JULY 28 - AUGUST 3, 2014
AVIATION CELEBRATION WORLD’S GREATEST
A PUBLICATION PRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED BY OSHKOSH NORTHWESTERN MEDIA
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FLIGHT CHECK
AIRVENTURE 2014
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2014 Admission Rates Adult EAA Member Monday-Saturday $28 Sunday $17 | Weekly $119 Adult Non-Member Monday-Saturday $43 Sunday $22 EAA Member Guest (limit one) Monday-Saturday $28 Sunday $17 | Weekly $119 Students age 6-18 EAA Member Monday-Saturday $18 Sunday $10 | Weekly $60 Student Non-Member Monday-Saturday $22 Sunday $12 Children (5 - under) FREE
Veterans/Active Military Monday-Saturday $32 Sunday $22 **Available only when purchased online.
Camping (basic campsite) Monday-Saturday $25 Sunday $25
Three-night minimum. Please refer to the camping section for information.
Camping (electric & water hookup) Monday-Saturday $55 Sunday $55
Prohibited Items
About AirVenture
• Coolers larger than 12 x 18 inches • Beer, wine, liquor or any other alcoholic beverage • Firearms, fireworks and explosives • Knives with a blade length of more than 4 inches • Pets, other than service animals • Bicycles, roller skates, roller blades, skateboards, “Razor” style boards, Segway personal transports, or any other self-propelled device (except that the following are allowed: a. One person electric/handicapped convenience vehicles; and b. Other Personal Disability Mobility Devices, such as Segways, when required because of the individual’s mobility disability and when operated in a safe manner, consistent with 28 C.F.R. 36.311(b)(1).). • Oversized backpacks Members camping in Aircraft Camping areas can keep large coolers in their camping area, as long as the cooler has the proper pass. These coolers will be allowed after being inspected by security staff.
Facts & Figures Monday, July 28 Sunday, Aug. 3 EAA AirVenture Grounds (located adjacent to Wittman Regional Airport) 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI 54902 Based on 2013 Statistics Attendance: 508,000 Total aircraft: More than 10,000 aircraft arriving at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh and other airports in east-central Wisconsin Commercial exhibitors: 802 International visitors registered: 2,078 from 71 nations Total estimated campers: More than 36,000 Media: 897 representatives on-site from five continents
Save yourself time and hassle by leaving the following items at home, in your car or at your campsite, as these items will not be allowed through the admission gates:
Random checks will be done on coolers, backpacks, large purses, and other bags allowed in. All items, vehicles and persons are subject to search. Prohibited items, other than firearms and illegal substances, will be the responsibility of the individual who brought the item. If it is left behind, it will be taken to lost and found. If the item is food or beverage, it will be discarded.
No Solicitation Policy
In consideration of our visitors, EAA AirVenture maintains a no solicitation policy on the grounds, and in the parking lots and campgrounds. This includes non-exhibitor commercial activity and/or advertising in those areas. If you are approached in any EAA AirVenture area by a person selling an item, collecting for a charity or distributing literature, especially in the camping areas or parking lots, please alert an EAA official or security immediately with as many details of that person as possible. “For Sale” signs in aircraft or on prop covers are permissible without an exhibitor agreement, but no literature or plans may be distributed.
All electric & water campsites offered on a firstpaid, first-served basis, and all days must be purchased from the time of purchase through Sunday, August 3. Please refer to the camping section for information.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
Parking EAA Member Monday-Saturday $10 Sunday $10 | Weekly $60 Parking Non-Member Monday-Saturday $10 Sunday $10
*As an EAA member, you may purchase one adult weekly or up to seven daily admission tickets for yourself at the EAA member rate. You may also purchase one daily or weekly admission ticket for your spouse or guest at the EAA member rate for each daily or weekly admission ticket purchased for yourself.
This publication is produced and distributed by the Oshkosh Northwestern Media. GENERAL MANAGER/ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Karen Befus EDITOR James Fitzhenry | LAYOUT & DESIGN Marie Rayome-Gill Cover photos: Oshkosh Northwestern Media file photos; courtesy of EAA; Kenny Loggins photo by Stephen Morales.
Northwestern file photo.
FLIGHT CHECK
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AirVenture Awards
Awards presented annually at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh honor and recognize passion and dedication to aviation - both here in Oshkosh and back home in your community. Aircraft Awards August Raspet Award Recognizing outstanding contribution to the advancement of the design of light aircraft. Bax Seat Award Recognizing a tradition of communicating the excitement and romance of flight. Bill Barber Award Recognizing superb showmanship ability from an air show performer. Dorothy Hilbert Award Recognizing a female EAA volunteer who exhibits passion, dedication, and devotion to volunteerism. Freedom of Flight Award Recognizing contributions to aviation and EAA.
Chairman’s Awards Recognizing members whose participation and contributions represent the “essence” of EAA. Preston Little Award Recognizing an individual who demonstrates selflessness, cooperation, and professionalism in support of AirVenture air operations. Spirit of Flight Award Recognizing an EAA member who best exemplifies the spirit of research, development, or flight test.
Communications Center
The Communications Center is staffed 24 hours a day during AirVenture to serve attendees as an information resource and an emergency message relay service. Emergency messages are broadcast through the center’s PA system throughout the day or as needed as well as relayed to those staying in Camp Scholler. Contact the Communications Center at 920-2307800 during AirVenture.
Severe Weather Procedures
A collection of images from AirVenture 2013. Northwestern file photos.
EAA AirVenture is a rain or shine event, but the safety of pilots and attendees is paramount. Inclement weather may occasionally delay flying activities, but every effort will be made to produce the
Oshkosh Northwestern Media
afternoon air show unless safety margins cannot be met.
seek shelter in a sturdy building or inside a frame exhibitor tent.
In case of severe weather, warnings and instructions will be given over the AirVenture public address system and other communications methods, including Twitter (@EAAupdate), Facebook, and text messaging alerts to your cell phone.
• If you are in Camp Scholler, take shelter in your camper. If you are in a tent or small camper (i.e. pop-up), take shelter in your vehicle.
Watches, Warnings & What To Do If severe weather develops or has the potential to develop, the National Weather Service will issue a watch or warning based on an approaching storm’s potential or current strength. Severe Thunderstorm Watch / Tornado Watch A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. A severe thunderstorm by definition is a thunderstorm that produces 3/4-inch hail or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or exceed 58 miles per hour. A Tornado Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. The size of a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch can vary depending on the weather situation, and is usually issued for a duration of 4 to 8 hours. A watch is normally issued well in advance of the actual occurrence of severe weather. During the watch, people should review severe thunderstorm safety rules and be prepared to move a place of safety if threatening weather approaches: • Secure items that could be blown away in high winds. • Continue to monitor weather for any changes or additional alerts. • Be prepared to unplug your electric cord from the electric pedestal. • If you are camping by your aircraft, make sure your aircraft is tied down securely. “Dog leash” tie downs are may not be used to secure your aircraft.
• If you are in your vehicle, crouch below the window line and turn the engine on. This will allow the vehicle’s airbags to be deployed. • If shelter is not available, find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles, but make sure the spot is not prone to flash flooding. • If you cannot avoid trees, try to stay in the area of shorter trees. • Cover your head with your hands and lie face down on the ground. Tornado Warning Seek safe shelter immediately. Winnebago County emergency sirens will activate, indicating a warning is in effect. A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado is indicated by the radar or sighted by spotters. It can be issued without a Tornado Watch being already in effect, and is usually issued for a duration of around 30 minutes. The warning will include where the tornado was located and what towns will be in its path. If the thunderstorm which is causing the tornado is also producing torrential rains, this warning may also be combined with a Flash Flood Warning: • Find a sturdy building to seek shelter, or seek shelter in your vehicle. NOTE! Do not seek shelter under a frame tent or in your camper. • If you are in your vehicle, crouch below the window line and turn the engine on. This will allow the vehicle’s airbags to be deployed. • If shelter or a vehicle is not available, find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles, but make sure the spot is not prone to flash flooding.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Seek safe shelter immediately. Winnebago County emergency sirens will activate, indicating a warning is in effect. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when either a severe thunderstorm is indicated by radar or a spotter reports a thunderstorm producing hail 3/4-inch or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or exceed 58 miles per hour. Severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes with little or no advance warning. The warning is usually issued for a duration of one hour, and can be issued without a Severe Thunderstorm Watch being already in effect.
• If you cannot avoid trees, try to stay in the area of shorter trees.
• If you are on the AirVenture grounds,
• Handicapped restrooms and showers
• Cover your head with your hands and lie face down on the ground.
Handicapped Services
For handicapped automobile parking with a disabled parking identification (DIS ID) permit, follow the signage when driving into the grounds: • Handicapped aircraft parking and aircraft camping areas are available. • Camping in Camp Scholler is available for those with disabilities. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
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AIRVENTURE 2014 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
are identified on the convention site map. • All tram routes are handicapped accessible. If special accessible transportation is required, contact any bus driver on site or stop by the bus park area near the Main Gate. Single seat personal electric convenience vehicles, specifically designed for those with disabilities, are allowed on the convention site and can also be rented via Vista Mobility, Inc. Also allowed are Other Personal Disability Mobility Devices, such as Segways, when required because of the individual’s mobility disability and when operated in a safe manner, consistent with 28 C.F.R. 36.311(b)(1).
Vista Mobility
Office: 262-628-9655 (Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Toll Free: 1-877-588-4782 x2 (Monday Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Please note: Individually owned or rented automobiles, motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles and all-terrain vehicles are not recognized as authorized vehicles for those with disabilities and are not allowed on the convention site.
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Oshkosh transit system EAA bus schedule
First bus from Gruenhagen Hall Last bus from EAA Main Gate July 27th (Sunday) .........................................7:00 AM .................................... 7:00 PM July 28th (Monday)....................................... 6:30 AM ..................................11:00 PM July 29th (Tuesday) .......................................6:30 AM.................................. 11:00 PM July 30th (Wednesday).................................6:30 AM.................................. 11:00 PM July 31st (Thursday).......................................6:30 AM ..................................11:00 PM August 1st (Friday) ........................................6:30 AM ..................................11:00 PM August 2nd(Saturday)...................................6:30 AM...................................11:00 PM August 3rd (Sunday) .....................................6:30 AM.................................... 5:30 PM Route Schedule (minutes after the hour) Stop Location Service times A Scott/Gruenhagen Halls 30 & :00 B EAA - Main Gate 00 & :30 C Wittman Airport 10 & :40 D Downtown Transit Center 20 & :50 More frequent service is provided during AM & PM peak travel times.
• Campground – Bus makes several stops through its loop through Camp Scholler en route to the Bus Park. • North 40 – Bus route along North 40 perimeter road from Admission Gate located near Warbirds to Knapp St./20th Ave. • Seaplane Base – Departs south of Ultralights Area for the Seaplane Base, located in a picturesque cove along Lake Winnebago. $3 per rider roundtrip
Trams
Trams run 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily (unless noted), making several stops along three separate routes to help attendees move about the grounds.
Fares One-way Cash Fare or one-way ticket (exact fare required) $1.50 EAA Pass $20 • Riders under 6 years of age ride free; Tickets and EAA Passes are sold in the Gruenhagen Conference Center at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh campus
Shuttle Buses
Shuttle buses run from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily. • Museum/KidVenture – Bus departs Bus Park for KidVenture located at Pioneer Airport and swings over to EAA AirVenture Museum.
• Red Tram – Route along Knapp St. and Vern Ave. through exhibit hangar area connects Vintage Area and Warbirds Area, passing along Forums and Workshops Area. • Blue Tram – Route along Wittman Road connects Vintage Area with Ultralights Area and Seaplane Base shuttle bus stop. • Green Tram (noon to 8 p.m.) – Route from FAA Control Tower to the Bus park serves as a convenience for departing attendees. Source: EAA
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AirVenture a great time to be in Event City By James Fitzhenry
Four years ago, the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau adopted a new marketing brand that played on the community’s strength of hosting so many topnotch events – “Oshkosh: Wisconsin’s Event City.” Oshkosh is, indeed, rich in history, culture and a calendar full of interesting, entertaining and spectacular events. EAA AirVenture clearly fits the latter description. The superlative could be applied to a host of happenings during the convention, from the daily air shows and two night airshows to the sheer sight of 10,000 aircraft, 30,000 campers and more than 500,000 visitors over 7 days. Oshkosh Northwestern Media has served the news and information needs of the community since 1868 and has had the pleasure of being the hometown newspaper of the fly-in since the convention moved to Wittman Regional Airport in the 1970s. Along the way, we’ve soared with the Concorde, survived searing temperatures and soggy pathways and served as the first draft of history of this special and unique event. Today we can deliver information in an instant through our recently upgraded mobile phone and tablet apps that allow us to capture the sights and sounds of the convention in rich multimedia. They are available for free in the app store. We’ll also have hawkers selling our print edition on the grounds each day and we’re looking forward to continuing the tra-
FLIGHT CHECK
dition of bringing you page one covers that match the spectacular nature of this event. When it comes to events in Oshkosh, there’s no Fitzhenry doubt that AirVenture is the marquee event. You’ll see why inside our annual guide. Where else but Oshkosh could you hear the distinctive voice of Kenny Loggins calling you to the danger zone, see the USAF thunderbirds and feel a lump in your throat hearing the voices of veterans describing their high-flying heroics. Our journalists look forward to this event like few others. For us, it’s a little like a presidential election night and the Packers in the Super Bowl rolled into one event played out over seven days. Our multimedia editor Joe Sienkiewicz will be covering his 30th convention while our summer intern Leo Costello will have the pleasure of his first. While there will be an impressive amount of technology, skill and resourcefulness on display throughout the week, what really makes the event special is the people. That’s why they keep coming back to Oshkosh. We’re glad you’re here. You can find our news team in our building next to press headquarters. Stop and say hi. James Fitzhenry is editor of Oshkosh Northwestern Media. He may be reached at (920) 426-6672 or jfitzhen@ thenorthwestern.com.
