EAA AirVenture TODAY - Wednesday, July 26, 2023

BY SAM OLESON AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF

EVERY YEAR AT EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, there are dazzling, sleek, sharp aircraft. NASA’s Super Guppy is not among them. But you might not find anything in Oshkosh this week that’s as cool.

Designed in the 1960s by Aero Spacelines Industries (ASI) and based on the Boeing C-97J Stratocruiser, the Super Guppy is one of the oddest-looking airplanes flying today, and NASA brought the only airworthy example to AirVenture.

“It’s probably the most interesting airplane I’ve ever flown,” NASA pilot Brett Pugsley said. “She flies how she looks. You put a control input in, and it takes a little while for her to respond. It’s got a little bit of a lag, which can lead to getting into some pilot-induced oscillations, definitely on the runway.”

The Super Guppy is designed to carry oversized cargo, leading to wild dimensions for the fuselage and a crazy look, kind of like a mutant oversized guppy fish that had a really big dinner. The cargo hold is 111 feet, 6 inches long and has a maximum height of 25 feet, 6 inches and a 25-foot

diameter. Powered by four Allison T56 turboprop engines, the airplane has a maximum takeoff weight of 170,000 pounds and can carry a 48,000-pound payload, with a cruise speed of 290 mph at 25,000 feet. It has a hinged nose that opens 110 degrees, allowing for frontal cargo loading. Cargo is transported on pallets with a system of rails within the cargo hold.

NASA’s Super Guppy — officially a Super Guppy Turbine (SGT) — was acquired from Airbus in 1997. Initially, Aero Spacelines built the original Pregnant Guppy based on the KC-97, which was used to carry the second stage of the Saturn

rocket for the Apollo program. ASI followed up with the Super Guppy in 1965, which they owned and operated until 1979, when NASA purchased it. Four upgraded Super Guppys, SGTs, were built by ASI and purchased by Airbus to ferry A300 fuselage sections before they were retired and NASA acquired SGT No. 4.

NASA’s Super Guppy is based in El Paso, Texas, and is used in support of the space program as well as by the Department of the Defense and government contractors to move aircraft and other large components. The Super Guppy is scheduled to be at AirVenture until Thursday morning.

PHOTO BY AJ RICCOBONO

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FIGHT OR FLIGHT

Fourth-place winner — EAA’s Pilot Your Own Adventure Contest, Supported by Flight Outfitters

OLIVIA R. ALLEN

MANY FAIRY TALES start with “once upon a time” and are only a fable. However, my story started as a little girl with a dream. Not a lot of people expected a deaf little girl with a cochlear implant to achieve much, if anything at all. After all, I was born into a family of blue-collar workers who learned to adapt to life inside the dark, lonely, concrete walls of a factory. Nobody in my family has ever gone to college and completed it. Although it would be nice if someone did get a degree, it surely wasn’t expected of the deaf girl.

When I was born, the doctors told my parents that I had failed all of my hearing tests. My parents were terrified about what my future may hold. They brought me back to our home in the middle of nowhere Indiana, and it didn’t take long before I was the talk of our small town. Within a year of my birth, I received surgery to get my cochlear implant. At age 3, I went to a school to learn to speak, and the rest is history. It was around the ripe age of 11 when I realized what my life aspiration was — being a pilot. I don’t think my Uncle Mick ever thought that he’d be leading me

down a rabbit hole when he informed my parents of an event occurring in Elkhart, Indiana. You see, my uncle was an air traffic con troller at Elkhart Municipal Airport, and the airport hosted Young Eagles flights every year. I can honestly say that I remember how much excitement rose from my gut at the exact moment that the pilot asked me if I wanted to sit in the right seat. My cousin Geneva and another boy sat in the back while I got to manipulate the controls of a little Cessna 172 Skyhawk. It was in that second that I made a decision; that decision was that airplanes were simply the coolest thing I had ever experienced. I will never forget how special my first flight was. Never did I think that one day I’d be sitting in the left seat of a Cirrus as the pilot in command.

In my senior year of high school, I searched around for colleges and found the perfect match

for me and my needs. I fell in love with the campus at Vincennes University, the people I met on the tour, and the airplanes it offered. It was cozy, and the small class sizes reminded me of high school. I liked the one-on-one time I could get by being in a smaller program, so I applied and got in on my first attempt. I was so excited but ended up not getting to go because I

My cousin Geneva and another boy sat in the back while I got to manipulate the controls of a little Cessna 172 Skyhawk. It was in that second that I made a decision; that decision was that airplanes were simply the coolest thing I had ever experienced.

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didn’t get my medical back in time. I was heartbroken but decided to try again the next semester. Little did I know that my start date would be delayed by two years.

When spring 2020 came around, I learned that classes had filled up, and my high school did not send my final transcript. I waited yet another six months with a heavy heart. Once the fall of 2020 came along, I was again denied admittance to the school. I was devastated to find out that my medical had a restriction saying I was not valid to fly solo. Thus began the process of trying to get my medical cleared. I eventually got a medical flight test, which went well. After a couple months, I got the medical back, but there was a mistake. The examiner had cleared my vision but forgot to submit the information that cleared my hearing. Therefore, the fight to get a restriction-free medical continued. Thankfully, once he realized this, he was quick to submit the rest of the information needed to the FAA. However, I had to miss the spring 2021 semester. My spirits were crushed, but I continued working at Subaru to make money in hopes of getting in the following semester.

