Heads-up Airventure 2012

[krislhull]

Anyone interested in flying to Airventure cross country in the Harpoon as part of the crew for a tax deductible donation? We are looking for 6 "crew members" to make a donation to help pay for fuel, oil, really cool rental house, and cars. Figure two days over and two days back, with a week at Airventure. She will be painted, turret in, and stations up and running by then. You will have all access, and really cool people to hang out with!

It will cost a pretty penny to get her there, so the donation amount is a little spendy, but tax deductible. It's really the only way we can get her there! Just think the REWARD for that donation level will allow you to fly in to Airventure in a sweet Warbird!

I am putting together a list of interested parties, so PM me and I will share all the details!


Thanks Ken

I think you need to have a photographer along to document the journey... In that case, I submit my name for consideration... But sadly, there would be no chance of that... Would love to do it, but would be much to costly for me at the moment...

[Zachary]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ENJOY STEVE MILLER BAND’S LEGENDARY ROCK JULY 23 AT EAA AIRVENTURE 2012 OPENING NIGHT CONCERT
‘Fly Like an Eagle’ and ‘Jet Airliner’ among classic hits by Wisconsin native’s group
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (March 8, 2012) — The Steve Miller Band, which has been rocking audiences for two generations, will bring its high-energy show to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh on Monday, July 23, for the popular opening night concert, presented by Ford Motor Company.
The concert is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., following the opening day’s air show, and is included with AirVenture admission for that day. The 60th annual edition of EAA AirVenture, “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” is July 23-29.

Steve Miller, a Wisconsin native, founded the band in San Francisco in the mid-1960s and first hit the charts big time in 1973 with the No. 1 hit “The Joker.” Since then, his group has sold more than 30 million records featuring such unforgettable hits as “Fly Like an Eagle,” the No. 1 hit “Rock’n Me,” and “Jet Airliner.” The band’s songs remain staples on classic rock radio, even as Miller has continued to expand his musical horizons with highly regarded blues and jazz albums.

“In less than a decade, the opening night concert at EAA AirVenture has become such a staple that one of the most common questions we receive all year is, ‘Who’s playing opening night at Oshkosh?’” said EAA President/CEO Rod Hightower. “The Steve Miller Band will put on a great show on July 23, and thanks to the support of Ford Motor Company, will get the week off to a tremendous start.”

More information about the band is highlighted at http://www.stevemillerband.com.

The opening day concert at EAA AirVenture, along with Ford Motor Company’s support of the nightly Fly-In Theater, is among the experiences embraced by Ford and EAA to enhance the annual EAA AirVenture convention. Ford will again construct a unique one-of-a-kind vehicle up for auction at the Gathering of Eagles fundraiser during AirVenture, plus support a raffle vehicle. These annual actions have generated more than $1.5 million for Young Eagles. Ford also offers exclusive discounts on Ford Motor Company vehicles for EAA members.

“Ford is proud to be part of EAA AirVenture for more than a decade,” said Kevin Keling, Ford Corporate Events Manager. “We’re pleased to build and expand relationships with EAA members and AirVenture attendees. We’re very happy to support EAA and this great event in a variety of ways, including bringing top entertainment such as the Steve Miller Band to ‘The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration’.”
About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at http://www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit http://www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at http://www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.

[bmoran]

2012 will be my first time at Oshkosh. Don't know what to expect, but I hope for LOTS of warbirds.

[bdk]

A friend of mine had her baby at Oshkosh during the show. They did get her to the hospital though so the baby wasn't actually born on the field. I think the kid will be about 20 this year and hasn't missed one yet.

A couple years ago there was some girl who was still in her moms belly so she'll always be able to be at one more than her actual age. Now that's a fun statistic!

[spookythecat]

A friend of mine had her baby at Oshkosh during the show. They did get her to the hospital though so the baby wasn't actually born on the field. I think the kid will be about 20 this year and hasn't missed one yet.

A couple years ago there was some girl who was still in her moms belly so she'll always be able to be at one more than her actual age. Now that's a fun statistic!

Close enough!