Oshkosh Northwestern Media
Can’t miss events
For an event as large and varied as AirVenture, it is easy to be overwhelmed. Here are a few suggestions for can’t miss events each day. This guide goes to print well before the schedule is finalized, so please check each day for changes.
EAA founder Paul Poberzny
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MONDAY JULY
Today’s theme: Salute to Paul Poberezny. Throughout the week visit the EAA Welcome Center’s outstanding tribute display to EAA founder Paul Poberezny, who died last year. The opening of the afternoon air show will feature a missing man formation flight in his honor. Monday evening’s Theater in the Woods program will be about memories of Poberezny, hosted by EAA Young Eagles chairman Sean D. Tucker from 8 to 8:45 p.m. Daily air show: 2:30 to 6 p.m. A kickoff concert featuring Kenny Loggins and Blue Sky Riders: 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Boeing Plaza. The Blue Sky Riders are (L-R) Kenny Loggins, Georgia Middleman, and Gary Burr. Photo by Joshua Black Wilkins
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TUESDAY JULY
Today’s theme: Space Day. Enjoy Theater in the Woods evening program hosted by astronauts Joe Engle and Charlie Precourt from 8:45 to 10 p.m. Also recognized will be the 10th anniversary of the successful SpaceShipOne flights for the XPrize from 8 to 8:45 p.m.
Sopwith Strutter from Great War flying museum
Warbirds in Review: 1 to 2:15 p.m. Learn about the history of a P-51 Mustang “Old Crow” with owners Jim Hagedorn and Jack Roush, and featuring triple-ace Bud Anderson, author of To Fly & Fight: Memoirs of a Triple Ace. Daily air show: 2:30 to 6 p.m. CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
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AIRVENTURE 2014 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
THURSDAY JULY
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31 Runway 5K Run AirVenture 2013
Night air show AirVenture 2013
WEDNESDAY JULY
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Today’s theme: Salute to Homebuilding. EAA’s One Week Wonder project will build a Zenith CH 750 airplane during the week, located on EAA Square. Perseverance awards will be presented on Wednesday to recognize the work that each and every builder invests to complete a homebuilt project. Flying demonstrations of unique or historic homebuilt aircraft will precede the afternoon air show that will include flights by Breezys, a company that celebrates 50 years in 2014; the SubSonex Personal Jet; and Lt. Col. Jerry Kerby’s RV-8. AirVenture will also focus on new homebuilder workshop area.
S.E.5a
Nieuport 28
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SATURDAY AUGUST
Today’s theme: Century of Air Power. A focus on the history of military advancements will feature air show performances by the Great War Flying Museum’s World War I fighters, warbirds will feature early jets, and the arrival of the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. Thursday’s evening program at Theater in the Woods will be on the Millionaire’s Unit of World War I.
Today’s theme: Thunderbirds Day. Get ready for the Air Force Thunderbirds flight demonstration team’s incredible performance highlighting the afternoon air show.
Warbirds in Review: 1 to 2:15 p.m. Featuring the B-25 Mitchell Bomber owned by Fagen Fighter WWII Museum.
EAA Runway 5K Run Walk: a 3.1mile route around the convention grounds starting at the Ultralight runway with proceeds benefiting the Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services in Oshkosh. Each registration includes free daily admission to AirVenture on Saturday, 7 to 8 a.m.
Daily air show: 2:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday Night Concert: 6 p.m. Boogie and the Yo-Yoz, followed at 8:30 p.m. by a showing of “Man of Steel” (2013).
FRIDAY AUGUST
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Daily air show: 2:30 to 6 p.m. Night air show: 8 to 10 p.m. Show capped with fireworks and wall of fire.
WomenVenture group photo: 11 to 11:15 a.m. in Boeing Plaza, all female pilots are encouraged to participate. Daily air show: 2:30 to 6 p.m. Night air show: 8 to 10 p.m. Show capped with fireworks and wall of fire. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Tony Orlando at 2013 honor flight.
Today’s theme: Salute to Veterans. Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight II will depart Oshkosh at dawn with 100 Vietnam veterans bound for Washington, D.C., returning to a hero’s welcome at the close of the air show. The veteran’s parade at mid-day runs from Warbird Alley to the Boeing Plaza, with programming from Warbirds of America and the Disabled American Veterans. The evening program at Theater in the Woods will feature Thunderbirds pilots past and present. Daily air show: 2:30 to 6 p.m. Friday night concert featuring Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Boeing Plaza. The Thunderbirds then and now, presented by U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds current and alumni team members: 8 to 10 p.m., Theater in Air Force Thunderbirds. the Woods. Credits: Northwestern file photos; EAA
Family fun at airshow
SUNDAY AUGUST
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Today’s theme: Family Day. Enjoy special pricing on AirVenture’s final day, which will include a full air show including the final performance of the Thunderbirds. Daily air show: 1 to 4:30 p.m.
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Oshkosh Northwestern Media
Air Force Thunderbirds. Gene Soucy. Northwestern file photos.
AirVenture 2014 Air Show Performers
Sean D. Tucker - EAA’s very own Young Eagles chairman, Sean D. Tucker performs a high-energy aerobatic demonstration in the oneof-a-kind, Oracle Challenger III.
unique air show routine demonstrating the extraordinary precise maneuverability and gyroscopic maneuvers he has made famous in his Breitling CAP 232.
Mike Goulian - As one of the top air show performers in the United States and a Red Bull Air Race competitor, Mike doesn’t just fly an air show, he attacks it in his Goodyear and Whelen sponsored Extra 330SC.
Patty Wagstaff - Patty is a sixtime member of the U.S. Aerobatic Team, a three-time U.S. National Aerobatic champion, and one of the most famous air show personalities of all time.
Kirby Chambliss - This 5-time U.S. National Aerobatic Champion and 2-time Red Bull Air Race World Champion will aggressively demonstrate the aerobatic capabilities of the Red Bull Edge 540. Kirby will begin his act by flying aerobatics relative to the world famous Red Bull Air Force, Wingsuit Flyers! Red Bull Skydive Team - The Red Bull Skydive Team is a group with a common passion that has led them to a combined total of more than 16,000 jumps with parachutes and wingsuits. Launching themselves from their Pilatus Porter PC6 into free fall individually, in teams or with spectacular stunts, the Red Bull team dazzles and entertains at events around the world. David Martin - David flies a
Skip Stewart - The 2013 Bill Barber Award for Showmanship recipient will delight AirVenture crowds with both his high energy solo demonstration in a highly modified aerobatic aircraft known as Prometheus and his Tinstix show also featuring Melissa Pemberton, Paul Stender’s Jet Truck and pyrotechnics. Melissa Pemberton - Melissa Pemberton has taken the air show world by storm in her Edge 540. When not flying the Tinstix show with Skip Stewart, you can find Melissa doing aerobatics quite literally around her husband Rex Pemberton as he flies his wingsuit. AeroShell Aerobatic Team - The AeroShell Aerobatic Team keeps their 4-ship of T-6 Texans close and loud for the crowd at all times. The AeroShell Aerobatic Team will also
fly their aerobatic demonstration at both AirVenture night shows.
more maneuverable and powerful airplane.
Geico Skytypers - The Geico Skytypers fly a 6-ship of SNJs in a variety of formations that delight crowds across the country. When not filling the box with smoke and noise, the Geico Skytypers can be seen high overhead skytyping messages across the skies of Oshkosh.
Matt Younkin - In 2012, Matt became the first second-generation recipient of the Bill Barber Award for Showmanship for his entertaining aerobatic demonstration, both day and night, in the famous twin engine Beech 18.
Jim Peitz - Jim believes that aviation is one of the greatest freedoms we enjoy in this country, and nobody probably enjoys it more than Jim Peitz as he flies his Beechcraft F33C Bonanza in an aerobatic demonstration that will leave the pilot in all of us completely mesmerized. Steve Oliver - Steve will fly his FireDancer De Haviland Chipmunk in a choreographed night time pyrotechnic demonstration at both night shows. Suzanne Oliver - Look way up for Suzanne Oliver as she skywrites over AirVenture. Kyle Franklin - Kyle will fly the Franklin Demon-1 biplane, known as Dracula. This aircraft combines the pleasing lines of the Waco Mystery Ship with modern aerodynamics and systems resulting in a smaller, lighter, and significantly
Greg Koontz - One of the greatest stick and rudder pilots in the air show business today, Greg Koontz will show off the new Xtreme Decathlon. Kent Pietsch - A true entertainer, Kent Pietsch delights the crowd in a variety of ways in an Interstate Cadet. Kent flies a comedy act, performs a truck-top landing and also flies a deadstick routine where he will utilize energy management to land and taxi his Interstate Cadet right up to and gently place it in the hand of our announcer at show center. Jerry Kerby - When not flying lead for the Black Diamond Jet Team, Jerry “Jive” Kerby flies his RV-8 known as “Wild Blue” in an aerobatic routine demonstrating the capabilities of one of the most popular homebuilt aircraft. CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
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AIRVENTURE 2014 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
Roger Buis - Roger and Pauline Buis, the caretakers of OTTO the Helicopter were awarded the Art Scholl Showmanship Award this year at the annual ICAS convention. Be sure to watch as OTTO entertains crowds with antics such as blowing bubbles, playing with his yo-yo and barrel racing. OTTO also will perform with pyrotechnics in both night shows. Chuck Aaron - Red Bull Helicopter pilot Chuck “Malibu” Aaron is the first and only civilian pilot ever to be licensed to perform helicopter aerobatics in the United States. Malibu will fly the aerobatic Red Bull BO-105 in a one of a kind demonstration proving why he was the first helicopter pilot to win the Art Scholl Showmanship Award. USAF Thunderbirds - Highlighting the capabilities of the USAF, the Thunderbirds will conduct their first-ever aerobatic air show at Oshkosh while flying a 6-ship of F-16s. MV-22 Osprey - Representing the USMC, the MV-22 Osprey demonstration will highlight the incredible capabilities of this tilt rotor utility aircraft, in this first level III demonstration ever at AirVenture. Fairey Gannet XT752 - This unique aircraft will land and taxi to show center where one of the most unique wingfold demonstrations will commence. Jim Tobul - Jim will fly his “Korean War Hero” F4U Corsair in an aerobatic demonstration highlighting the capability and unique
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sound of this wonderful warbird aircraft. Scott Yoak - Demonstrating the capabilities of one of the most famous aircraft of World War II, the P-51 Mustang, Scott will highlight the precise maneuverability of this aircraft. Doug Rozendaal Doug Rozendaal flies the Red Tail P-51C Mustang as a tribute to the Tuskegee Airman while demonstrating the capabilities of the P-51C. Bob Carlton - Flying the Sub Sonex Jet, Bob Carlton will display the precise aerobatic capabilities he has become famous for in his jet-powered glider. Warbirds of America - Under the banner of “Keep ‘em Flying,” members of the EAA Warbirds of America participate in the annual warbirds extravaganzas throughout AirVenture week, showcasing the history and heritage of the magnificent military aircraft that served through much of the 20th century. Performances include everything from individual fly-bys to stunning mass flyovers.
Gene Soucy. Northwestern file photo.
land, Matt Chapman, Bill Stein, and Jack Knutson
Justin Lewis and the FLS MicroJet
Trojan Horseman and their six T-28s
Michael Rambo, flying the T-6 Texan II
Gene Soucy, in the famous Showcat biplane (day and night) Gene Soucy and Teresa Stokes wing walking act with the Showcat
This list is current through our deadline and is subject to change. Check www.eaa.org/en/airventure for the latest AirVenture schedules.