I was miserable watching people finishing up their college while I had to wait for the opportunity

to touch an airplane. It seemed as if I was falling way behind my peers. I felt that compared to them, I was failing somehow. I told my parents, “If I don’t get in for the fall 2021 semester, I don’t think I can do it anymore.” I was heartbroken at the thought that I may never get to be a pilot. It wasn’t until April 15, 2021, that I received the call that just about made my knees buckle from underneath me. I had gotten accepted into the flight program, and it was finally time for me to leave my job to pursue my dreams. My mom was terrified when I called her in tears, as I am not the type to cry. I still have that voicemail from the chief flight instructor. I hold it dear to my heart, as I realized that day I hadn’t fought in vain. It was the start of a new life for me; my two-year fight was over.

It wasn’t until April 15, 2021, that I received the call that just about made my knees buckle from underneath me. I had gotten accepted into the flight program, and it was finally time for me to leave my job to pursue my dreams.

As I look back on my life, I realize the strength it took to keep pursuing something that people thought was impossible. On August 16, 2022, which was exactly one year after I started classes, I became a private pilot. It was as if the stars had finally aligned for me the moment the designated pilot examiner signed my certificate. It signaled that my goals were not really bigger than what I could achieve. In January, I started my instrument flight training. I wish I could tell the little girl that despite her deafness, the left seat of an airliner is much closer than she thinks. One day I’m sure I’ll look back and think of how far I’ve come, but for now, I will keep working for the future ahead.

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OSHKOSH MOMENTS

FROM VIRAL TO RHINO

BY SAM OLESON AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF

FOURTEEN YEARS AGO, as a recent high school graduate, Wes Perkins, EAA 857219, attended EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and put together a video for his YouTube channel.

“I’m a big fan of aviation videography and videos and media. I started doing it and just filming air shows. Got an old camera from my neighbor, I think. He just gave me an old camera that he was throwing away and I just started filming air shows around central Texas. Took it up to Oshkosh,” he explained. “2009 was the one that went viral. But back in 2007, I just filmed Oshkosh and put it to music and thought it was really cool and just kept doing it. And then for some reason, and I don’t really know why, 2009 was just really popular. It just kind of took off.”

In the relatively early days of social media, Wes had gone “viral.” It left such an impression that EAA staff members who were around in 2009 still remember that video. Back then, Wes attended AirVenture with his dad, flying in from Georgetown, Texas, in the family’s Piper Clipper. Born into an aviation family, Oshkosh had been part of Wes’ life since he first attended in 1997.

“I’ve been flying my whole life,” he said. “I soloed gliders when I was 14,

soloed my dad’s airplanes when I was 16, so a Piper Clipper and a Mini-Max. And then when I was 17, got my license, flew those two aircraft, and also finished my Pitts. So my dad and I are homebuilders.

“We used to fly up in the Clipper from Central Texas every year, my dad and I did, and we’d camp for 10 days. We’d show up like the Thursday before the event started, and we’d stay until typically the Sunday morning of the last day.”

Sadly, the last time Wes attended AirVenture was 2014. He’s returning in 2023, and he’ll be doing it in something just a little flashier than a Clipper — a Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet.

VIRAL TO RHINO / PAGE 10

PHOTO COURTESY OF WES PERKINS

Now a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, Wes, call sign “Trash Blast’er,” is the pilot and team lead of the West Coast Rhino Demo Team, which is performing at AirVenture 2023.

Commissioning in the Navy out of Texas A&M in 2014, Wes worked his way through flight training, flying the T-6 Texan II and T-45 Goshawk, eventually learning to fly the Super Hornet with VFA-122 at NAS Lemoore in California in 2017-18. Growing up going to air shows, Wes dreamed of one day becoming a Hornet pilot.

“I grew up seeing F-18s, and I thought it was the coolest plane. I think it’s the greatest airplane out there. It’s my favorite thing to fly. Well, it’s my favorite thing to fly next to my Pitts at home. Don’t get me wrong; I love general aviation a lot, but I love flying the F-18.

VIRAL TO RHINO / PAGE 12

RHINO

PHOTO COURTESY OF WES PERKINS

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PAGE 10 / VIRAL TO RHINO

It’s a wonderful airplane, and that’s what I grew up seeing with the Blues and with the West Coast demo team coming to Texas quite a bit.”

Following flight training, Wes “patched” with VFA-25, the Fist of the Fleet (also located at Lemoore), and deployed on the USS Abraham Lincoln for 10 months.

After returning from his tour, among other things, Wes became an instructor in the F/A-18 and crossed the street back to VFA-122 for his next tour, following more than three years with VFA-25. Instructing for the past two years, Wes was named the team lead for the West Coast Rhino Demo Team this past December — selected by his peers on the previous year’s team. Wes said to expect a demonstration that showcases the Super Hornet to its fullest.

“We demonstrate the airplane to its maximum capabilities,” he said. “So the edges of the envelope, aside from breaking the sound barriers, we go

right up to it on the high-speed passes. And our big goal — and this is actually brought to us by Boeing — it’s kind of the mindset behind the team is that we never go outside of 3 miles and we keep the show as tight as possible, and all our repositions are in front of the

“Just seeing everything that Oshkosh embodies is exactly why I’m so excited to get to come back and just lucky enough to bring an F-18, let alone fly it in the air show.”

