Featured Innovations, Technology, Careers And More Will Open World Of Flight To Visitors

A brand-new neighborhood of flight is part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015, as Aviation Gateway Park brings together imagination, ingenuity, and possibilities in one area at the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.” EAA AirVenture is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

Aviation Gateway Park is located on James Ray Boulevard, just northwest of the FAA control tower, and is sponsored by Piper Aircraft. The area opens with a public dedication at 8:30 a.m., on Monday, July 20, when a quadcopter delivers a pair of scissors to EAA Chairman Jack Pelton and Piper CEO Simon Caldecott, who will then cut the ribbon to open the facility.
 
“Aviation Gateway Park and its four different venues introduce exciting flight innovations, new technology, and aviation-based start-up companies,” said Dave Chaimson, EAA’s vice president of marketing and business development. “Through all its activities, it offers numerous ways to engage with aviation ranging from hands-on experiences to career exploration. Most of all, it will be abuzz with plenty of exciting activity and enthusiasm in an air conditioned setting.”
 
Among the featured areas at Aviation Gateway Park are:
 
Innovation Center, presented by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), with world-class organizations such as NASA’s special 100th anniversary activities, SLS/Orion, Lockheed Martin (with its F-35 simulator), Terrafugia’s flying car, and the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s AeroInnovate program that features five innovative start-up aerospace companies.
 
Drone Cage, presented by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, features an 80-by-80-by-30-foot flying area with indoor and outdoor seating. Some of the world’s largest unmanned aerial systems manufacturers, and the Academy of Model Aeronautics, will be represented with flying demonstrations as well as a daily drone flying competition for attendees. Flying activities will be featured on live video feeds from the drones, presented by Multicopter Warehouse, to screens in the area.
 
Education/Career Center, with more than 25 university aviation programs and representatives from airlines throughout the nation present throughout the week. The center offers resources and contacts for young people seeking aviation education and careers as well as aviation professionals seeking advancement in their current careers. Special activities include a July 20 college tailgate party, July 22 job fair, and July 24 college social.
 
Forums Area sponsored by NATCA, with daily sessions and seminars covering a wide spectrum of topics, from drone flying to NASA technology.
 
Aviation Gateway Park also features green space and air conditioned areas, with plenty of room to meet friends and connect with fellow aviation enthusiasts.

FMI: www.eaa.org/airventure