300-500 Pilots From Holy Land Expected  

People are coming to Oshkosh this year from all around the globe to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers’ first successful powered flight. One of the most touching ceremonies at Oshkosh each year is the parade of flags, where members from around the world proudly carry their nations' colors along the flightline in a demonstration of EAA's worldwide reach. This year, expect a sizeable contingent from Israel to march under the Star of David.

And They're Bringing Lots Of Friends

EAA’s first Israeli Chapter, 1346, is finalizing plans to bring from 300 to 500 aviation enthusiasts to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2003. Details are still being worked out, but the newly formed Chapter plans to bring the sizeable contingent toOshkosh via charter in honor of powered flight’s 100th anniversary.

Mike Raviv (pictured on right), Chapter Secretary-Treasurer, informed EAA that arrangements for the trip are being completed at this writing. Chapter President and 747 captain for El Al Airlines, Abraham Kimchi, are handling the flight arrangements; Chapter Vice President Ariel Arielly (left) is promoting the flight; and Raviv works out lodging and ground transportation arrangements

“We had some 80 people registered just by word of mouth before we even started publicizing the trip,” Raviv said.

The growing Chapter includes about 40 members and has generated much interest in experimental and sport aviation, including homebuilts, ultralights, sailplanes, powered parachutes, sky diving, and even model (RC) airplanes. Chapter activities emphasize learning through the use of forums, where more experienced members can help and guide the beginners. Homebuilders Support Groups allow members share know-how and resources.
Several building and restoration projects are under way within the Chapter, including powered parachutes, an E-75 Stearman, a Zodiac CH 601, Long-EZ, Acro Sport, Lancair, and several RVs, among others.

Chapter 1346 plans to embrace the EAA Young Eagles program to reach out to potential aviation enthusiasts and provide them with an educational first step to recreational aviation.

Mini Oshkosh-Israel 2003

Chapter 1346 is also planning a major event later this year, what Raviv described as a “Mini-Oshkosh” in Arad, a southern Israel city tentatively scheduled for September 22-24. “We informed all the other aviation organizations to team up with us, and the response so far is promising,” Raviv said.

The event will be open and free to the general public, and feature static displays, demo flights, industry exhibits, vendors area, second-hand market, lecture classes and hands-on aircraft building workshops.

FMI: www.eaa.org.il