VIRAL TO RHINO /

Wes Perkins

PHOTO COURTESY OF WES PERKINS

WE PUT THIS ENGINE THROUGH ITS ULTIMATE TESTS. THE FAA GAVE THE FINAL GRADE.

In the creation of the DHK180, our test engineers abused prototypes like there was an unlimited supply—until every part, assembly and final engine exceeded the high standards of the FAA. Put another way, we don’t just test engines until they pass; we test them until they fail, so we can find ways to make them even better. This engineering tough love has resulted in an engine like no other.

The DHK180 is a jet-fueled, supercharged, turbocharged, piston engine that reimagines power as game-changing torque.

It’s designed and made to be more dependable, more efficient, and more

powerful than traditional engines. It excels from takeoff roll to cruise altitude. It can fail a fuel pump and keep running. Or the aircraft could lose its entire electrical system and keep on running. It’s a lightweight, mechanically superior, modern marvel. And it burns globally available Jet A.

We could have launched the DHK180 as an experimental engine, but we committed to bringing an FAA type-certified engine to the category, and that is exactly what we did.

The way we see it, if we’re not hard on our engine, we’re being too easy on ourselves.

/ VIRAL TO RHINO

crowd as close as possible, to demonstrate how rapidly we can reposition the aircraft. It’s kind of our big mindset that you never forget that the jet’s there and you never look away.”

While Wes will be tearing up the sky at Oshkosh for the West Coast Rhino Demo Team, next year he’ll be doing the same thing across the country with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, an honor in which he was selected for just a couple weeks ago. For now, he’s excited to make his long-awaited return to AirVenture.

“It’s safe to say looking forward to it is a massive understatement,” Wes said. “This is the one I fought real hard to get our team to, because our team hasn’t come back since 2011. The

East Coast team has typically kind of had a monopoly on it actually. … It’s a hometown show for one of our aviators; actually he’s from Wisconsin. And then I treat it as my hometown show, because we actually don’t have any Texas shows this year. And Oshkosh is, honestly, it’s my favorite place in the world.

“It is a homecoming for me, just because this is how I grew up and this was the thing that really instilled the passion for aviation and my interest in becoming an EAA member and an IAC member and getting into the homebuilding and general aviation. Just seeing everything that Oshkosh embodies is exactly why I’m so excited to get to come back and just lucky enough to bring an F-18, let alone fly it in the air show.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF WES PERKINS

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EAA ARCHIVE PHOTO

70 Years of Dreamers and Doers

BY SAM OLESON AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF

SEVENTY YEARS AGO, on January 26, 1953, EAA was officially founded. That first meeting took place in a classroom at Gran-Aire Inc. at Curtiss-Wright Airport (now Timmerman field) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with 36 pilots and aviation enthusiasts in attendance. Over the past seven decades, EAA headquarters have moved a few times and the annual members convention and fly-in has shifted around, but one thing has remained the same — the organization’s dedication to spreading The Spirit of Aviation. As we celebrate EAA’s platinum anniversary at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023, each day we’ll share highlights from a different decade of our history.

1970s

1970: The first EAA fly-in convention after the move to Oshkosh takes place. For the next 50-plus years, Oshkosh is the permanent home of the convention.

1971: Three EAA divisions are created — the Antique/Classic Division (now the Vintage Aircraft Association), the International Aerobatic Club, and Warbirds of America. The divisions were created to cater to some of the specialized activities of EAA members. Meanwhile, the Goodyear blimp America highlights EAA Oshkosh.

1973: The B-25 Berlin Express is donated to the EAA Aviation Foundation.

1975: Legendary aerospace engineer Burt Rutan introduces his VariEze at EAA’s fly-in convention. Also in 1975, Camp Scholler opens, providing an expanded campground for EAA Oshkosh attendees.

1976: Paul Poberezny’s son, Tom, is named chairman of the annual EAA fly-in convention. Also in 1976, John Moody, widely regarded as the father of the modern ultralight movement, displays his powered hang glider for the first time.

1977: The Canadian Snowbirds visit and perform at EAA Oshkosh for the first time.

1978: A U.S. Marine Corps Harrier attends EAA Oshkosh.

1979: Theater in the Woods opens for evening programming and other activities at EAA Oshkosh.

2023 EAA Volunteer of the Year Recipients

BY JADE MORRIS AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF

THE 2023 EAA Volunteers of the Year have been announced, and this year’s winners highlight why and how AirVenture is possible. This year, there are three Volunteer of the Year recipients: Cliff Chetwin, Sandy Zorn, and Robert McLaughlin. The recipients were honored at a ceremony on Sunday afternoon at Volunteer Park.

Cliff Chetwin grew up in upstate New York, near present-day Syracuse, and attended the College of Forestry at Syracuse. He worked as a police officer in Washington, D.C., during the Vietnam War and was an officer in California when he and his wife moved there. After that, Cliff received a job as a ranger with Pinnacles National Monument, and then he attained his private pilot certificate and an instrument rating and flew recreationally. In 1982, Cliff transferred to Carlsbad Cabins National Park in New Mexico. He was chief ranger and then regional aviation manager. He got involved with EAA while still working with the park service and spoke about major political issues within the aviation world. He helped create the International Federal Partnership, which is in Hangar D. Cliff is also a volunteer chairman at AirVenture and is on the government host team for Sean Elliott.