SP SSPE SPEND PEND ND D YYO YOUR OUR O UR SSU UR SUMMER UMME U UM UMM MMER MME MM M MER ER
OTHER PERFORMERS:
WITH WITH
Nicolas Ivanoff, flying the Hamilton Watches Edge 540 Mike Wiskus, in the Lucas Oil Pitts Rob Holland and his MX-2 Matt Chapman, flying the Eagle 580
**
Bill Stein with his Edge 540 Tinstix - Melissa Pemberton and Skip Stewart in a Pitts and Edge
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FLIGHT CHECK
Oshkosh Northwestern Media
AirVenture SURVIVAL GUIDE
From the AirVenture experts at EAA, we relay this advice on planning your visit: • Slather on the sunscreen: One thing is certain: Sunscreen works. Make sure you cover exposed areas of your body with at least an SPF 15. If you bring children, don’t forget to cover them as well. • Bring comfortable shoes. Take good care of your feet. Wear the most comfortable walking shoes you have. Exploring the grounds can add up to several miles over the course of one day. • Wear a hat. Temperatures can range anywhere from the 60s to the 90s, but AirVenture usually has a stretch of very hot, humid weather. A hat can provide some protection from overheating. If, for some reason, you forget to bring one, there will be plenty of official EAA AirVenture Oshkosh hats available. (If you’re watching the air show from the flight line, the back of your neck will likely be fully exposed to the afternoon sun. A bandana tucked under the back of your cap can provide an effective sun block.) • Use lip balm. Not many people
think of this, but bring some and apply often to prevent the sun from turning your lips into leather. • Wear sunglasses. A fairly obvious item on your checklist, one for which your eyes will thank you. A neck strap also comes in handy. • Check the forecast. If there’s a chance of rain during the day, be prepared with a light jacket or poncho, a small umbrella, and an extra pair of socks. • Drink lots of water/bring a water bottle. Dehydration can hit even the heartiest AirVenture attendees, especially on hot afternoons. Nothing prevents dehydration as well as water, and bottled water is available at the many concession areas. You can make good of use of the many water fountains located throughout the grounds. Don’t rely on soft drinks to prevent dehydration.
more rolls of film than you plan to shoot. If you bring a video camera, make sure you have an extra tape or memory card and at least one fully charged spare battery.
• Bring a camera and extra supplies. If you own a digital camera, extra batteries and memory cards are a smart investment. For film cameras, be sure to check your battery, have extras just to be safe, and bring two
• Watch the overhang! It’s natural to lean forward to look into the cockpit of your favorite aircraft, but wait just a second! Make sure the camera or sunglasses around your neck aren’t striking the aircraft. Those
Northwestern file photo.
items can leave nasty scratches. • Oshkosh Rules Apply: When you’re near aircraft, the rule is: “Always ask before touching.” For safety’s sake, eating and smoking are not allowed in the flight line or near airplanes. • It is nearly impossible to see everything in one day, or even a week. Pace yourself and focus on what really interests you. Source: EAA
Northwestern file photo.
FLIGHT CHECK
AIRVENTURE 2014
11
Wittman puts focus on business development By Jeff Bollier Oshkosh Northwestern Media
A new administration building and an aviation-focused business park both have the potential to generate future business opportunities at Wittman Regional Airport. Several community partners continue to develop the infrastructure and marketing plans for an 80-acre aviation business park and business accelerator program at the southeast corner of the airport. Elizabeth Hartman, CEO of Chamco Inc., Oshkosh’s industrial development arm, said the project will help expand business opportunities on the airport grounds at a time when the city and Winnebago County have less than 10 acres of development-ready land, much of it non-contiguous, at the airport. “We really want to put Oshkosh on the map as a place for aviation innovation and as the place to be for aviation businesses,” Hartman said.
Several organizations continue to work on behind-the-scenes elements of the project. The city continues to work on extending utilities and infrastructure to the area while Chamco continues to work with consultants hired to conduct marketing and cluster studies that will help give future business recruitment efforts some focus.
tor Peter Moll said the county is weighing options to demolish the aging, largely unused terminal building and replace it with a smaller administration building. He said the list of repairs at the existing building has grown long and costly while much of the space has gone unused since commercial air service ended in March 2003.
Hartman said the business accelerator program would feature general classes for all entrepreneurs as well as ones specifically focused on aviation businesses. She said the accelerator aims to help build entrepreneurial ideas and prepare them for the marketplace.
“We’re still trying to refine the floor plan and location, but we’re still moving forward,” Moll said. “There’s good support from the (county’s) Aviation Committee and from tenants who have offered a lot of solid input on the project.”
“By the time you finish, you’ll have your product, know that customers will want to buy it and be ready to make your pitch to investors,” she said. At the same time, Winnebago County is considering a project that could open up more development opportunities on the grounds. Wittman Regional Airport Direc-
Moll said the latest plan calls for a smaller building with space for airport administrative offices, Hertz Car Rental and Basler Flight Services, the sole fixed-base operator, or FBO, at Wittman after it purchased Orion Flight Services in early 2014. “It really makes sense because we no longer have to be worried about FAA concerns that we’d be favoring
Northwestern file photo.
one FBO over the other,” Moll said. “Plus, this consolidation would potentially open up more land for redevelopment in the future.” Wittman Airport owns four of the buildings Basler occupies on the north side of the airport grounds. Moll said consolidating their operations into an administration building could give the airport more opportunities to bring in other businesses to that area of the airport. Jeff Bollier: (920) 426-6688 or jbollier@ thenorthwestern.com; on Twitter: @ streetwiseosh.
Relax and Enjoy the Show. We’re here if you need us. From twisted ankles and sunburns to cuts and fevers, count on Affinity Urgent Care for compassionate, personalized care when you need it. For critical care needs, visit our emergency department at Mercy Medical Center. Both locations are conveniently located just minutes from the EAA grounds.
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FLIGHT CHECK
12
Since we last met: Slew of new businesses ready to greet visitors By Jeff Bollier Oshkosh Northwestern Media
Welcome back, pilots, passengers and plane enthusiasts! The Thunderbirds aren’t the only new thing in town this year. From a ‘50s-style diner to flaming bacon dogs, there’s plenty new to check out in Oshkosh in between the air shows and forums.
Highway 41 Corridor
Take a quick glance across U.S. Highway 41 and you’ll see Johnny Rockets, a ‘50s-style diner specializing in burgers and shakes, has opened in the Outlet Shoppes at Oshkosh, 3001 S. Washburn St. At Johnny Rockets, the staff dance, you won’t go broke playing the jukebox and the ambiance will make you think the Cessna 172 debuted again. Specializing in good, affordable deli fare, Rodney’s Cafe, 1060 S. Koeller St., has built a good local following since owner Rodney Frazier opened up last fall. Frazier not only makes a mean sandwich, but he’s also committed to providing skilled training for disabled residents. It’s July. It’s hot. And that means there’s a good chance Berry Fresh frozen yogurt, 2271 Westowne Ave., has opened near the Holiday Inn Express off State Highway 21. It’s a local answer to the CherryBerrys of the world. Food and drink aren’t the only things new, though. CVS Pharmacy, 1600 S. Koeller St., opened a store in Oshkosh last fall that’s open 24 hours to accommodate those early takeoffs and those late-night gatherings on the grounds. Oshkosh is also buzzing about a new recreational trail completed over the winter. The Tribal Heritage Crossing trail is on the eastern edge of the Lake Butte des Morts bridge, near the Highway 41-Highway 21 intersection, and features spots to take in spectacular views, get a bike ride in, do a little fishing and learn about the history of all 11 of Wisconsin’s Native American
Oshkosh Northwestern Media
tribes.
Downtown Oshkosh has its share of food trucks and carts, but one of them has now made the jump to a bricksand-mortar location. Hot Dog Charlie’s, whose flaming bacon sauce dog remains a popular downtown staple, has opened up shop at 9 Church Ave., just off North Main Street. Owner Charlie Nichols has used the extra kitchen space to add burgers, sides, shakes and malts to his menu. Bourbon and Scotch drinkers will be happy to hear that Bar 430, 430 N. Main St., opened this spring and continually updates and rotates its stock of premium and craft liquors. Bar 430 also features a limited menu of burgers, sandwiches and creative bar appetizers to go with the pleasant ambiance. And if you’re still around on Saturday or Sunday morning, their brunch is not to be missed. Oshkosh Chef Ryan Nolan has long been a local favorite thanks to his time downtown at Water City Grill and now, at Mahoney’s. Mahoney’s, in fact, has a new, and expanded home at 30 Wisconsin St. that features outdoor dining and several favorites from each of the menus Nolan has crafted over his years as a chef. The establishment, formerly at the corner of Knapp Street and Sixth Avenue, made the move last fall and is off to a great summer. And, of course, this list finishes up with dessert. Insomnia Cookies, 547 High Ave., launched their cookie delivery business over the winter to much rejoicing from those with a late-night sweet tooth. Insomnia lives up to its name by delivering until 3 a.m., but unfortunately, their delivery area does not cover Wittman Regional Airport. Jeff Bollier: (920) 426-6688 or jbollier@ thenorthwestern.com; on Twitter: @ streetwiseosh.
FAA controllers work the tower at the Wittman Regional Airport tower during AirVenture. Northwestern file photo.
EAA touts stability in agreement to pay FAA fees By Jeff Bollier Oshkosh Northwestern Media
The World’s Busiest Airport for a week will have the necessary air traffic control staff through 2022. Experimental Aircraft Association officials said they took the best available option in a nine-year agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration for air traffic control services during the AirVenture convention earlier this year. EAA petitioned the U.S. Seventh District Court of Appeals last spring after it was forced to sign an agreement for AirVenture 2013 services under protest. After years of providing the service at no cost, the agency said federal budget sequester reductions were forcing it to bill EAA for staffing during the event that draws thousands of airplanes to the Oshkosh area. EAA agreed to drop that case as part of an April agreement that will see the organization pay an estimated $400,000 to $500,000 each year for 80 air traffic controllers, supervisors and support staff, EAA agreed to drop that case. Spokesman Dick Knapinski said EAA dropped its challenge because even though a judge might have ruled the FAA did not have the right to charge fees, it would not have required the FAA to provide staffing for the event. “We still stand by the belief the FAA has a certain obligation to provide these types of services, but we saw this as the best available option to secure the stability of the
event,” Knapinski said. “We did look at other options (like private companies or volunteers) and either the resources weren’t there or it might have been more expensive by the time it all gets done.” Knapinski said the agreement does give EAA the chance to opt out should it find a more affordable provider in the future. It also gives EAA the right to audit each bill. During AirVenture, Wittman Regional Airport becomes the world’s busiest airport. The air traffic control staff handle an estimated 20,000 takeoffs and landings during the days before, during and after AirVenture. In a press release, EAA Chairman Jack Pelton said not having to worry about the future of AirVenture motivated the organization to settle. “Our ultimate goal was to bring certainty and stability for AirVenture, for EAA and our fellow members,” Pelton said. “Every possible option, from contract and volunteer controllers to canceling AirVenture entirely, was considered. EAA thoroughly explored the contract controller option and concluded that it was not available for 2014 or for the foreseeable future.” Jeff Bollier: (920) 426-6688 or jbollier@ thenorthwestern.com; on Twitter: @ streetwiseosh.
13
AIRVENTURE 2014
Area Churches
Welcome You to Worship with Them Trinity Episcopal Church
Calvary Church, ELCA CalvaryLutheran Lutheran Church, ELCA Timothy W. Routh, Timothy Routh,Pastor Pastor
203 Algoma Blvd., Oshkosh • (920) 231-2420
West NinthAvenue, Avenue, Oshkosh WI WI 54904 25802580 West Ninth Oshkosh 54904 (920)233-3800 - www.calvaryoshkosh.org (920)233-3800 - www.calvaryoshkosh.org SummerWorship Worship Schedule - Summer Schedule Sundays - 9 a.m.Sundays with coffee fellowship - 9 a.m.following worship Wednesdays - -6 6p.m. Wednesdays p.m.
