Temporary Crowd Line And Enlarged Airshow Box Is Established For The Snowbirds Performances at AirVenture 2016

We have recently published reports of aerial demonstrations being canceled in the UK because of increased concerns for safety on the ground during an airshow performance. These concerns also apply at EAA AirVenture, and this has required changes in the approved aerobatic performance area. This aerial photo shows how the temporary Snowbirds aerobatic area effects the crowd line.

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will perform what they describe as a “practice show” - basically, a full dress rehearsal for the weekend - on Friday, July 29, at the end of the regular afternoon air show. On Saturday, July 30, the Snowbirds will again fly as the final performers in the afternoon air show. The Snowbirds will wrap up their Oshkosh performances on Sunday, July 31, as the closing act in the last air show of AirVenture 2016.

Attendees, volunteers, and pilots should be aware that, like the Thunderbirds in 2014, the Snowbirds performances require a larger aerobatic box, necessitating a slight move of the crowd line to the west during the afternoon air shows on those days. Only essential, authorized air show personnel are permitted inside the box during the Snowbirds performance.

The Snowbirds crowd line will run the entire length of the flightline and into the area south of Ultralights, in line with the existing speaker poles, about 120 feet west of the regular crowd burn line. This line will be clearly marked. There will also be a small area near Wittman Regional Airport that will require restricted access.

For Air Show Spectators
Visitors will have access to the regular crowd line area until 1:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and until noon on Sunday. At those times, visitors must move back to behind the Snowbirds crowd line. AirVenture guests will not be allowed to leave chairs, blankets, coolers, or other items past the Snowbirds crowd line at any time on those days. On Friday through Sunday, Wittman Road will be closed to all vehicular traffic, providing additional space for air show viewing.

For Pilots And Crew Of Aircraft Parked On The Flightline
After 1:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and noon on Sunday, pilots or crew of planes parked between the two crowd lines will be allowed in the area for a short time with a security escort to perform urgent, essential tasks. Everyone will need to be out of this area by 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Full access will be restored after the completion of the Snowbirds performance on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Look for extensive signage on the grounds, further explaining the areas and times covered by these necessary rules and guidelines.

(Image provided in EAA press release)

FMI: www.eaa.org