“It is awesome to be recognized by one’s peers. I hope I can stay at the same level for a lot more years to justify having gotten the award this year,” Cliff said. “I think of awards like this as an award for what we now expect you to do in the future. So, I got to figure a way to keep it up.”

Cliff Chetwin

Sandy Zorn was born and raised in Wisconsin and is a rock star regarding her family and volunteering. Her husband has his pilot certificate, so being with him, she and her kids have had much experience flying. Sandy and her husband would fly around Green Bay and Wausau for lunch outings and quick errands. Sandy got the volunteer itch when she and her husband were at

“It is awesome to be recognized by one’s peers. I hope I can stay at the same level for a lot more years to justify having gotten the award this year.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLIFF CHETWIN

PAGE 18 / VOLUNTEER

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh one year, and they looked at each other and said, “Maybe we could do more.” They both started in First Aid with EAA as EMTs and then moved to volunteer with public parking, shuttles, and transportation. Along with Sandy, her family also contributes to volunteering in this area. Her children, husband, and even son-inlaw help every year.

“I am considered being recognized by EAA more for the whole tram group than just myself because we work as a team,” Sandy said. “Because if it was not for the people that volunteered to help us out and for our core group of five people, we could not get anything done.”

Robert McLaughlin was born in Massachusetts, but because his dad was in the Air Force as an engineer gunner, trained on B-29s, and eventually went on to the KC-97, Robert moved around a lot. This was the beginning of his aviation interest. After high school, Robert received a draft notice from the Air Force. He ended up as a jet engine mechanic for around four years. Afterward, Robert took a break from aviation and focused on raising his family. Around 10 years later, he became involved with his local chapter in

Appleton, Wisconsin. When he started helping, the chapter had an old Taylorcraft basket case it was actively putting together and restoring. Robert jumped at the opportunity to participate in this project and then got asked by a fellow builder there if he wanted to volunteer at Oshkosh. Without hesitation, Robert accepted and has been volunteering ever since early 1982.

“I have always done this because it is what I have wanted to do. I have always wanted to stay involved in aviation, and I have had opportunities to do things here that I just would have never been able to do in other places,” Robert said. “I am very appreciative. It makes me think back on all of the people that I have worked with over the years here.”

“I have had opportunities to do things here that I just would have never been able to do in other places. I am very appreciative. It makes me think back on all of the people that I have worked with over the years here.”

Robert McLaughlin

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT MCLAUGHLIN

EAA PHOTO

Aircraft of the Vietnam War

THIS YEAR AT EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023, we’re commemorating the 50th anniversary of the official end of U.S. military involvement in Vietnam — honoring the remarkable aircraft of the era, the nearly 60,000 American troops who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war, and the thousands of Vietnam veterans who served their country valiantly in Southeast Asia. We’re expecting to have a strong presence of Vietnam War-era aircraft at AirVenture Oshkosh this summer to honor those who fought in the jungles of

Vietnam half a century ago. While many of the mostfamous aircraft from Vietnam have only one or two flying examples left (if any at all), we anticipate a number of the following aircraft, either still serving on active duty or in private hands as warbirds, will potentially make an appearance at AirVenture. Note: Not all of these aircraft will attend Oshkosh this year, nor at the time of this writing do we know definitively which ones will be attending, so keep your eyes open as you wander the grounds.

LOCKHEED C-5 GALAXY

INTRODUCED IN THE midst of the Vietnam War in 1970, the C-5 is the largest aircraft in the U.S. Air Force fleet. Used primarily for its strategic airlift capability, the C-5 was designed to replace the C-133 and complement the C-141. During Vietnam, C-5s transported equipment and troops, including Army tanks and small aircraft, during the later years of U.S. involvement. Currently the Air Force operates the C-5M, which is expected to serve until 2040 and beyond.

GRUMMAN E-2 HAWKEYE

DEVELOPED AS A carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft, the twin-turboprop E-2 Hawkeye entered service for the U.S. Navy just prior to the outbreak of the Vietnam War, in 1964, and continues to serve today. The Hawkeye was designed to replace the piston-engined E-1 Tracer. The first deployment for the E-2 was in 1965 aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63). The Hawkeye served as the electronic eyes of the U.S. Navy fleet during the war.

CESSNA O-1 BIRD DOG

ORIGINALLY DESIGNATED THE L-19, the O-1 Bird Dog was developed from the Cessna 170, introduced in 1950, and used as a liaison and observation aircraft by the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. By the early 1960s, the Bird Dog was beginning to see use in Southeast Asia. During the war it was used primarily for reconnaissance, forward air control of tactical aircraft, target acquisition, and artillery adjustment, among other purposes. The O-1 was eventually supplanted by the O-2 and OV-10 in the Air Force and Marine Corps, though the Army operated it through the war before its retirement in 1974.