Services at 8 am & 10 am 9 am Service only June through August www.oshkosh-episcopal.org
WI-5001805847
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ST. JUDE THE APOSTLE 1025 W. 5th Avenue, Oshkosh
MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT PARISH 449 High Avenue, Oshkosh
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St. Peter Church 435 High Avenue Saturday Sunday
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St. Mary Church 605 Merritt Avenue
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St. Vincent Church 1225 Oregon Street Saturday Sunday
4:30 PM 9:30 AM
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Sacred Heart Church 519 Knapp Street
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920-233-8044 WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM 11:00 AM Reconciliation: Saturday: 4:00 PM
14
FLIGHT CHECK
Oshkosh Northwestern Media
FVTC, UW-Oshkosh hope to make dent in pilot gap
By Noell Dickmann Oshkosh Northwestern Media
A dark cloud is looming above the aviation industry: A predicted shortage of pilots by 2022 will affect everyone who travels by air. Jared Huss, Fox Valley Technical College Aeronautics Pilot Training Lead I n s t r u c t o r, said a shortage of pilots will mean fewer JARED HUSS planes in the air and fewer seats for passengers – pushing up the cost of air travel. “Everything’s kind of pointing to that perfect storm of that happening,” Huss said. In response to the shortage, colleges are making changes to get more pilots into the work force faster. In Oshkosh, FVTC and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh established a partnership to help meet the demand for pilots. Huss said there are a number of reasons for the shortage, including mandatory retirements and duty time regulation changes in the wake of Continental Flight 3407s crash into a house near Buffalo, N.Y. in 2009 that killed 50. Pilots must now have more uninterrupted rest between flights and are required to have an ATP license, or Airline Transport Pilot license, which mandates 1,500 flight hours as a pilot. Regional airlines could previously hire pilots with 250 hours, but now legally cannot, Huss said. The 1,500-hour qualification poses a problem for pilot-training graduates, who in general come out of aeronautics programs with 250-300 flight hours. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) forecasts that 18,000 pilots from major airlines
in the United States will reach mandatory retirement age by 2022. The GAO also forecasts that regional airlines will need about 4,500 pilots per year for the next decade to fill the void. H o w e v e r, studies show the flight-training industry can only support between 2,5003,000 pilots per year.
T Sophie Blanchard, the first woman to be a captain for Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways, is pictured at the airline’s training center in Abu Dhabi in 2010. The 34-year-old mother of two and French national, joined Etihad as its first female pilot three years ago. Getty Images
To help fill that void, graduates from two-year schools with programs that are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration can qualify for a restricted ATP at 1,250 hours instead.
“We send graduates all over, anywhere from those commercial type of jobs, like [pilots for] the skydiver, crop dusting, aerial photography, all the way up to corporate pilot and airline pilot as well,” Huss said.
FVTC is applying for that certification. Students will have the option to graduate with a technical diploma in two years, and can return for a third year to earn their associate’s degree and flight instructor certificate. The changes will give FVTC the ability to double its capacity, graduating an average of 16 pilots per year.
In the long run, a new collaboration with UWO could be recognized for a restricted ATP at 1,000 hours as well.
“I realize that when there’s a demand for 4,500 pilots a year that’s…a drop in the bucket, but we’re doing what we can to stretch that and grow our capacity,” Huss said. “And if all the other flight training programs out there can do something similar to scale, then hopefully we can ramp it up for the need.” The typical path of graduates is to go on to be a flight instructor and build the hours they need, then move up to a regional airline, continuing to build hours and work their way up to a major airline.
The partnership between the schools allows FVTC graduates to earn a Bachelor of Applied Studies degree with an emphasis in aviation management from UWO online, and they can do it while they’re working. It allows them to get in the work force sooner and build more flight time. Take Kodye Shier, who graduated from FVTC in 2011 and went on to be a paid flight instructor intern at FVTC for two years. He built up about 1,000 hours of flight experience, and is now a corporate pilot for Menards based in Eau Claire. Originally from Rice Lake, the 24-year-old now has 1,600 flight hours under his wings and flies Menards staff all over the Midwest on a daily basis.
He said taking the route he did has put him ahead – on average he has about 250 more flight hours than other pilots he sees with the same level of experience. Shier is working part-time toward his bachelor’s degree through the online program with UWO. He said the degree will help him when looking for jobs. “I think with aviation timing is everything,” Shier said. “And I feel like where I’m at right now is a very comfortable spot as far as timing.” Huss said not all FVTC graduates want to be airline pilots – actually, he sees many going the corporate route like Shier did for stability. “We just want to have our program and partnership with UWOshkosh to be as best set up as possible so that if our graduates want to go that route, that they’re set up and ready to go as best as they can.” Noell Dickmann: (920) 426-6658 or ndickmann@thenorthwestern.com. Twitter: @ONW_Noell
AIRVENTURE 2014
FLIGHT CHECK
15
Basler Flight Service Sport pilot, light-sport acquires Orion, inks aircraft certifications deal with Shell Aviation mark 10 years By Jeff Bollier Oshkosh Northwestern Media
Basler Flight Service CEO Tom Weigt said his company’s acquisition of its sole competitor at Wittman Regional Airport should make refueling services run Basler fuels a plane during AirVenture. Northwestern file photo. smoother. The case was decided three Basler resumed its position as years later when the Wisconsin Suthe sole Fixed Base Operator at preme Court sided with Basler and the airport earlier this year when ruled the markup law only applies it acquired Orion Flight Services to vehicles operated on roads and for almost $1 million. Weigt said Basler also signed a new contract highways.
“This was a big investment, but it was the best opportunity we had to make the airport run smoother,” Weigt said. “It’s an airport that’s too small 51 weeks out of the year to support two (fixed base) operators. We’ve obviously struggled for 12 years now. This is our chance to put things on a more solid footing for us.” As part of the buyout, Basler also acquired Orion’s hangar on the north side of Wittman. As part of its agreement with Shell Aviation, it also completed upgrades to its fuel storage facility and offices on the north side of Wittman. The stakes were high and competition was fierce between the two FBOs almost from the moment Orion opened its business in 2002. The pair got into a price war in 2002 and 2003 that saw aviation fuel prices drop from $2.60-pergallon to as low as $1.60 as they competed for market share. Orion sued Basler in 2003 in Winnebago County Circuit Court alleging violations of Wisconsin’s minimum markup law on vehicle fuel.
Weigt said the return to one FBO should resolve any confusion that arose periodically among customers. He added that Basler has prepared for the increased workload by bringing in almost 50 additional people to staff AirVenture. “I’d say 85 percent of our people have returned from prior years, so they bring some experience with them,” Weigt said. “We’ve geared up and put a lot of time in to make sure it’s properly done.” Otherwise, he said refueling procedures will remain the same as they have in years past with color-coded tags distributed to pilots when they land. Payments can be made at booths in the North 40, South 40 or at Basler’s offices on West 20th Avenue.
pable of handling a vehicle.
Oshkosh Northwestern Media
There have been no safety incidents relating to lack of medical certification, Johnson said, noting the safety record is within the “acceptable” range for the industry.
It’s been a decade since the FAA adopted brand-new pilot certifications, but enthusiasts say the credentials are just starting to take off. Aimed at sport pilot and lightsport aircraft, the certifications have allowed thousands of new pilots — and even more existing pilots — the chance to fly with a valid driver’s license for medical certification in lieu of a third-class medical certificate, said Dan Johnson, president and board chairman of the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association. “It opens the door for anyone, and it’s a much more affordable starting point,” Johnson said. “It also, therefore, means that for those who have started and stalled … they can now come back in and for significantly less cost, be reintegrated into the pilot community.” The simplicity of the light aircraft requires less training and therefore a lower cost — about $3,000 to $4,000 compared to about $8,000 to $10,000 — and that has shortened the process for becoming certified, Johnson said. Although some have criticized the provision that does not require a medical certificate, Johnson said the certifications still require holders to have a valid driver’s license, meaning pilots are physically ca-
“We provide a lot of extra services for the week,” Weigt said. “We’ve refined it over the years and think the service we provide to the visiting aircraft is really hard to beat for a show of this type.” Jeff Bollier: (920) 426-6688 or jbollier@ thenorthwestern.com; on Twitter: @ streetwiseosh.
Across the industry, the certifications, while still relatively in their infancy, are attracting increasingly more attention, said Patty Wagstaff, a flight instructor, three-time national aerobatics champion and International Aerospace Hall of Fame member. “What I have seen is … it has given a lot of people the ability to fly,” Wagstaff said. “I think it really has succeeded in getting more people involved, and we’ve got to keep doing that. … From what I can see it’s a success and I think we need to keep encouraging it.” While the number of new pilots remains relatively low as a result of the new certification, the program has retained thousands of pilots who otherwise would have lost their ability to fly, Johnson said. It also has resulted in 136 new models of aircraft, many of which are wider and roomier than more conventional aircraft. “There’s no record in aviation history since the Wright brothers to compare to that,” he said. Nathaniel Shuda: (920) 426-6632, nshuda@thenorthwestern.com or @onwnshuda on Twitter.
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The people
16
Ten with Jack
Oshkosh Northwestern Media
EAA chairman Jack Pelton talks Thunderbirds, his role and his can’t miss moments for AirVenture 2014 By Jeff Bollier Oshkosh Northwestern Media
QUESTION: Give us a broad sense of what you see as the state of EAA heading into AirVenture 2014? ANSWER: EAA, as an association, is in a really good place. We’re financially secure, our membership has stayed very strong so we’re not seeJACK PELTON ing deterioration like other associations have, so that’s very, very positive. I think people are pleased with the work we’re doing from an advocacy standpoint. That’s one of the most important elements of why someone is a member of EAA. … I feel very good saying that, as we sit here today, the organization is stable, we’re financially in good shape for an association, and our membership is strong. Q: EAA has been without a president/CEO for almost two years. Have you accepted the job on a permanent basis? Is there actually a search going on? A: We are not searching for a CEO. The board has come to a place where we said that we were going to go with the model that we implemented almost two years ago which is a hands-on, active chairman, which is me, for what was initially a three-year term. During this three-year term, we are not in any active search to find somebody. We’re going to have a chairman-run model. And then it’s renewable for another three (years), which we still have another year to go before we decide whether I will accept that or whether they’ll want me to do that. I serve at the will of the board. Q: Have you enjoyed the role?
JP: Oh, absolutely. When I first took this role, people understood my involvement with EAA from being a child of a member of Chapter 1, my father out in Southern California, so I’ve grown up in EAA forever and it’s what got me into aviation. A big part of this, for me, has been all about making sure EAA stays strong and viable and my ability, being retired, to give back to EAA. Q: This will be the first AirVenture without founder Paul Poberezny. What did Paul mean to you, personally and as someone involved in the founding of AirVenture and EAA? A: Paul, for me personally, it’s more than Paul being part of EAA and AirVenture. Paul was truly a legend in our industry when you go back and look at what he originally conceived and envisioned in establishing the Experimental Aircraft Association. Paul started with a group of folks and thought there was an opportunity to create a new area of aviation called “experimental,” which would give people the ability to build and fly their own airplane and enjoy the freedom under the existing aviation/airspace structure. You fast forward to 2013, through his life, and what those of us have been involved in aviation and general aviation have found is that he essentially created what has held up general aviation and been the growth driver probably for the last 10 years. … You look at general aviation and say “This guy was an incredible visionary in that general aviation and recreational aviation as we know it in the United States today is being dominated by experimental, kit-built, homebuilt airplanes by volume. They’re being made and flown more than your Cessnas and your Pipers and your Beechcrafts. I hold Paul in a completely different view than maybe others might who are just members of EAA. I view him as
someone who has made an incredible difference in the landscape of general aviation in this country. Q: How was EAA able to secure the Thunderbirds performances this year when, in the past, there was not enough airspace to perform? A: We’ve always known it would require a larger, expanded aerobatic box. In the past, the issue was if it was worth the hassle to increase the box size to bring that team here or kind of the question of do we really want to bother? This year, we took an approach that we were willing to take the effort on to expand the aerobatic box because we do know our biggest challenge in bringing young people into aviation is what is that attraction that will bring them here? The data shows that wherever the Thunderbirds or Blue Angels perform, you do bring a lot of non-aviation families to those events. They gravitate to that event to see these world-class performances and that gets the kids out there. We’re taking a little bit of a flyer this year to … bring them here and see if we can attract and add to our demographics of our current, strong supporters, but to also bring in more young folks and more families and get them interested in aviation. Q: How do you feel the new approach to food service on the grounds worked out last year? A: Last year, it was probably one of the areas that had me the most concerned and nervous in that we made a significant changeover from how we’ve done it in the past. But we recognized people want more choices and diversity and better price points, so we went and did it. And you could not have asked for a better success story. The number of vendors we brought in, their ability to execute during the show and keep the crowds happy and the lines
down as best as we could, I think it went very well. We know there were some things that didn’t go as well as we would have liked to, so we made some refinements. There are some new vendors coming and some others that aren’t coming back, but for the most part, it’s like 90 percent the same as last year. Q: Some of the tension between the groups that celebrate aviation during AirVenture seemed to have died down last year. How has the organization been able to balance the competing demands of the convention’s attendees? A: Last year, we did take a big step back and kind of reassess what got us to where we have been. A lot of that goes back to Paul’s basic philosophies of AirVenture, for it to be the unique experience that it is, you have communities within this giant convention, and you need to be able to have these communities have their space, their time and be their own communities and let them operate within the overall event. … Another guiding principle that we also really reassessed and worked hard on is the volunteers. This event cannot happen without the volunteers. … So last year we took a step back and said we need to really re-engage ourselves as to how we’re going to work with volunteers. I think you’re going to see it even better this year. We’ve spent another full year of monthly phone calls with volunteer chairs, getting the engagement of the volunteers back, listening to them and incorporating what they would like to see happen because this is their show. Q: The city of Oshkosh continues to develop an aviation business park on the other side of Runway 18/36. Do you see a role for EAA in attracting businesses or building up the industry here in Oshkosh? How can the community be more effective in building that
The people
AIRVENTURE 2014 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16
from the ground up? A: There is an opportunity here and EAA’s going to be a part of it. We are part of the monthly committee that meets, the Oshkosh Airport Development group. We’re engaged. We’re involved. But we don’t know how we fit yet other than recognizing we need to be supporters because we’re all in this together. As it evolves, we’ll see where we fit. … At a minimum, we have a pretty good Rolodex of aviation companies that participate here. … Part of the challenge is going to be figuring out what our Fox Valley-Oshkosh-Winnebago County compelling story is to bring businesses and companies here to this facility. We have to get crystal-clear on what the competitive advantage is that we can go out and promote to someone. … You’ve got to have that ironclad story and know what the industry is looking for. Q: Young Eagles is celebrating 22 years this year. How effective do you think the program has
been in getting younger generations into aviation careers? Is the Pathways Pavilion an extension of that effort? A: In 22 years, I cannot see anywhere else in this country that has done as much as the Young Eagles has done to expose young kids to the freedom of flight and the opportunity of what aviation might bring them. And yet, in that 22 years of us doing that, we know we have so much more that we need to do to evolve the program. We’re working on that today. We’ve got a great, engaged group of chapters across the United States that are flying millions of kids. We have the following of kids who are of the right age are able to take a free ground school course to get them at least through their private pilot exam. Now we’re looking at what more we need to do as far as taking this to what I’ll call a further level of granularity. … We’re trying to bridge the gap and collaborate with other groups that can keep people engaged through that pro-
17
cess. Q: There’s been growing attention on space exploration thanks to Curiosity, “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey,” the discovery of exoplanets and so forth. Does EAA intend to build on its space-focused programming going forward? A: This year, one of our theme days will be space. We’re having some speakers coming in. We’ve got ATK in our college park/ youth area. … As the
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
Jack Pelton. Northwestern file photos.