[The Inspector]

Steve Miller, who now lives directly West of me on Lopez Island in the San Juans (and owns a big piece of the island too along with Pat O'Day, GOOGLE Pat he is an amazing guy. Among his other accomplishments, he started a little thing that grew into Ticket Masters).
Paul Rogers (Bad Co.) also lives in the area and occasionally Steve and Paul will call in a couple of huge name rock buddies and show up @ a local casino/showroom and do an opening set for a touring act as some made up named group and donate the fees to charity.
Sounds like 'Good Rockin' Tonight' @ OSH

[Zachary]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EVERY DAY IS A HIGHLIGHT AT EAA AIRVENTURE 2012!
Special activities set for each day of 'The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration'
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (March 15, 2012) — EAA AirVenture Oshkosh lives up to its role of “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” once again in 2012, as each day has highlights for the most hardcore aviator as well as those who are just discovering all the attractions within the wonderful world of flight.

The 60th annual edition of EAA AirVenture is July 23-29 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
The action actually begins before the event with mass arrivals of various aircraft from throughout the country and around the world. In addition, AirVenture’s keynote celebrations are scheduled throughout the week to offer spectacular activities every day. Those include:
• Sunday, July 22 (special pre-event program): Salute to EAA Founders Paul and Audrey Poberezny: 60 years of aviation excellence
• Monday, July 23: 40th anniversary of Van’s RV Aircraft; opening night concert with Steve Miller Band
• Tuesday, July 24: 75th anniversary of the iconic Piper J-3 Cub
• Wednesday, July 25: The Greatest Generation in the Air, with salutes to the Doolittle Raiders and
Tuskegee Airmen
• Thursday, July 26: Jet Day! with special flight activities and air show performances
• Friday, July 27: Salute to Veterans, honoring those who have served and sacrificed, and those
currently on active duty
• Saturday, July 28: Super Saturday, including the fabulous night air show and other activities
• Sunday, July 29: Family Day, a great day to bring the whole family for lots of flying and the world’s
greatest aircraft departure show

Additional highlights and information for each of the days will be announced as they are finalized. Along with the daily highlights, the sights and sounds of the EAA AirVenture flight line will fulfill the dreams on any aviation enthusiast’s “bucket list,” including thousands of aircraft, hundreds of forums, presentations and workshops, and the world’s largest aviation marketplace. Tickets are available in advance at http://www.airventure.org.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at http://www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit http://www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at http://www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.

[Zachary]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


‘TORA! TORA! TORA!’ RE-ENACTMENT COMING TO EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2012 AIR SHOW
Featured as part of final weekend’s aerial highlights
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (March 22, 2012) — The “Tora! Tora! Tora!” aerial re-enactment of the events of December 7, 1941 – one of the most dazzling warbird air show performances flying today – will be part of the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh afternoon warbird shows for the first time this summer. The 60th annual EAA AirVenture fly-in convention – known as “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” – will take place July 23-29 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

“Tora! Tora! Tora!” is a re-creation of the attack on Pearl Harbor, staged with the volunteers and aircraft of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) that include ground operations, maintenance, pilots and pyrotechnic experts. Its purpose is to create a dynamic history lesson about the event that propelled the United States into World War II. The re-creation is usually the feature performance at air shows throughout the nation, complete with professional narration, pyrotechnics and dozens of World War II-era aircraft.

The “Tora! Tora! Tora!” performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, July 27-28, the final weekend of EAA AirVenture. It is part of a weeklong schedule of the world’s finest air show performers showcasing their abilities in all-star displays that many air show fans put on their aviation “bucket list.”

“The ‘Tora! Tora! Tora!’ performance is a spectacular aerial event that is coming to Oshkosh, but it is more than that,” said Jim DiMatteo, EAA vice president of AirVenture features and attractions. “The incredible flying and pyrotechnics reinforce the story behind the events of December 1941 that forever changed the course of world and American history.”