BOEING KC-135 STRATOTANKER

ENTERING SERVICE IN 1957, the KC-135 was developed alongside the Boeing 707 airliner from the 367-80 prototype. As the U.S. Air Force’s first jet-powered refueling tanker, the Stratotanker was designed to replace the KC-97. During Vietnam, the KC-135’s value became apparent, as it was essential in refueling U.S. fighters and bombers, including the F-4 and B-52, which greatly expanded their range and ability to stay at the front. Although the new KC-46 is designed to replace the KC-135, the Stratotanker is expected to serve until 2030.

WHAT ABOUT THESE OTHER AIRPLANES?

A spotters’ guide to the EAA Aviation Museum aircraft around the grounds

EVERY YEAR, MORE than 10,000 aircraft fly to Wisconsin for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Of those, nearly 3,000 are showplanes — vintage aircraft, warbirds, homebuilts, aerobatic airplanes, etc. — that are displayed around the grounds. But some visitors may notice other airplanes parked here and there that didn’t fly in at all, because they’re part of the EAA Aviation Museum collection. Because our museum exhibits rotate, many of these aircraft are only viewable by the public during AirVenture, spending the rest of the year in long-term storage on the convention

grounds. Each day, we’ll highlight one of these airplanes that you’ll see as you wander the neighborhoods of AirVenture.

AIRCRAFT: QAC QUICKIE

In 1975, a couple of pilots named Tom Jewett and Gene Sheehan approached designer Burt Rutan to ask him to design an airplane around an 18-hp industrial generator engine. The unusual tailless design with the large canard was introduced at Oshkosh in 1978. The museum’s example is serial No. 4.

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Boeing Forecasts High Demand for Pilots, Technicians, and Cabin Crew

WITH THE GLOBAL commercial airplane fleet expected to double by 2042, Boeing forecasts industrywide demand for 2.3 million new aviation personnel over the next 20 years to support the commercial fleet and meet long-term growth in air travel.

The company’s 2023 Pilot and Technician Outlook (PTO) projects that commercial carriers will need significant personnel through 2042 to support the global commercial fleet, including 649,000 pilots, 690,000 maintenance

technicians, and 938,000 cabin crew members.

“With domestic air travel fully recovered and international traffic near pre-pandemic levels, demand for aviation personnel continues to increase,” said Chris Broom, vice president, commercial training solutions, Boeing Global Services. “Our competency-based training and assessment offerings will help ensure high-quality training for future and current aviation professionals and continue enhancing aviation safety

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Africa, Southeast Asia, and South Asia, with their regional demand expected to nearly double. And, after omitting demand for Russia in last year’s PTO due to uncertainty in the region, this year’s forecast includes Russia in the Eurasia region, and it constitutes 3 percent of global demand for personnel.

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HEADS UP!

Look who’s coming to the Avemco booth Hangar A 1158

Wednesday, July 26

(9:30 am-10:30 am) Ask National CFI of The Year and author, Gary Reeves, your questions about instrument flying, using autopilot, GPS, ForeFlight, and more. Gary will be debuting his new book, Flight and Ground Instructor Pro Tips.

Thursday, July 27

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Monday through Sunday, July 24-July 30

(9:00 am - 5:00 pm) Say hello to the Avemco underwriters, and get a free personalized quote, Avemco hat and other gifts (while supplies last).

Visit Hangar A 1158

Not Your Father’s Paper Route

Members serving members

BY EMME HORNUNG AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF

THIS NEWSPAPER — YES, the one you’re likely reading as you enjoy that hot coffee and donut you got from the Red One Market — was delivered by EAA Print Mail Center volunteers. Before the sun even rises over Oshkosh, this dedicated group of volunteers sets out on their daily newspaper run to deliver AirVenture Today to 114 locations across the convention grounds and local hotels.

Led by Print Mail Center volunteer chairman Jonathon McKenzie, EAA Lifetime 1110671, the group starts its morning at 5 a.m. sharp to load the trucks before it splits into teams for each of the three paper routes: north, south, and city. They typically are on these routes until 9 a.m., though their work isn’t over

yet. The volunteers continue deliveries throughout the day, carefully navigating golf carts through the crowds to restock the newspapers in high-traffic areas.

The long days are not an issue, however, said Jon. “I’ve got a great group here, and they’re all hard workers. … We say, ‘Go wander,’ and they don’t want to. They want to work more. So, you can’t find better volunteers.”

Despite the workload, Jon and the team make sure to take time for what’s important: EAA members and guests! “On some of our deliveries, if we see somebody that’s with crutches, we can stop our delivery … you take them wherever they need to go,” Jon remarked. “That’s been a blast. I’ve met a lot of neat

people and helped people out. … That’s really the fun part.”

Volunteers, like those at the Print Mail Center, are what make EAA AirVenture

Oshkosh such a special experience. So, if you see someone wearing a red volunteer T-shirt this week, make sure to thank them for making your convention possible.

From left to right: Ken Barnum, Tom Graumlich, Tracy Noack, Ryan Berndt (staff), Ron Lem, Kevin Sweeny, Martin Rezmer, Rodney Berndt (staff), Norman Rossignol, Jason Seth, Thomas Aiksnaras, Robert Townsend, Dorthy “Carat” Aiksnaras, Cheyenne Fuoco, Brenda Rossignol and Jon McKenzie

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Wisconsin 4-H Youth Group Enjoys AirVenture

BY PAUL MALOY, EAA DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

IF YOU WERE on the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh grounds on Tuesday, you might have noticed a large youth group representing several 4-H clubs from around the state of Wisconsin. This AirVenture is the first time that 4-H club youths have organized to come to the world’s largest aviation event.