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18
The people
Rare air for Debbie Travis King: B-29 pilot By Noell Dickmann Oshkosh Northwestern Media
Debbie Travis King is the only woman in the world since 1943 authorized to fly the Boeing B-29 Superfortress, which she pilots aboard the Commemorative Air Force’s FIFI, the only airworthy B-29 left. She will be the keynote speaker for the WomenVenture Power Lunch at AirVenture on Wednesday (July 30) at 11:30 a.m., at Theater in the Woods. The daughter of an American Airlines pilot, she said a career in aviation came naturally. The Dallas native grew up around airplanes and was always working on them with her father. “I was always in aircraft and never knew a life without it,” she said. Travis King began earning her flight certificates in high school and finished them in college at Texas A&M University. She earned her CFI and CFII directly after and later earned her jet ratCONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
private space movement also continues to build some momentum, we hope in the coming years we’ll see more and more of that and have that be a “node” besides Warbirds and Vintage. We hope space can be a big piece of it. The last few years have been what I’ll call dark years for the government and NASA. They’re not exposing what they’re doing. There’s a lot of stuff going on that we don’t all know about. … The interesting thing to me is the whole science of how that’s happening is going to be something that will interest a lot of young people. Physically, can a human being survive in that
ings and Air Transport Pilot certificate. She flew corporate jets as an on-demand charter pilot, and now tours with the CAF B-29. The freedom from everything on the ground drives her love of flying, as well as how it’s black and white – and unforgiving. The rules and boundaries of the aviation industry fit with her personality, she said. She pilots the CAF’s B-24 Liberator Diamond Lil as well as its B-29, and flies the Falcon 20, 50, 900, 900B and 900EX jets among many other aircraft. At 45 yearsold, Travis King has at least 3,600 flight hours under her wings. She said the Superfortress is her favorite to fly because of its historical significance. “It’s not very often one single aircraft changes the course of history,” Travis King said. “And, the fact that two women were incorporated and necessary for that change.” As a woman in what she described as historically, exclusive-
atmosphere because it’s so different from going to the moon? How are they thinking about it? How are they planning it? I don’t know if we could ever repeat the Kennedy ‘Man on the Moon’ challenge, but Mars could get you pretty excited. I hope that, at some point, we’ll get to where that becomes one of the higher headline items: Aspirational, exciting visions for the world. Q: There’s always a lot going on during the week of AirVenture. What are Jack Pelton’s personal, can’t-miss events, gatherings or presentations?
Oshkosh Northwestern Media
ly “man’s territory” – besides the Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II – she said a lot of pressure and attention comes with being the only female today flying the B-29. “It takes a strong personality and thick skin to be able to withstand the credulation that you have to go through and the speak you have to listen to,” she said. “I’m one of those people that you can’t keep me down.” However the field is changing with more and more women finding their passion in aviation. Though it’s a slow change, she said, Travis King is a prime example of how the field is becoming more inclusive to women. She said she’s excited to speak to those women at WomenVenture and share for the first time why she does what she does. “I’ve never really fully explained why I do what I do and what my inspirations are,” she said, adding she also wants to kindly explain how it’s not exactly
A: There’s a new one this year that I’m excited about that’s getting a little bit of groundswell which is our Wednesday, Redbird Flying Challenge. This is an event where Redbird Simulator Company has got this scenario they’ve pushed out and encouraged people to participate in a contest to see who can be the most proficient at flying that scenario. The top pointgetters will be invited to Oshkosh to, on our center stage, have a flyoff competition on these simulators and a champion will be named. It’s can’t miss. It’ll be interesting to see who the overall point-getter is. Is it a 13-year-old woman from Slovenia and the loser’s a five-star
Debbie Travis King stands in the cockpit of CAF’s B-29 FIFI. Photo by Connie Roper
easy for women in the field. “I can’t say it is easy,” Travis King said. “These are the things you’re going to have to buckle up for… and we can do it.” Having gone to AirVenture since the 1990s, she said every time it’s just like coming home. Noell Dickmann: (920) 426-6658 or ndickmann@thenorthwestern.com. Twitter: @ONW_Noell
general in the Air Force who flies for a living? The reason I’m excited is this is going to be another avenue to get people interested in aviation without the hard costs of going to an airport and renting an airplane. … This is the year we’re also going to pay tribute to Paul and his legacy. Everything we’re doing is kind of a reflection back on the history of the organization. We’re going to build a homebuilt airplane in one week. I think that’s a can’t miss. It’s iconic for showing the roots of EAA. Jeff Bollier: (920) 426-6688 or jbollier@ thenorthwestern.com; on Twitter: @ streetwiseosh.
AIRVENTURE 2014
The people
19
ABOVE: Eagle Scout Kory Cooke, 16, gets ride for a Young Eagles flight with Sean Tucker before the Great Tennessee Air Show in Smyrna, Tenn., in June. BELOW: Gianna Pellechia, 13, of Commack, N.Y., takes a Young Eagles flight with Sean Tucker before the Bethpage Air Show in May. (Submitted photos)
Sean Tucker takes Young Eagles message to heart
By Jennifer K. Woldt Oshkosh Northwestern Media
As an aerobatic performer, Sean Tucker has flown thousands of hours in airplanes that travel upside down and right-side up. But when he steps into a cockpit along with a child for a Young Eagles flight, it’s like he’s going flying for the first all over again. “I get to see the world through their eyes,” Tucker said. “Every time I take a kid flying, it’s like experiencing that first flight all over again and that’s fun.” For the last year, Tucker has been able to relive that first flight on countless occasions. As chairman of EAA’s Young Eagles program, which aims to expose youth to aviation through flights with EAA volunteers, Tucker doesn’t merely fulfill his duties from behind the scenes. At each air show he performs, Tucker takes time to spread the
Young Eagles message and also gives back himself, taking one child on a Young Eagles flight as well as one volunteer. “I get to do a one-on-one with (a child) and also I get to fly with a volunteer, whether it’s a pilot or a person that does paperwork,” Tucker said. “That has humbled me in terms of how much the EAA members give back.” That interaction with Young Eagles and volunteers is a characteristic that has set Tucker apart from previous Young Eagles chairmen. “Sean’s now taken it to a new level of enthusiasm and engagement. He’s out in the community day-in and day-out because of his day job and he’s really helped us take it to, I hate to be trite, but a new level,” said Jack Pelton, EAA chairman. Since it was started more than 20 years ago, Young Eagles has
provided 1.8 million children with flights. The experience not only introduces children to aviation, but also inspires them to chase their dreams. “We’ve got to open the door and show them it’s possible,” Tucker said. With one year as chairman under his belt, Tucker is only hoping to do more as he continues in his role. That means continuing to spread the Young Eagles message, giving more children their first flight experience and establishing more scholarships for those who have gone through the program and continuing to reach out to those volunteers
who make the program a success. “The future of America is through our kids,” Tucker said. “The more kids we can touch, empower and enable, the more successful America is going to be.” Jennifer K. Woldt: (920) 426-6676 or jwoldt@thenorthwestern.com
The people
20
Oshkosh Northwestern Media
Valdez competition photos courtesy of EAA.
Alaskan pilots bask in ‘magic air’ By Jennifer K. Woldt Oshkosh Northwestern Media
Who needs a runway of more than 3,000 feet when some pilots in Alaska can take off and land in a span of less than 100? How? It’s not necessarily the plane or the pilot, although both help. Rather, it’s the air. “We have magic air up here,” said Frank Knapp, of Palmer, Alaska.
The secret involves density altitude, a combination of barometric pressure, air temperature and the elevation of the airstrip. All of those factors combine to provide ideal conditions to allow for pilots, like Knapp, to take off and land aircraft in short distance. As of press time, 16 of the pilots who competed at the 2014 Valdez Fly-In and Air Show Short Takeoff and Landing Competition in Valdez, Ala., were scheduled to come to AirVenture. The pilots will bring their aircraft and will participate in a flight demonstration as part of the daily air show three times during the
week. Check eaa.org for the lineup and flight times. “They truly are the professional athletes of short field flying,” said EAA multimedia journalist Brady Lane, who attended the competition in Valdez. “For the pilot and the non-pilot crowd, it’s impressive to see what these guys can do.” Pilots need to gain the ability to take off and land in short distances in Alaska due in part to the land, Knapp said. Many places in Alaska are accessible only by aircraft, however, there aren’t landing strips available in all locations. Therefore, pilots need to be able to land in areas such as a gravel bar in a river, in a canyon or on the side of the mountain, all while dealing with ever-changing weather conditions. “Those talents are honed from flying in the bush,” Knapp said. “It’s a celebration of that lifestyle.”
Knapp knows that lifestyle. The Palmer, Alaska resident has participated in the Valdez STOL the last two years. In May, he won the Alternate Bush Class A with a 41foot take-off and a 35-foot landing, for a total distance of 76 feet. Knapp flew the Lil’ Cub, an experimental Cub-type build with an empty weight of 685 pounds, in Valdez. He originally built the plane in the spring of 2012, but after winning the Valedz STOL in 2013, he had to rebuild the plane after it was destroyed in a hangar fire. Knapp and his wife rebuilt the plane in time for this year’s competition. “I’m just a normal schmuck up here,” Knapp said. “I like flying, and for whatever reason I decided to center on Valdez. EAA has made me so darn famous world-wide, my great grandkids will know me for something that I wasn’t.” Jennifer K. Woldt: (920) 426-6676 or jwoldt@thenorthwestern.com
The people
AIRVENTURE 2014
Wisconsin native to fly with Thunderbirds at AirVenture
21
By Jennifer K. Woldt Oshkosh Northwestern Media
Maj. Caroline Jensen knew what she wanted to be the day she went to an air show in Eau Claire and saw the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly. She was 13. Now, after a career that includes graduation from the Air Force Academy, more than 2,900 hours as an Air Force pilot and 200 combat hours during a deployment to Iraq, the Rice Lake native returns to Wisconsin, not only as a fighter pilot, but flying the aircraft that inspired her to follow her dreams. “To come home and fly a red, white and blue F-16 over my home is a dream come true for sure,” said Jensen, the fourth woman, and only female reservist and mother ever selected to fly for the team. For the first time, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will appear and perform a full air show at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture. The Thunderbirds will perform as part of the daily air show Aug. 1-3. The Las Vegas-based Thunderbirds travel the country more than 200 days a year, representing nearly 700,000 active duty,
Staff Sgt. Tacota LeMuel, Thunderbird 3 dedicated crew chief, signals one-minute, in preparation for Maj. Caroline Jensen, Thunderbird 3, Right Wing pilot, to gear up for a training sortie at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., March 12, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Larry E. Reid Jr.)
