The International Aerobatic Club Is Moving The 2017 Nationals To Wittman Regional Airport In Oshkosh, WI

In an advance release of International Aerobatic Club (IAC) President Mike Heuer's monthly column in Sport Aerobatics magazine for May, he describes the recent decision by the Board of Directors to move the US National Aerobatic Championships to Oshkosh in 2017. Already the home of EAA AirVenture, this brings another major aviation event to Oshkosh.

In his article, Heuer explained that since 1972, the United States National Aerobatic Championships has been held at what is now called the North Texas Regional Airport. He pointed out that this location had proved to be successful and was predominantly the choice for the yearly event. Although the event had been occasionally held in other locations, the North Texas Regional Airport offered such things as lots of ramp space, a full-time Aerobatic practice area, good hangar facilities, and great community support.

However, he said that for the same reasons the IAC like this location, “The airport has become increasingly busy with itinerant traffic, local corporate jets, and a very active flight school that has hundreds of foreign students. At the last Nationals, this caused significant delays in flying those categories which have to come below 1,000 feet, namely Advanced and Unlimited. Flying in those categories had to be shut down while aircraft came and went. Though the tower cooperated the best it could, it was an unavoidable problem.”

Heuer said they received bids from other qualified airports, some of which had previously held major Aerobatic competition events. Wittman Regional Airport was chosen as a location for the annual event for numerous reasons, not the least of which was the IACs association with EAA. Heuer said, “We also plan other activities during the week such as evening social events at the EAA Nature Center and closing ceremonies and awards banquet at the EAA museum’s “Founder’s Wing” – the place where EAA’s annual Hall of Fame ceremonies are held”.

Heuer concluded by saying, “My thanks also to Jack J. Pelton, EAA’s CEO, for supporting IAC and for the excellent cooperation we have received so far from the EAA staff. Their support is crucial to a successful event."

FMI: www.iac.org/