Working with the EAA education department and taking advantage of Boeing’s continued support to provide free entry to all youths 18 and under, Rusk County 4-H adult leader Mary Big Mountain said, “My vision involves a long-term partnership between 4-H and EAA to inspire youth into aviation and aerospace. Working for the U.S. Air Force and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, I know someone needs to be building more shared youth aviation partnerships across Wisconsin and our nation, and I am hoping we can start this partnership with EAA this year.”

Adding EAA’s support, Danielle Schmick, EAA AeroEducate program manager, said, “This is a really exciting opportunity to connect with youth who might not ordinarily get any exposure to aviation and aerospace career fields. We always tell youth there is truly an exciting job in aviation correlating to any kind of skill or talent that a youth can think of. This is their chance to come and see those opportunities for themselves.”

Special thanks to Air National Guard Col. Mary Big Mountain and her 4-H team of leaders for coordinating more than 100 youths and additional chaperones with an exciting experience and doors to new opportunities.

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Scholler Shorts

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAITLIN PIETTE AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF

ERIC CRAIG FROM Fort Myers, Florida, is a member of EAA Chapter 6 and has been attending AirVenture for seven or eight years. Normally he flies in a Cessna 182 but decided to travel by motor home this year with his dog, Annie, who is attending for the second time and nothing short of a fly dog. “When she flies, she wears earplugs and earmuffs and has flown in 46 of the 50 states so far.” Eric’s favorites are experiencing the camaraderie with other pilots, acquiring knowledge, and seeing the many airplanes to possibly own someday.

Phil Scallan and Neil Bowden from South Africa led a gathering of travelers from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Hong Kong. Phil has attended AirVenture for 16 years and is in the process of restoring a Spitfire back home. Neil has attended AirVenture for 25 years and has restored and flies a Pietenpol Air Camper and a Sling 2 (“ZUOSH”). They both explained that “EAA, homebuilding, and restoring planes is a very big thing to do in South Africa.”

In 2003, the well-known camp area was created with the help of Bob Mackie, Troy Toelle, and Paul Poberezny. Former Boeing 747 Capt. Karl Jensen (“Radio Jensen”) gives a welcome speech before AirVenture. Some days they will have braai (barbecue) gatherings and cook boerewors (brats), with the help of director Ellen Shackleton. After AirVenture, sleeping bags are donated to a local homeless shelter. Phil and Neil said, “Thank you, EAA, for making us always feel welcome, for making it possible for EAA South Africans to attend the event.”

Booth 356

Celebrate Women Military Aviators at Theater in the Woods

EAA IS PROUD to honor 30 years of women flying combat. To celebrate this milestone, Theater in the Woods will feature a rock star panel of women who span generations of female military aviators on Wednesday, July 26, during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023.

In 1993, women in the U.S. earned the right to fly in combat. Jeannie Leavitt, Sharon Preszler, and Martha McSally, who were present at the Pentagon during the introduction of the new policy, will be coming together once again on stage to talk about the historic change.

Hear from current U.S. Air Force Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost, 14th commander of U.S. Transportation Command, one of 11 combatant

commands in the Department of Defense.

Rounding out the panel are Kim “KC” Campbell, Tammy “G” Barlette, Michelle “Mace” Curran, and Rachel “Banshee” Winiecki, who carry on the first generation’s legacy.

The panel will be moderated by Dr. Eileen A. Bjorkman, a member of the Senior Executive Service and executive director of the Air Force Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, California. Bjorkman recently released her new book The Fly Girls Revolt: The Story of the Women Who Kicked Open the Door to Fly in Combat.

As a highlight between the day and night air shows, learn about this historic change in policy from the women who made military aviation history.

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EAA would like to thank its sponsors for their support in making your convention special

Young Eagles Volunteer Award Winners Announced

BY JADE MORRIS AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF

THE 2023 EAA YOUNG EAGLES VOLUNTEERS of the Year have been announced, exemplifying the importance of the Young Eagles program and how many lives it has changed. This year, there are seven Young Eagles volunteer recipients: Al Bormuth, Thomas Letts, Denise Sandager,

Don White, Lauren and Mathieu Labs, Linda Jordan, and Tom Meadows. The Young Eagles Volunteer of the Year recipients were honored at a ceremony on Sunday afternoon at Volunteer Park.

Al Bormuth grew up in Indiana but has lived in Los Angeles, Minn-

eapolis, and Chicago. He moved around a lot through his childhood, so he did not get to practice aviation as much as he wanted to. Around the age of 34, he started taking lessons with the idea of being able to fly customers and fly airplanes. Even though his plan may have changed slightly from when he first started, Al would not want his life to be any other way. He has been the coordinator for around 14 years and has served as chapter president for around three terms for Chapter 731, located in North Carolina. Al is receiving the Chapter Young Eagles Coordinator Award.

“I did it for the smiles of the kids and the smiles of the pilots when they get out of the plane, and that is the ultimate award,” Al said.

“I am honored, and it is great to be recognized.”