Air Force Reserve, Air National
performing
Guard and civilian airmen across
feats that bring aircraft as close
the country and deployed around
as 18 inches from one another dur-
the globe. The team uses their
ing maneuvers. At times, the team
skills to promote the mission of the Air
Force
hopes
and
their
ef-
forts inspire others
and
helps
with recruiting. A team of six pilots
strap
aerobatic
is 300 feet from the ground. During the performance, the team will display the power and agility of the F-16 through low
with the team. “People really enjoy the noise we put out.” While getting to perform for the AirVenture crowds will be a highlight, Jensen said she’s also looking forward to interacting with the children who are on the grounds,
passes, rolls, loops and other aero-
hoping to have the impact on them
batic maneuvers, said Jensen, who
that she felt as a teenager in Eau
flies as Thunderbird No. 3, or the
Claire.
right wing.
“I love to go out there and see
And it will be loud.
the look in the kids’ eyes,” she
into the F-16
“It’s probably the loudest show
said. “I remember that being me.”
and fly in for-
that they’re going to hear,” said
mation or solo,
Jensen, who is in her third year
themselves
Maj. Caroline Jensen
dazzling
Jennifer K. Woldt: (920) 426-6676 or jwoldt@thenorthwestern.com.
The people
22
Oshkosh Northwestern Media
EAA Founder Paul Poberzny and his wife, Audrey, tour AirVenture in his red VW convertible. Photo courtesy of EAA.
EAA founder Paul Poberezny’s life, legacy to be celebrated By Jennifer K. Woldt Oshkosh Northwestern Media
While a familiar presence in a red Volkswagen convertible will be missing from the AirVenture convention grounds this year, the life and achievements of EAA founder Paul Poberezny will be celebrated throughout the week. Poberezny died Aug. 22, 2013, less than one month after the close of AirVenture 2013. “Not having Paul in that Volkswagen all over the grounds throughout the week will be missed,” said Rick Larsen, vice president of marketing for EAA. “And I think people will notice
that.”
goodbye to Paul.”
some of Poberezny’s favorite air-
Working with his family, EAA has planned a series of tributes to Poberezny, beginning with a special memorial wall ceremony that focuses on Poberezny on Sunday, July 27, the night before AirVenture opens.
There also will be a tribute to Poberezny at the Welcome Center throughout the week, which aims to tell Poberezny’s story through his own words and allow AirVenture attendees to fully understand the impact Poberezny had on AirVenture, Oshkosh and aviation in general.
planes on display, including the
“It will be a ceremony that will allow a lot of members to gain a bit of closure,” Larsen said. “For a lot of members that have come to the event year after year, it is a week in July where they have the opportunity to meet Paul and spend time with him. It’s important to create an opportunity for folks to, in their own way, say
In an effort to lighten things up a bit, EAA has planned the Monday night Theater in the Woods presentation to involve a number of Poberezny’s close friends who will tell stories about him. Throughout the week, convention attendees will be able to see
glider he learned to fly in, and the P-51 and P-64 planes he favored. The airplanes used to circle the parachuters, which open the daily air show, also will have a connection to Poberezny. “Paul was truly a legend in our industry when you go back and look at what he originally conceived and envisioned in establishing the Experimental Aircraft Association,” EAA chairman Jack Pelton said. Jennifer K. Woldt: (920) 426-6676 or jwoldt@thenorthwestern.com
AIRVENTURE 2014
The people
23
Loggins says creativity keeps him young
By Noell Dickmann Oshkosh Northwestern Media
AirVenture turns into a Danger Zone – musically, at least – on Monday (July 28), with Kenny Loggins kicking off the week’s activities with an opening night concert. The concert is free to AirVenture attendees and will follow the afternoon air show. Loggins, who said he’s never been to an air show near the size of AirVenture, is looking forward to his first time at the world’s greatest aviation celebration. “I think it’s going to be a blast,” Loggins said in a recent telephone interview from California. Fans can plan to hear everything from House on Pooh Corner, Danny’s Song, Danger Zone and Footloose, to songs from his album Leap of Faith, released in 1991. With a career spanning more than four decades, Loggins said his passion for music is driven by a need to stay creative. “Basically I’ve been an artist all my life,” he said. “I tried quitting when I turned 50 and doing some-
thing else, and that just didn’t work out. I get depressed if I’m not staying creative.” He said being in front of an audience is fun, emotional and keeps him young. Loggins’ most recent endeavor, Blue Sky Riders, opens the show. The trio is comprised of Loggins and renowned singer-songwriters Gary Burr and Georgia Middleman. The band has been together a little more than three years and released their first record, Finally Home, in January 2013. They closed out the Waterfest concert series in Oshkosh last August. He said Blue Sky Riders has been an interesting shift from being a solo artist for 30 years back to being a member of a band, and he enjoys seeing audiences’ reactions to the new music with Burr and Middleman. “It’s really important as an artist to try and stay present tense,” Loggins said. “So that gives me the opportunity to keep writing, keep recording, stay very active cre-
Kenny Loggins and the Blue Sky Riders perform at Waterfest in August.
atively and keep my Kenny Loggins thing separate, in that people come for the old songs mostly.”
that he’ll take some time off to
He said now that Blue Sky Riders has been around a few years, it’s gratifying when people come to hear them as well as his solo act. It allows for him to make the Kenny Loggins show a memory show and present new material during the opening act of Blue Sky Riders, he said.
He said he’s incredibly lucky to
Blue Sky Riders launched a campaign on Kickstarter.com in July to help fund their next album. Loggins said they’ll need everyone’s support to make the record. He’s on tour covering much of the country until the fall, and after
write with Burr and Middleman for the album. get to make music for a living. “There are so many people out there that don’t love what they do and we spend so much of our time doing what we have to do to survive,” he said. “I’m just incredibly lucky that what I get to do is make music. I was in awe of the fact that I get to sing for a living... it’s not as easy as it looks, but I have to say it sure is fun.” Noell Dickmann: (920) 426-6658 or ndickmann@thenorthwestern.com Twitter: @ONW_Noell
THE CONVENTION
24
Oshkosh Northwestern Media
(Submitted photo)
Warbirds are one of the most popular attractions during AirVenture. Veterans share stories of their aircraft and pivotal moments in U.S. history. Northwestern file photos.
Fischer says last-minute Warbirds often show stoppers By Laura K. Selenka For Oshkosh Northwestern Media
For Bill Fischer, the planning and advance coordination that goes on all year long can only take
him so far.
minute joiners, they thrill at it.
Months of thoughtful preparation and a steady flow of Warbird commitments provide a good sketch of what things will look like, but, then, patiently he waits, as curious as the rest of us, to see what last-minute add-ons will round out the final picture.
“The ‘last minutes’ tend to be restoration right out of the shop. They are exciting to see…typically the best of the best, brand spanking new, typically some of our award winners,” Fischer said.
The executive director of Warbirds of America explains that not only does EAA welcome last-
Fischer is honored each time someone sets their timer to AirVenture and makes it a goal to complete and reveal their newest work in Oshkosh. “It is really great when people can showcase their hard work and talent,” he said. “New ones always gather a crowd.”
While looking forward to planes that will make surprise appearances, Fischer also highlighted a few “can’t miss” pre-registered Warbirds: • Many of the 2014 Warbird highlights are connected to the celebration of the 100th anniversary of WW I. Four biplanes being brought by the Great War Flying Museum of Canada. Look for the Sopwith 1 ½ Strutter, Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a, Nieuport 28, and Fokker Dr.I. The 1918 Curtiss JN4D “Jenny” is one of America’s earliest fighter planes. A barnCONTINUED ON PAGE 25
THE CONVENTION
AIRVENTURE 2014 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24
Iroquois “Huey” will be featured
stormer from the ‘20s, it was used to train pilots.
in a presentation by Maj. General
• A PB4Y “The Privateer” is a 4-engine navy patrol bomber coming in from Arizona. Fischer calls this one the “marquis aircraft” for 2014 AirVenture.
recipient of a Medal of Honor. He
• Vietnam-era aircraft will be featured at the Wednesday air show, and several helicopters are a must-see. The Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” helicopter and the Bell AH-1 Cobra will be brought by the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation. In addition to the warbirds on display and in the sky, watch the schedule for Warbirds in Review, a show-and-tell type event. This popular annual feature offers several daily presentations that match an aircraft with a speaker of significance to its history or operation. For example, on Wednesday (July 30) at 10 a.m., the Bell UH-1
Patrick Brady, a Huey pilot and a is the author of “Dead Man Flying.” Another highlight is a North American P-51 displayed with owner Tony Beuchler, and veteran Jerry Yellin, who flew in the last mission of WW II. There also will be a Fairey Gannet accompanied by its owner Shannon Hendricks,
veteran
pilot Harry Odone, crew members Ron Stoner and Kirk Hexum, and author Jack Morrissey wrote,
Northwestern file photos.
who
“Stories
from Uncle Jack.” Laura K. Selenka is an Oshkosh-based freelance writer.
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AIRVENTURE 2014
THE CONVENTION
27
World War I replica photos courtesy of the Great War flying museum
Replicas mark anniversary of World War I, military aviation By Laura K. Selenka For Oshkosh Northwestern Media
The 100th anniversary of WW I is an opportunity for AirVenture 2014 enthusiasts to reflect on where flight began, how it evolved and developed into a potent military weapon. “EAA members can appreciate what the advances mean, and how over 100 years people set the stage and the tone for future development,” said Bill Fischer, executive director of EAA Warbirds of America.
began to mass produce them. Fischer explained that in addition to the rapid change in construction of airplanes, this time period also brought many changes to the purposes of airplanes and ways they were flown. For the first time, airplanes could be part of military strategy. The airplanes and the pilots were required to maneuver in new ways, offensively as well as defensively.
He said that EAA members are particularly aware and appreciative of what goes into building a plane and the importance of the technological advances over the years. They also uniquely recognize the importance of increased safety and efficiency.
At center stage in the AirVenture 2014 centennial celebration are seven pre-registered biplanes, with the possibility of more by opening day. Fischer said that most of these have been rebuilt or scaled down to 3/4 or 7/8 scale replicas and built as homebuilts. The few remaining original biplanes are museum bound at various locations. Built of wood and fabric, they are far too fragile to fly.
Aviation was still in its infancy when the war broke out in 1914, but had already made wild advances since the Wright brothers’ original 1903 flight. Airplanes had stronger construction and more powerful engines. Manufacturers
The Great War Flying Museum in Canada showcases one of the nicest collections, said Fischer, and will appear in several AirVenture air shows, including the Thursday (July 31) salute to “A Century of Air Power.”
“They also enjoy getting their aircraft out for the public to view,” he said. The featured biplanes include a Sopwith 1 ½ Strutter, Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a, Nieuport 28, and Fokker Dr.I. The planes were put to use in the war in several ways, including observation in enemy territory, acting as fighters against other aircraft or air devices such as balloons, and trainers for new pilots. The planes will be available for viewing at show center in Boeing Plaza. Concluding Thursday’s WW I theme, the documentary “Millionaires’ Unit of WWI” will be
shown at the evening’s Fly-In Theater. It tells the story of an elite group of pilots who formed a private air militia in advance of America’s entry into WWI. Laura K. Selenka is an Oshkosh-based freelance writer.
THE CONVENTION
28
Oshkosh Northwestern Media
Film legend George Lucas is shown during a screening at the Fly-In theater at AirVenture. Photo courtesy of EAA. Northwestern file photo.
Fly-In Theater a hidden treasure
By Laura K. Selenka For Oshkosh Northwestern Media
Although the Ford Fly-In Theater has been a part of the AirVenture experience for about 10 years, the profile of the event reached a new height last year with a record crowd of about 15,000 attending the advance screening of Disney’s movie “Planes.” EAA Senior Communications Adviser Dick Knapinski said on a regular evening, 4,000 to 5,000 people will partake in the outdoor movie viewing at the theater adjacent to the Camp Scholler area. There is no additional cost to attend, as it is included in the cost of the general admission wrist band. He said Ford Motor Company originally approached EAA coordinators and suggested that they could sponsor an outdoor movie area reminiscent of old driveins. It was an easy decision to
move forward and offer aviationthemed movies to campers and daily guests. Soon, a five story screen was erected, and convention attendees began a tradition of arriving to wind down with blankets, lawn chairs and free popcorn.
“It’s a fun way to gather and enjoy each other’s company at the end of the day,” he said. The format always includes a meaningful introduction of the evening’s featured film, generally lasting about 20 minutes. For the screening of “Planes,” both the director and producer were in attendance to speak to the audience before starting the show. “Aviators love to hear about the history connected to aviation movies,” he said. When piecing together the featured movies and appropriate presenters each convention, Knapin-
ski said the process often brings surprises.
