Longtime Favorites, Exciting Newcomers Among 2003 Performers

Some of the world's most popular air show performers, longtime favorites and exciting newcomers are among the top aerobatic pilots scheduled to fly during the daily afternoon air show at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, which will be held July 29-August 4 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

The daily afternoon air show is one of the most popular draws of EAA AirVenture, as thousands of people pack the flight line to enjoy the skill and artistry of aerobatic flight.

"If you look at the lineup of air show performers who have flown at AirVenture through the years, it is a list of the very best aerobatic pilots in the world over the past four decades," said Tom Poberezny, EAA President and AirVenture Chairman.  "Air show performers enjoy flying at AirVenture because they know the audiences are the most knowledgeable and appreciative anywhere, and each air show pilot is dedicated to delivering their very best."

Favorites returning to EAA AirVenture this year include Sean D. Tucker, Patty Wagstaff, Gene Soucy and Julie Clark.  Another audience favorite are the Warbirds of America, which are scheduled to fly five of AirVenture's seven days.

Aerobatic competition champions who will be performing are Kirby Chambliss, Mike Goulian and Mike Mancuso.  Another favorite scheduled to return after several years' absence the renowned wingwalking act of Dave Dacy and Johnny Kazian.

Among the acts making their Oshkosh debut will be the "Iron Eagles" tandem team in a pair of Super Christen Eagles; as well as the "Masters of Disaster," a combined aerial-ground performance team that includes the incomparable Jimmy Franklin; and the "Stars of Tomorrow," six 30-and-under performers who represent the future generation of aerobatic performers.  Additional performances, including those by current military aircraft, will be announced as they are confirmed.

"This year, the EAA AirVenture air show lineup is more diverse than ever," Poberezny said.  "Between the aerobatic champions, team performances, unique and historic aircraft and other draws, it is an outstanding roster of aviators.  Each person has their personal favorites at the daily AirVenture air show, but every performer is among the very best in the air show community."

Each afternoon's air show begins at 3:30 p.m. and continues for more than two hours, except for a 2 p.m. start on Monday, August 4, EAA AirVenture's final day.  The exact performance schedule will be announced as it is finalized. 

Along with the daily air show, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh annually features "Showcase Flights" for several hours prior to the official air show performance start time.  These showcase flights include featured aircraft at the event, along with representatives of certain categories of aircraft and interesting highlights from the world of flight.  All showcase and air show performances are included in regular AirVenture admission.

2003 Air Show Performers/Aircraft
(Listing subject to change without notice - exact daily schedule to be announced):

• Kirby Chambliss (Edge 540)
• Herb Baker (T-28)
• Julie Clark (T-34)
• Matt Chapman (CAP 232)
• Dave Dacy/Johnny Kazian (Wingwalking)
• Mary Dilda (T-6)
• Jimmy Franklin (Jet Waco)
• Iron Eagles (Super Christen Eagles)
• Jim LeRoy (Pitts)
• Dale Snodgrass (Corsair/T-6)
• Stars of Tomorrow (Various)
• Bob Davis (Sukhoi)
• Mike Goulian (CAP 232)
• Liberty Parachute Team (Skydiving)
• Mike Mancuso (Extra 300)
• Aeroshell Team (T-6s)
• Howard Pardue (Hawker Sea Fury)
• Eddie Andreini (Stearman)
• Gene Soucy/Teresa Stokes (Show Cat-Wingwalking)
• Sean D. Tucker (Oracle Challenger II)
• Patty Wagstaff (Extra 300)
• Bobby Younkin (Twin Beech/Decathlon)
• Warbirds of America (Vintage military)

FMI: www.eaa.org, www.airventure.org