Thomas Letts has been flying for over 44 years, since 1979 when he became a pilot at age 19. Throughout his flying career, he AWARDS / PAGE 37

THOMAS LETTS

AL BORMUTH

attained his CFI, drone pilot certificate, commercial instrument certificate, multiengine training, and FAA Part 121 aircraft dispatch training. He participated in leading projects that allowed high school students to build an airplane and helped on the weekends running Young Eagles rally events. He became the Young Eagles coordinator at Chapter 301 in Colorado. Thomas is receiving the Chapter Young Eagles Coordinator Award.

“I am honored that I was chosen as the Young Eagles Coordinator of the Year. I am totally honored by that, and I am humbled by it,” Thomas said. “But even on a bad day, I still can affect somebody’s life in a positive way. So being the coordinator and being recognized as a coordinator here, it tells me that I must be doing something right.”

Denise Sandager grew up in northeast Iowa on a farm with her brother and parents. As she grew up, she met her now husband, who was very involved in aviation and EAA. She always made it a point to be at the rallies her husband would be at, as he was previously the Young Eagles coordinator for her local chapter. Eventually, Denise decided she wanted to devote her time to being the coordinator in Albert Lea, Minnesota. With that in mind, eventually Denise attained the title of Young Eagles coordinator for her local chapter, Chapter 13, and is now receiving the Chapter Young Eagles Coordinator Award.

“I think it is a great honor. I think Young Eagles is a really good program,” Denise said. “I grew up in a farming community where you help other people, you work together with your neighbors. And it’s that kind of

camaraderie that I see with EAA and with Young Eagles.”

Don White has been a chapter officer for over 10 years. He became interested in the Y oung Eagles program after his first Young Eagles flight in 1995 with mentor Tony Yacono. He worked for IBM for 35 years as a programmer and customer systems engineer and did worldwide websites. During that time, he also attained his private pilot certificate, instrument, commercial, and seaplane/tailwheel ratings. He has served as chapter VP and president, and now actively serves as website editor, Young Eagles coordinator, and Young Eagles pilot for Chapter 724 in Florida. Don is receiving the Young Eagles Horizon Award.

“I was blown away when I got the message about this award,” Don said. “The Young Eagles program has been a very important part of my life for many years, from all the positions I held within the chapter.”

Lauren and Mathieu Labs have been connected to aviation since they have been together. They are both highly involved within their local EAA chapter, Chapter 931 in Wisconsin. Mathieu serves as the Young Eagles coordinator for his chapter, and Lauren

DENISE SANDAGER DON WHITE

MATHIEU AND LAUREN LABS

AIRVENTURE TODAY

manages the ground operations and is the Ray Aviation Scholarship chair. Lauren took the pilot’s written exam to connect with the kids in their local chapter easily and better understand what they were going through. Mathieu made it a point to attend EAA leadership camps. Both Lauren and Mathieu are being recognized for the Young Eagles Phoenix Award.

“Everything I have worked for, it’s really all come together. I spend at least 20 hours a week on top of my full-time job and all my other stuff just to keep the chapter afloat and the Young Eagles program going,” Mathieu said. “Getting this award is an honor and very flattering to be recognized.”

“It is not work; it’s fun,” Lauren said. “It’s cool to see how hard work pays off, not even just from an award standpoint, but how the community and people are starting to recognize our events or our chapter.”

After Linda Jordan met her husband, Ken, she was hooked on flying after he wanted her to learn how. They started volunteering with North 40 registration at AirVenture in Oshkosh, and 20 years later, Linda is responsible for all the back-end stuff regarding rallies. They both assisted in the Young Eagles program out of Orlando, Florida, and eventually Ken became the Young Eagles coordinator for that chapter,

while Linda helped lead the back end of the program. After that, Linda and Ken formed a chapter out of Umatilla, Florida, Chapter 1632, and have been doing rallies with them ever since. Linda is receiving the Young Eagles Ground Support Volunteer Award.

“It is always nice to be recognized. I do not look for it, because I enjoy what I am doing,” Linda said. “But it is nice to have EAA recognize that I do a fair amount of work.”

After a simple flight given to him at the age of 13 years old, Tom Meadows’ life was changed in the best way possible — aviation came into his life. After some time in the Navy, flying P2V Neptunes, instructing 6,000 hours in mountain environments, and traveling the world with his wife, Tom became involved with the Young Eagles program. Most of the flying Tom participates in regarding Young Eagles is traveling to another airport and flying

Young Eagles at the other airports. Tom has flown more than 1,900 Young Eagles missions, mainly in local Truckee and North Lake Tahoe, other California airports, and ai rports nationwide. He is receiving the Phillips 66 Leadership Award.

“I am just really happy. My own reason for being happy is I am instructing and that is what I do. It is just really good to see the kids while they are in flight, especially the ones that are handling the controls,” Tom said. “It is quite a shock to receive this award. I view it as like a lifetime Oscar.”

LINDA JORDAN (Left) TOM MEADOWS

EAA.org/YERaffle

$100 per ticket –

Only

1,500 tickets available

Proceeds support the youth education activities of EAA, including EAA’s Young Eagles program, which has provided more than 2.2 million youths with a free first flight since 1992.

The 2022 Ford Mustang is provided with the support of Kocourek Ford, Wausau, Wisconsin.

