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.