways' Concorde to Oshkosh in the 1980s and 1990s; and special recognition of aviation's humanitarian role around the world. Special programs saluting international aviation anniversaries and homebuilt aircraft are also being developed.

In addition, comedian/ventriloquist Jeff Dunham (below) -- one of the nation's hottest comedy concert draws, who is also a Rotorway helicopter builder and pilot -- will return to EAA AirVenture for an August 1 concert appearance, following this year's standing-room-only performance that drew an estimated 10,000 people.

This year, EAA AirVenture included more than 2,500 showplanes, 800 exhibitors, and nearly 1,000 forums and seminars. It also featured the introduction of dozens of new aviation products, including several new aircraft. Oshkosh is also a one-of-a-kind locale for government aviation officials to meet and hear their constituents, whose input at Oshkosh helps shape national aviation policy.

"EAA AirVenture is one of aviation's most important events for business, government and education," Poberezny said. "What makes this event unique, however, is the fact that it is also aviation's annual family reunion. If you're asked to explain what EAA AirVenture is, there's only one good answer - 'You've gotta be there!'"

FMI: www.airventure.org