RUNWAY 18R

EAA® Four Corners

From first-time visitor to seasoned attendee, new EAA members to Lifetime, and aviation enthusiasts to pilots, the EAA Four Corners has something for everyone!

EAA Youth Welcome Center

> Learn about youth activities on the AirVenture® grounds

> Register for AeroEducate™ and Young Eagles ® flights

> Take your picture in a jet cockpit and participate in a model airplane activity

EAA Merchandise

> Pick up your favorite souvenirs

> Commemorate EAA AirVenture Oshkosh™ 2023 with event apparel

EAA Member Center

> General event information, schedules, and maps

> Join, renew, or become an EAA Lifetime Member™

> Explore EAA’s many programs and benefits

> Learn about EAA’s rich history in a 70th anniversary display

EAA Learn to Fly Center

> Enjoy daily “Learn to Fly” forums

> Take an introductory flight lesson on a Redbird flight simulator (pre-registration required)

> Apply for your student pilot certificate

> Try out EAA’s Virtual Flight Academy at home simulator

> Ask our friendly volunteers all your “Learn to Fly” questions!

Pick up your

Available at all official EAA® merchandise locations

All purchases support EAA programs and promote The Spirit of Aviation®

1. EAA’s program for students, teachers, and parents.

2. AirVenture is actually EAA’s annual member __________.

3. If you become an EAA ________ member, you’ll never pay dues again.

4. If you’re good with a TIG torch, you know how to ____.

6. Vintage and warbirds owners put a lot of passion into their airplane’s ___________.

7. The Fun ___ Zone.

8. The home for people with “unusual attitudes.”

ACROSS:

4. Celebrated on Wednesday of AirVenture.

5. He’s EAA’s own superhero.

9. When you buy a brick at the Brown Arch, you’re leaving a ______.

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW EAA HISTORY?

TRY YOUR HAND at these trivia questions and find out. The answers, along with a new batch of questions, will be in tomorrow’s paper.

1. EAA sold an old Harley-Davidson engine to the hosts of what TV show in 2012?

2. Who was the first director of EAA’s museum after it moved to Oshkosh?

3. Which of the following is not the name of a road on the EAA grounds?

a. Doolittle

b. Lindbergh

c. Cordell

d. Mulva

SONGS TO FLY BY Your daily AirVenture playlist

FIND THESE SONGS on your favorite streaming service, and let them help build a personal soundtrack for your trip to the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.

Aces High

by Iron Maiden

Come Fly With Me

by Frank Sinatra

Observation From Flight 285

by Paul Revere & The Raiders

Snoopy vs. the Red Baron

by The Royal Guardsmen

Speed of Sound

by Coldplay

We offer hot coffee, doughnuts, fresh fruit, salads, sandwiches and much more. Red One Market has everything you need to make your stay more enjoyable.

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO LEAVE THE GROUNDS!

Head over to one of our six Red One Market locations today!

RED ONE MARKET CENTRAL* | RED ONE MARKET WEST * RED ONE MARKET SOUTHWEST | RED ONE MARKET NORTH* RED ONE MARKET SOUTH 40 | RED ONE MARKET EAST

*Cold beer and wine are for sale at our Central, West, and North Red One Market locations.

YOUR JOURNEY. YOUR OSHKOSH.

FROM FIRST ARRIVAL to final takeoff and everything in between, we want to see AirVenture through your eyes. Check out today’s featured social shots of the day! Share your highlights on social media using #OSH23 to possibly be featured in a future issue of AirVenture Today!

@arevestories

#OSH23 #Aviaion #Aerospace

@cindy60w

Who says you need a high wing to have a siesta under the wing? #eaaairventure2023

#oshkosh #osh23 #airplane #airplanecamping

@douglasgomez1

The Mooney Anomaly #Osh23

PARK

PHOTO BY LEWIS BERGHOFF

EAA PHOTO

PHOTO BY CONNOR MADISON

PHOTO BY LAURIE GOOSSENS

PHOTO BY SAM SASIN

TAKE FLIGHT

aboard one of EAA’s unique Flight Experiences

B-25 Operations are located at the southeast corner of Warbird Alley

Ford Tri-Motor Operations are located at the southeast corner of Warbird Alley

Bell 47 Helicopter

Helicopter Operations are located at Pioneer Airport behind the EAA Aviation Museum®

PHOTO BY CONNOR MADISON

PHOTO BY CONNOR MADISON

PHOTO BY LEWIS BERGHOFF

PHOTO BY LEWIS BERGHOFF

Visit the EAA® Pilot Proficiency Center Today!

Wednesday, July 26

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

• Four Stages of Learning

• “Private” Need Not Mean “Amateur:” Professional Behaviors in a GA Aircraft

• Winds and Weather Theory

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

• ATC and You: Communicating with Confidence and Clarity

• Lifelong Learning — An Exciting Adventure

• Why do we Suck at Safety?

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Cross Country: Beyond the Regs

• Remote Training with your Flight Sim

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

• Tools for Learning: Taxiing

• How to Co-exist with Weather

• Gift from the Feds: NASA ASRS

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• Tools for Learning: Transition

• Power Loss at 300 Feet

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

• Tools for Learning: Stalls and Recoveries

• Autopilot Mastery for Single Pilot IFR

Presented by: