Virtual Reality Flights, Hands-On Activities Coming To Aviation And Non-Aviation Events

EAA will again deliver the excitement of flight throughout the United States in 2018 as EAA’s “Spirit of Aviation” mobile unit, sponsored by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), visits numerous events this year. The mobile experience brings introduces EAA to aviation enthusiasts through hands-on, member-tested activities engaging people in aviation.

“During our inaugural year in 2017, the Spirit of Aviation brought our passion for flight and our mission of growing participation in aviation to tens of thousands of people in a fun, engaging way,” said Dave Chaimson, EAA’s vice president of marketing and business development. “The Spirit of Aviation unit encompasses immersive activities and virtual reality experiences, giving visitors a glimpse into the world of aviation, as well as inviting them to be part of EAA’s dynamic member community.”

The Spirit of Aviation mobile unit made its first stops at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, and the Melbourne Air & Space Show in Florida earlier this month. Upcoming visits throughout the year include (tour schedule subject to change without notice):

• April 6-8: USA Science & Engineering Festival; Washington, D.C.
• May 5-6: MCAS Cherry Point Air Show; Havelock, North Carolina
• June 9-10: Thunder of Niagara International Air Show; Niagara Falls, New York
• June 27-July 1: Summerfest; Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• July 23-29: EAA AirVenture; Oshkosh, Wisconsin
• August 23-September 3: Minnesota State Fair; St. Paul, Minnesota
• September 21-23: California Capital Air Show; Sacramento, California
• October 11-14: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta; Albuquerque, New Mexico
• October 20-21: Wings Over Houston Air Show; Houston, Texas

The 53-foot unit is also a rolling billboard for EAA, including graphics highlighting a Long-EZ homebuilt aircraft and its futuristic design representing EAA’s experimental aircraft roots. It also features visibility for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and the Young Eagles program.

“It’s fun, it’s discovery, and it’s flying in virtual-reality style,” Chaimson said. “Stop by and connect with the adventures in the world of flight. At selected locations, we are even bringing along our own Stan Lee-inspired superhero – Aviore!”

Stan Lee personally introduced Aviore to audiences last July at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Aviore was created through a cooperative effort by EAA and the Stan Lee Foundation, as an inspiration to young people all over the world, encouraging them to follow their passions and find their place in the sky.

Visitors will be able to build their own Aviore gliders, supported by Flite Test, and take virtual flights with Samsung Gear VR headsets to connect with the Spirit of Aviation. There are also Redbird flight simulators for flight training experiences, hands-on building stations, and much more as part of EAA’s mission to grow participation in aviation.

(Source: EAA news release. Images from file)

FMI: www.eaa.org