Anticipation Building As 2012 Event Salutes Greatest Generation, Iconic Aircraft

In just a few days, more than 10,000 aircraft and hundreds of thousands of attendees will descend on Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh for EAA AirVenture 2012, which begins Monday, July 23, and runs through Sunday, July 29. The 60th annual Fly-In Convention – billed as "The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” – will once again become the epicenter of the aviation world, bringing together aviation’s past, present, and future and mixing in with a variety of entertainment options that result in unlimited, affordable fun for the whole family.

Aerial displays and themed programs, including notable Doolittle Raiders and Tuskegee Airmen appearances, will pay tribute to those who battled in the skies during World War II. Additionally, the “Tora! Tora! Tora!” re-enactment of the Pearl Harbor attack highlights the “Warbirds Extravaganza” on Friday, July 27, and Saturday, July 28, and the world’s only airworthy B-29 Superfortress – FIFI – returns for a second consecutive year.

Among the anniversaries being celebrated are the 75th anniversary of the Piper J-3 Cub, one of the world's most popular and beloved light planes, and the 40th anniversary of Van’s RV aircraft, which is highlighted by the Oshkosh debut of Team RV – the world’s largest air show team. That is only a sampling of the various aircraft lining the flightline in the Warbird, Homebuilt, Vintage, and Ultralight areas, in addition to the innovations on display and in flight throughout the week.

Organizers say that, Super Saturday, July 28, will have something for everyone – highlighted by the widely popular Rockwell Collins Night Air Show, followed by fireworks and the “Wall of Fire.” Super Saturday also features a pair of concerts – Da BLOOZE Bros “Blues Brothers” tribute band, presented by Ford Motor Company, and Boogie Knights 1970s tribute band, presented by Southwest Airlines.

Music fans can enjoy the legendary Steve Miller Band on Monday, July 23, as well as a pair of notable country acts – Little Texas on Wednesday, July 25, and Phil Vassar on Friday, July 27. Movie buffs can head over to the Ford Fly-In Theater for its nightly films, highlighted by filmmaker George Lucas introducing Red Tails on Wednesday. Plus, Theater in the Woods has a variety of programming each evening for everyone’s enjoyment.

Children can build model rockets and balsa planes or fly in a high-tech flight simulator at KidVenture, as well as enjoy KidVenture Gallery fun inside the AirVenture Museum.

Daily admission for non-members is $41 for adults and $31 for veterans and active military personnel. Admission for children ages 6-18 is $21 (free on Sunday, July 29, when accompanied by paying adult), and children age 5 and under are admitted free throughout AirVenture.

And don't forget, Aero-TV will be offering live programming each evening at 8:00 pm EDT to wrap up the days event. The shows will be hosted by Airborne Anchor Ashley Hale.

FMI: www.airventure.org