50-Plane Formation Planned For Chinese Airplane

One of the longest-produced aircraft models in history, the Nanchang CJ-6, will have its 50th anniversary celebrated during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008 on July 28-August 3 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

The RedStar Pilot's Association, the owners' group for the Chinese-built military trainer aircraft, is organizing the Oshkosh activities in honor of the golden anniversary with cooperation of the EAA Warbirds of America. One of the highlights will be a 50-airplane formation during the warbird segment of the EAA AirVenture afternoon air show on Wednesday, July 30.

"EAA Warbirds of America looks forward to celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Nanchang CJ-6," said Bill Fischer, Warbirds of America executive director. "We are working closely with the RedStar Pilots Association and anticipate a variety of special activities that will highlight the CJ-6. Having 50 or more CJ-6s participating at AirVenture will be an impressive sight to see."

The Nanchang CJ-6 was the first indigenous Chinese aircraft design to be produced, and 50 years and 2,200 copies later, it's still in production. More than 200 of these aircraft are actively flown in the United States and regularly participate in air shows under the RedStar banner.

Practice flights will begin on July 24 at West Bend, WI and a mass formation arrival will help open the EAA Warbirds of America air show performance on Opening Day Monday, July 28.

In addition to the milestone CJ-6 anniversary, 2008 also marks the 15th year of the RedStar Pilot's Association. An August 1 banquet will feature several "best of class" awards presented to deserving owners of aircraft. A painting of a CJ-6 will also be presented to the EAA AirVenture Museum during the Warbirds of America banquet on August 2.

The Nanchang CJ-6 50th anniversary activities at EAA AirVenture are also being sponsored by Cannon Aviation Insurance, the Windstar Group, Xiocom Wireless, and World Wide Warbirds.

FMI: www.airventure.org, www.eaa.org