Birthday Bash Planned At Oshkosh

Fifty years ago, Helio aircraft serial number 001 rolled off the production line at Pittsburg, Kansas.  Over the years the Helio has claimed its own place in aviation history. 

It was the Harrier jet of its day.  It remains one the safest aircraft ever built.  And the lore surrounding it is as interesting as the plane itself.  It served with distinction in the US Army and Air Force and also made a name as one of the premier missionary airplanes.

After talking to the owners at Helio Aircraft Company and other influential members of the Helio Community the folks at heliocourier.net have put together a Steering Committee for the
50th Anniversary Celebration of the Helio Courier. 

The Experimental Aircraft Association has agreed to allow at least 25 Helios fly into AirVenture Oshkosh, July 27th - August 2, 2004.  The group hopes to have presentations regarding safe STOL flying and proper Helio maintenance by some of the leading experts on Helios at the show.

The group advises Helio owners planning to attend AirVenture that they must be members of the EAA. They must also pay camping fees in order to camp with their aircraft. 

At this time, the EAA is allowing Helios to park as a type group on the south western side of Runway 18-36. All pilots must display an aircraft identification sign in the window of their aircraft for identification. 

FMI:  www.stolaircraft.com/50th.html