“Sometimes it is a marvelous piece of happenstance and sometimes it is planned,” he said, noting that some authors, directors and celebrities are already planning to attend AirVenture, while others are invited. For instance, when “Apollo 13” was viewed, there was nobody more appropriate to present than James Lovell himself, the real life commander of the NASA mission and AirVenture regular. When “Broken Arrow” took the screen, it was naturally presented by John Travolta, actor in the film as well as pilot and regular convention attendee. However, for anyone wondering about this year’s Saturday feature, “Ender’s Game,” starring long time EAA attendee Harrison Ford, Knapinski pointed out that Ford is currently
involved in the filming of the new Star Wars movie. Knapinski said it would be unlikely that Ford would be there this year to present, but of course is always welcome. Knapinski calls the Fly-In Theater “one of those little hidden treasures. Everyone knows about the big things to do, but there are a hundred other little things.” This year’s Fly-In Theater schedule is as follows, and begins at dusk most evenings, but 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday. Sunday: “Wings” (1927), Monday: “Gravity” (2013), Tuesday: “Star Trek Into Darkness” (2013), Wednesday: “Millionaires’ Unit” (2014 documentary), Thursday: “Man of Steel” (2013), Friday: “Pacific Rim” (2013), and Saturday: “Ender’s Game” (2013). Laura K. Selenka is an Oshkosh-based freelance writer.
THE CONVENTION
AIRVENTURE 2014
Post-war boom planes on display By Laura K. Selenka Oshkosh Northwestern Media
growth, however, was short-lived. Aircraft producers far over-esti-
One week wonder: Built from scratch during convention
Vintage aircraft from the “Post
mated the ability of returning GIs
World War II Boom” are taking a
to prioritize purchasing civilian
turn in the AirVenture spotlight
aircraft over college educations,
this year.
Not only can an aircraft be built
and raising young families amid
from scratch in the span of a week,
war industry layoffs. In 1947, sales
it’s also a task that nearly anyone
topped off at 15,515 planes, and by
can complete.
Max Platts, EAA’s Vintage Aircraft
Association
Administrator,
said this will be exciting for the
1949 sales were down to 3,500.
By Jennifer K. Woldt Oshkosh Northwestern Media
That’s what volunteers with the
many owners of 1946-47 aircraft
“General aviation did take off,”
who are not typically showcased
Experimental Aircraft Association
Platts said. “Just not to the extent
in such a prominent way. Visitors
hope to showcase as part of the One
they had hoped.”
Week Wonder, when a Zenith Kit
will find them in the featured parking area outside of the vintage red barn. During WW II, many men without previous flight experience were turned into skilled pilots. As the war neared its end, civilian aircraft companies anticipated that many of these GIs returning from overseas would want to continue using their new skills and would be looking to purchase personal use aircraft. Platts described American companies as looking forward “with a grand sense of optimism coming out of WWII…everybody is going to
It was also a time of the “light plane revolution” when smaller, lighter aircraft, typically offering 65-85 horsepower were widely available for around a reasonable $25,000. Some former military use
tion.
in every garage.” In 1945, collec-
EAA’s call for “Boom” aircraft at
tive aircraft production in the Unit-
AirVenture 2014 has been strong
ed States shifted from 1,946 early
with about 200 post WW II airplanes
in the year to 33,254 by the end.
expected.
in civilian use.
This staggering
kit is well within their skills and abilities,” said Charlie Becker, the homebuilt community manager for EAA. “We’re hoping to inspire them to consider building an aircraft The two-person, high-wing aircraft is the latest design from Zenith Aircraft Company. Once built, the all metal plane with side-byside seating will be able to cruise at
“Privately-owned aircraft from the east coast…west coast…peo-
115 miles per hour. During the week, teams of vol-
ple are coming out of the
unteers will work on the project,
woodwork,” he said.
showcasing the ease and quick-
Visitors
can
enhance
their understanding of the
Photo courtesy of EAA
that building an amateur built
themselves.”
Platts said that the response to
ness of building an aircraft from scratch.
history of many of these
Zenith Aircraft will oversee the
planes by attending pro-
building process. Teams will each
gramming in the Vintage
have one knowledgeable volunteer
In
where
who will direct the group, along
bleacher seating allows au-
with a couple of experienced build-
diences to listen to presen-
ers who have already built or are
tations with owners, pilots,
building an airplane and a few vol-
veterans and authors.
unteers who are interested in build-
Review
area,
Laura K. Selenka is an Oshkosh-based freelance writer.
aircraft – Becker said organizers hope to get attendees involved. “We’ll try to have all the riveting done by people who wander up to the booth,” Becker said. “We will quickly
ing but don’t have any experience, Becker said.
show
them how to pull a rivet on practice material and then
2014.
erybody who walks on the grounds
sometimes even in unused condi-
With 5,000 rivets – the pieces that hold components together on the
A i r Ve n t u r e
show off to ev-
locate replacement parts with ease,
grounds to get involved.
Square during
affordable.
is that current owners are able to
for those wandering the AirVenture
a tent on EAA
surplus, making aviation even more
over-production of 1940s aircraft,
But there’s still an opportunity
will be built in
“We want to
be able to fly…there will be a plane
In 1946, 81,000 airplanes were
CH750 Cruzer
airplanes could be purchased as
A lasting effect of the temporary
29
they’ll do it on the aircraft.” The goal is to have the aircraft taxiing under its own power by the end of AirVenture. Organizers won’t rush the flight test process, which can’t be completed over “densely populated areas,” which prevents it from being done during AirVenture. Once it’s been cleared for flight, Becker said EAA plans to take it to events around the country to show people that while the project requires some dedication, it’s not a hard project and is within the abilities of anyone. Becker said the tent will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., although some work may take place outside those hours. A web cam also will be set up so those not on the AirVenture grounds can follow the progress. “We don’t anticipate having to work crazy hours,” Becker said. “A kit like this, it’ll take longer to build with more people, but you can put a modern kit together like this in 500 hours.” Jennifer K. Woldt: (920) 426-6676 or jwoldt@thenorthwestern.com.
THE CONVENTION
30
Oshkosh Northwestern Media
Anniversary of Breezy celebrated By Laura K. Selenka Oshkosh Northwestern Media
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the RLU-1 Breezy -N59Y, designed and built in 1964 by Charlie Roloff, Bob Liposky and Carl Unger. They unveiled the eyecatching craft at the 1965 Rockford EAA Fly-in Convention, and to this day it remains one of the most easily identified designs in a crowd. Unger’s son, Rob Unger, describes a typical Breezy owner’s experience. “Whenever you pull up to a pump at an airport, you draw attention. The next thing you know, you’re giving rides, and then you inspire new people. It is exhilarating. I can’t count the number of people I’ve seen that look like ‘Should I be really be doing this?’ and when they get back they don’t want to get off the airplane,” Unger said. With its airy, open cockpit design, there is no wonder why the Breezy captures attention. What the designers also aimed to capture was the imagination of potential pilots and new enthusiasts. “(My father) wanted to introduce aviation to people and advance the
homebuilt movement,” Unger said. “He was always inspired that anyone can build an airplane in their garage.” In 1965, when Unger bought out his design partners and decided to start touring with the unique ultralight, there was no way of knowing that he had discovered what would someday be his legacy. As much as the red-vested Unger has become a part of the iconic Breezy, he is remembered as a man on a mission to share his love of flying by making it welcoming and accessible. By all accounts, that mission was Accomplished, and then some. For instance, when the one-millionth Young Eagle’s flight was flown in 2003, the pilot said his aviation interest was sparked when he was pulled out of a crowd in the ‘60s to receive one of Unger’s flights. Unger died in September of 2013. Rob Unger is leading the movement to honor the place his dad has in EAA and homebuilt history. A broad invitation was extended to all Breezy owners and operators to attend AirVenture 2014 to celebrate the craft’s milestone anniversary. About 15 are expected to partici-
Carl Unger in a Breezy. Photo courtesy of Rob Unger via EAA.
pate in a formation flight with missing man salute, tentatively slated for Wednesday (July 30) at 1 p.m. Many other Breezy owners and supporters are expected to gather this week. Some, from distances such as Germany, Japan, and Africa, are not able to bring their crafts. Those who are able to fly in will receive an “I Flew My Homebuilt” patch at the Homebuilt Headquarters. On Tuesday (July 29) a memorial brick for Unger and the Breezy will be dedicated at the brown arch. The Breezy also will be featured
several times throughout the week at the Homebuilts in Review program hosted at the Homebuilders Hangar. At the Homebuilders Dinner on Thursday (July 31), the first Carl Unger Award for Excellence will be presented. It is fitting recognition for such a unique aircraft. “The Breezy is the closest thing to flying unless you’re flapping your own wings,” he said. “You can ride in a jet, Cessna, or open cockpit like a biplane, but nothing compares to sitting there and hanging yourself out in front of the wing.” Laura K. Selenka is an Oshkosh-based freelance writer.
Osprey to make rare Oshkosh appearance By Nathaniel Shuda Oshkosh Northwestern Media
What’s been described as “one of the world’s most unique
military aircraft,” the MV-22 Osprey Tilt-Rotor, will return after a four-year hiatus at this year’s AirVenture. Although the aircraft appeared at AirVenture 2010, this year will be the first time it will perform its full Level III flight demonstration at the event — one of only nine such air show appearances this year across the country. The Marines MV-22 Osprey has “the speed and range of a turboprop airplane, the maneu-
verability of a helicopter and the
First flown in 1989, the MV-22 is
ability to carry 24 Marine combat
designed for expeditionary assault,
troops twice as fast and five times
raid operations, cargo lifts and spe-
farther than previous helicopters,”
cial warfare, Salinas said. It is able
according to the Marine Corps.
to take off and land vertically and
“It has expanded Marine Corps
can be refueled in-flight.
operations and capabilities,” said
The exact dates of the arrival,
Capt. Melanie Salinas, a Marines
demonstration and departure had
public affairs officer. “It provides
not been determined before print
increased speed (greater than that
deadline. Check eaa.org for specif-
of a helicopter), as well as a much
ics.
longer range, which allows for
Nathaniel Shuda: (920) 426-6632,
greater versatility and mission ac-
nshuda@thenorthwestern.com. @
complishment.”
onwnshuda on Twitter
THE CONVENTION
AIRVENTURE 2014
Teachers’ Day helps foster interest in STEM careers
By Nathaniel Shuda Oshkosh Northwestern Media
31
Patty Wagstaff greets an admirer at AirVenture.
Educators from across the globe are set to participate in the fifth annual Teachers’ Day at AirVenture 2014. The event, set for July 29, is designed to help educators learn about how to use the topics of aerospace and aviation to enhance their teaching and give hands-on experiences to their students, said Debbie Phillips, executive director of Build A Plane, a nonprofit organization that gives students the chance to build airplanes as part of their school’s curriculum. “It’s hands-on experience that really engages kids and especially kids that may not be in the traditional realm of college academics (where) maybe that’s not their forte,” Phillips said. “This is a way to really engage them and get them excited about something and it’s a real-life experience where they can see the product or project.” Among this year’s presenters will be three-time national aerobatic champion and International Aerospace Hall of Fame inductee Patty Wagstaff, who has been an instructor for three decades. She said while pilots often get the fame and the credit, those who work behind the scenes also contribute greatly to the safety and mechanics of the aircraft. “Somebody has to build them, and somebody has to design them,” Wagstaff said. “Aviation is about
teamwork. It takes a lot of people to make an airplane fly. … Whether you’re a controller, pilot, engineer or designer, there’s a competition out there for the best minds. We need to attract those people and let them know what opportunities there are.”
— makes AirVenture one of her favorite events.
aviation is one way to meet those criteria.
“It’s the highlight of our year every year,” Wagstaff said. “It’s right in the middle of the season. … Just seeing how inspiring people get in aviation is the favorite part for me.”
Wagstaff is no stranger to EAA AirVenture, performing at the air show and appearing at the annual event several times throughout the years. She said the welcoming, positive atmosphere of the event — and the Oshkosh area as a whole
With an increasing number of employers saying they want workers who have background and training in science, technology, engineering and math fields, along with the abilities to solve problems and think critically, Phillips said
“I don’t think we realize how much general aviation is a part of our everyday lives,” Phillips said. “I think it’s really important for kids to look at viable options for careers. Teachers’ Day is a really good place for teachers to network with each other … and also find out from aviation industries what kinds of help is available.” Nathaniel Shuda: (920) 426-6632, nshuda@thenorthwestern.com or @ onwnshuda on Twitter
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THE CONVENTION
36
Oshkosh Northwestern Media
(Submitted photo)
The group photo at WomenVenture 2013. Northwestern file photos.
WomenVenture moved to mid-week Women will meet at AirVenture
Women in Aviation President
to get the word out that the field
Wednesday (July 30) at 11 a.m. for
Peggy Chabrian said the power
is about more than just mechan-
More and more women are find-
a group photo at the main show-
lunch has an impressive speaker,
ics or being a pilot. One can be a
ing their passion in the aviation in-
case ramp, followed by the Wom-
Debbie Travis King, who is the
writer, artist, even an accountant,
dustry, and to welcome the grow-
enVenture Power Lunch at 11:30
only female authorized to fly a
she said, and still be involved in
ing group at AirVenture, EAA’s
a.m. at Theater in the Woods.