The “Tora! Tora! Tora!” air show began in 1972 following release of the movie by the same name. It is not intended to glorify war, but rather those born after World War II better understand that war does not discriminate in the pain it inflicts on people of both sides. The CAF has worked with U.S. and Japanese veterans to ensure an accurate and realistic portrayal of the events at Pearl Harbor. The show has received some of the most prestigious awards bestowed on air show performers, including the Art Scholl Award for Showmanship from the International Council of Air Shows.

The “Tora! Tora! Tora!” performances and all air show activities are included with AirVenture admission. Advance tickets, camping and other AirVenture items can be purchased at http://www.airventure.org.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at http://www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit http://www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at http://www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.

[Mike]

"dozens of World War II-era aircraft."

Surely hundreds? Sometimes even thousands!

[bmoran]

"dozens of World War II-era aircraft."

Surely hundreds? Sometimes even thousands!

Dozens take place in the Tora-Tora-Tora act. Not having been to Oshkosh before, I hope your assesment of hundreds or thousands of WW II Warbirds is accurate!

As for Tora-Tora-Tora, it is a firmly implanted memory from Geneseo when my dad would bring me in the late 80's, early 90's. The heat and action is immense. They even had Fuddy Duddy performing circuits standing in for the formation of Fortresses that was expected that morning. I was really drawn in to all the pyrotechnics and aircraft when my attention turned to the right to see Fuddy Duddy on approach. To my horror, I only saw one main gear extended. I pointed it out to my father who exclaimed that damaged B-17s sometimes landed on one wheel. My poor father didn't initially realize that I now thought they were going to land Fuddy on one wheel as part of the "show"! What a waste of a B-17 (my most favorite plane at the time)!. It took a lot of reassuring from my father that everything would be alright and sure enough, Fuddy just did a one wheel touch and go.

[Zachary]

Not warbirds, but this still sounds kind of cool.

http://www.airventure.org/news/2012/120410_teamrv.html

[Nate_Burrows]

Noticed this last week and didnt think it was going to happen, but today i noticed it listed in the AirVenture email that was sent out...but the Brazilian Smoke Squadron will be at Oshkosh this year! http://www.esquadrilhadafumaca.com.br/a ... dario.html

[Dan K]

According to her airshow schedule, FIFI is returning to OSH in 2012.

Other CAF warbirds scheduled so far include the Dixie Wing's P-51 "Ol' Red Nose" and SBD, Great Plains Wing P-51 "Gunfighter", MN Wing P-51C Tuskegee Airman, and the Tora birds, of course.

I am sure it will be a great show, but so far I haven't seen anything planned that really gets me excited for Oshkosh this year. I was there in 2010, and I hope to go in a future year again, but I will probably wait to see something planned to make the expense of the trip worth it (like a visit from the restored to flying Lufthansa Starliner and Airline History Museum Super Connie or something like that).

[Dan K]

I am sure it will be a great show, but so far I haven't seen anything planned that really gets me excited for Oshkosh this year. I was there in 2010, and I hope to go in a future year again, but I will probably wait to see something planned to make the expense of the trip worth it (like a visit from the restored to flying Lufthansa Starliner and Airline History Museum Super Connie or something like that).

I hear what you're saying, but it sounds like you're making the assumption that only announced "good stuff" arrives at OSH.

OSH still remains the #1 annual deadline for restoration efforts--at least in the US. Consider the number of times you've heard or read that a shop or individual is targeting the Airventure of a certain year as a project's "coming out party". I'm not sure I can thoroughly explain this phenomenon, I just take advantage of being surprised by the unexpected.

Sometimes the "surprise" isn't even a completed project. How many of you older farts (like me) can recall the buzz generated by Rudy Frasca'a Mk XIV Spitfire remains lying out by warbird row? How about the excavated remains of "Glacier Girl"? Gerry Beck's and John Muszala's Mustang recreations? The year Lex dragged the F3A remains over?

I am about as jaded an airshow goer as it gets, but that's really what OSH remains very good at: surprises.

So, what will "surprise" this year? Jean-Marie Garric's Potez? AAS A-36? Somebody's Mossie? Your guess is truly as good as (if not better than) mine. Certainly a considerable amount of midnight oil remains to be burned in 3 months.