B-29.
aviation.
By Noell Dickmann Oshkosh Northwestern Media
WomenVenture event was moved to midweek at the convention.
The event is an opportunity
“I think it’s going to be great,
“These are some great careers
for women in aviation
particularly for the young ladies,”
to go into and there a lot of people
to interact with each
Chabrian said. “She’s a dynamic
out there that would like to help
other in one place. It
speaker.”
you get there,” Chabrian said.
is
co-sponsored
by
Women in Aviation International The
and
Ninety-Nines,
both of which are groups that encourage women’s participation in the aviation industry.
In the past decade Women in
Martha Phillips, president of
Aviation has seen more women
Ninety-Nines Inc., said the Wom-
not only learning to fly, she said,
enVenture
but also getting into aviation as
year to year show the growth of
a career field, going into aviation
women in the industry.
maintenance, corporate aviation careers and leadership positions. She said the biggest challenge is
group
photos
from
“When you’re walking around (EAA) it’s obviously more male CONTINUED ON PAGE 37
THE CONVENTION
AIRVENTURE 2014 Wo m e n -
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36
dominated,” Phillips said. “When
Venture
you have [women] all together it
not
shows they are well represented.”
provides
The
Ninety-Nines
37
provides
scholarships to aviation programs and is involved with STEM programs at schools, she said. They work with Girl Scout troops to help them earn their aviation badges and act as mentors to support students both young and old through local chapters. “Just having the support of other women who understand that
a
only gath-
ing
place
for
women
in
er-
avi-
a -
tion, it also
in-
volves girls taking part in
Women
Northwestern file photos.
Soar, You Soar, a program that allows 100 high school-age girls to discover more about aviation and all its possibilities.
yeah, learning to land is hard,” she
The girls, who stay at the Uni-
said. “But just having that person
versity of Wisconsin Oshkosh, are
here to say, ‘I did it and you can
matched with mentors and take
too.’”
part in workshops, flight simula-
tions and more to explore the different paths of the industry. Phillips said she’s seeing more and more young people, like the girls who take part in the program, gain an interest in the different areas of the industry.
“It’s kind of all over the map, whereas one time it was maybe only airline captain,” she said. “But now they’re seeing that there’s a lot of opportunity.” Noell Dickmann: (920) 426-6658 or ndickmann@thenorthwestern.com. Twitter: @ONW_Noell
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy caps ‘Salute to Veterans’ By Noell Dickmann Oshkosh Northwestern Media
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy brings its swinging tunes to AirVenture as the grand finale of a “Salute to Veterans” Friday evening at the main showcase stage. The veteran-focused celebration, hosted by EAA Warbirds of America and Disabled American Veterans, has drawn huge crowds in recent years. The band performs a style of music that’s been passed from generation to generation, almost like family tradition, said Glen “The Kid” Marhevka, who plays trumpet in the band. With hits like “Go Daddy-O” and “You & Me and the Bottle Makes Three Tonight,” the music of the swing revival band is sure to strike a chord with AirVenture attendees of all ages. Marhevka said their style of music crosses both boundaries and generations, and is appealing to all musical tastes. It’s not of one particular genre, nor does it cater
to a specific crowd.
2013.
“We play music that’s appealing to all ages and all walks of life,” he said.
The veterans will depart from Wittman Regional Airport early Friday morning and take a daylong tour of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, the Smithsonian American History Museum and Arlington National Cemetery, before returning to Oshkosh at approximately 6 p.m. There they’ll be welcomed home in a ceremony and the BBVD concert will follow.
Their new album, Rattle Them Bones, has a mix of different musical styles as well as original music. BBVD dabbles with traditional jazz during “Devil’s Dance,” an original song, and covers Randy Newman’s “It’s Lonely At The Top.” Their cover of “Diga Diga Doo,” is reminiscent of Prohibition-era days and the range of songs span from there to the 1960s, he said. Vietnam veterans in northeastern Wisconsin will be able to visit the memorials that honor their service in Washington, D.C., as part of Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight II. The one-time opportunity is organized by Old Glory Honor Flight in partnership with American Airlines. It’s the second year the flight for Vietnam vets is taking place, as the first Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight took place at AirVenture
Marhevka said the band is honored to be a part of the event to honor America’s heroes. “We love supporting the veterans and our troops…and were honored to be a part of cool things like that,” he said. “We’re fortunate to
(Submitted photo)
be a part of it.” The band has played many air shows before that featured airplanes from the past, he said, and they seem to fit right in with the nostalgia of them. “We like Oshkosh a lot and we’re super excited to come and be part of such a great event,” Marhevka said. Noell Dickmann: (920) 426-6658 or ndickmann@thenorthwestern.com. Twitter: @ONW_Noell
THE CONVENTION
38
Oshkosh Northwestern Media
Two rare Fairchild 71s bring rich aviation history to AirVenture
By Nathaniel Shuda Oshkosh Northwestern Media
For Marlin Horst of Bird In Hand, Pa., this year’s AirVenture will be spent entirely on the airfield with his newly restored 1929 Fairchild 71 aircraft. He found it in a stash of museum-quality airplanes at the estate sale of aircraft collector Gene Frank in 2006 in Caldwell, Idaho. Twelve thousand hours and thousands of dollars later, it’s ready for its first AirVenture, said Horst, who has attended the EAA event for about three decades. “I restored it as authentically to the original design and to the original way it would’ve been built in that time,” said Horst, who has logged 35 post-restoration hours so far. The plane originally appeared in a Fairchild sales brochure for the 1928 Hamilton Aviation Fair in Ontario, Canada. It was marketed as corporate transportation. The plane is one of two Fairchild 71s that are set to appear at this year’s AirVenture — and one of only four remaining on the registry.
NEW AND IMPROVED
Photo courtesy of EAA
Owned by Gary Coonan of Bell Buckle, Tenn., the second Fairchild 71 is a 1927 restoration, flown by pilot David Williams, according to the Experimental Aircraft Association. Both Horst’s and Coonan’s aircrafts are rare examples of one of the industry’s first transport and cargo planes, along with their sister aircraft, the Fairchild FC-2W2 light transport, designed to carry
company founder Sherman Fairchild’s aerial cameras. “They were designed to carry his large-format camera and to survey the world, and there was at one point close to 100 planes … doing aerial survey,” Horst said. “Only about 20 or 30 of them were ever used in the personal transportation or commercial (industry).” Many
became
rugged
bush
planes for gold miners who traveled to the Northwest Territory in the 1930s. “There was no navigation equipment whatsoever and very little radio contact,” he said. “Most of the operations were done on skis and floats. It’s an exciting time in aviation history.” Nathaniel Shuda: (920) 426-6632, nshuda@thenorthwestern.com or @onwnshuda on Twitter
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THE CONVENTION
AIRVENTURE 2014
Desert designs bring Mojave themes to AirVenture 2014
39
By Derek Paulus For Oshkosh Northwestern Media
In the aviation community, the term Mojave doesn’t relate just to a desert in the western United States. It also refers to the experimental aviation hot spot in Mojave, Calif., from which several aircraft will travel to AirVenture this year. The homebuilt aircraft will be flying into Oshkosh on Monday (July 28) with their pilots traveling as a group. Many of the airplanes are Burt Rutan designs, including the Catbird flown by Zach Reeder and two Long-EZs flown by Ben Harvey and Dustin Riggs. Other aircraft include a Glasair II-S FT flown by Doug Dodson, a Wasabi Siren Formula One racer piloted by Elliot Seguin and a Tango 2 operated by Justin Gillen.
Photo courtesy of EAA
The group is connected through their interest in these experimen-
Reeder’s Catbird is the other
different mission in building and
with the group are perhaps the
aircraft built to break records.
flying his Tango 2, which was sim-
most interesting. The Long-EZs
“The aviation community is in-
After existing as a hollow shell
ply to get out of the desert and beat traffic. He has nicknamed
will be easy to pick out of the pack
tense and super tight knit,” Reed-
for years, Rutan promised to give
er said.
the Catbird to Reeder as long as
the aircraft the “Tango Time Ma-
he was able to rebuild the plane
chine.”
tal aircraft.
Burt Rutan founded his company Scaled Composites, which specializes in aircraft design, in Mojave. Seguin said Rutan’s decision to set up shop in Mojave is a big reason for the area becoming a popular place for experimental aircraft. Seguin will be bringing his Wasabi Siren to AirVenture for the first time this year and it will be the aircraft’s longest flight yet. The airplane was designed and built by Seguin and Jennifer Whaley for racing.
and fly it in time for that year’s AirVenture, which was offering a tribute to Rutan.
“It fit the vision pretty much exactly,” he said. Though Gillen said he has trav-
as they have a propeller in the rear of the plane, rather than the front. When parked, the aircraft can be found sitting on its nose rather than on the landing gear.
After acquiring the aircraft,
eled all the way to Baltimore, this
Gillen said he has flown in Har-
Reeder said he took up Rutan on
year’s trip to Oshkosh will be his
vey’s Long-EZ and helped Seguin
his claim that filling the seats up
longest nonstop flight in the air-
with gas would allow the plane to
with his racing. He said the group
craft.
is “just a bunch of guys coming to-
achieve particularly long flights. Reeder added four additional gas tanks to the airplane.
According to the group’s online blog for the trip at OshkoshNonstop.blogspot.com,
titled
MoV-
In April, he successfully set
enture, Gillen has worked on a
a new world record after flying
15-gallon auxiliary tank for his
5,000 kilometers at 211 mph in the
Tango 2.
Catbird. The flight took 16 hours. Gillen, however, said he had a
When it comes to looks, however, the pair of Long-EZs flying
gether.” As their online blog describes, it’s “just a couple of weird airplanes trying to go to Oshkosh.”
Derek Paulus is an Oshkosh-based freelance writer.
40
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AIRVENTURE 2014
THE CONVENTION
Chapman and Noll add new twist to airshow
By Derek Paulus For Oshkosh Northwestern Media
Air show performer Matt Chapman and pilot Frank Noll will combine their interests in formation and radio controlled flying to give crowds a show at AirVenture this year. The duo will perform formation stunt flying, with Chapman piloting inside his CAP 580 and Noll keeping his feet on the ground to maneuver his Extra 300 RC model. The RC aircraft is a 43 percent scale model of the original that Noll built himself. Noll introduced the idea to Chapman, who said he questioned whether it would work. “I was extremely skeptical… I didn’t think it would look like anything,” Chapman said. For spectators below, the two aircraft look to be right next to each other. The reality, however, is that the pair are separated by several hundred to a couple thousand feet at any given time. Chapman said he has the easy
job, but things aren’t as simple for Noll. “Frank (Noll) has the hard job because he is mirroring me and having to follow what I do,” Chapman said. The two pilots communicate over the radio to coordinate maneuvers. Chapman takes the lead role and tells Noll what maneuver he will perform and when he is about to execute it. Noll said this can be tricky at times because of the delay in radio communication. Chapman, who is a former U.S. Aerobatic Team member, and Noll, who is the founder of Extreme Flight Championships and a pilot himself, are experienced enough to perform this type of flying. Noll said they have done these shows a couple dozen times. See the air show schedule at eaa.org for performance dates and times. While experience as a pilot can be a benefit when learning to fly larger scale RC models, anyone can take up the hobby and learn to fly, Noll said.
“Almost any city in the country… will have a modeling club,” he said. “Anyone can go out there and check it out.” Some local clubs near Oshkosh include the Valley Aero Modelers and the Winnebago RC Flyers. Noll said many local groups can help provide the guidance and training necessary to learn how to fly these aircraft. While a larger model like Noll’s Extra 300 could cost tens of thousands of dollars, Chapman said anyone could get involved at a price of around $100 to $180, with the average price for an RC model ranging from $1,000 to $1,500. In recent years, safety and privacy concerns have increased over the use of unmanned aircraft, or drones. Chapman said the use of these aircraft by the military makes sense. “It’s the direction that technology is taking aviation,” he said. While RC aircraft have been used for some time, modern designs have given these aircraft a
41
new look. Chapman said some current designs have created multi propeller electric drones. “Model airplanes…have evolved tremendously,” he said. Flying model aircraft does not require approval by the Federal Aviation Administration, according to its website. Certification by an aero modeling community based organization is required, however, for any models that weigh more than 55 pounds. Chapman said additional community-based regulations for aero-model aircraft operation is an issue under discussion in the aviation community. He said he has even been invited by the International Council of Air Shows to sit in on a round table discussion of the subject. “I’m sure everybody will use common sense in whatever guidelines are created,” Chapman said. Derek Paulus is an Oshkosh-based freelance writer.
Photo courtesy of EAA
42
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