Information on EAA Chapter 1310, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, and General Aviation

July 2008Monthly Archives

Oshkosh Day 2

The big event was the first public demo of the Martin Jetpack. The “Jetpack” is actually a ducted fan system, similar to the “Any-Time-Now” Moller SkyCar. It actually sounds like a big leaf blower. However, the Martin unit actually flies. A few hundred people were expected at Aero-Shell Square for the demo, but thousands showed up for a glimpse. The pilot flew a few feet off of the groun. A more extensive demo is expected later in the Wednesday airshow. In fact, the Jetpack was heard early this morning about 7:30 AM.

XCOR demonstrated a Rocket Racer. The modified Velocity aircraft that uses a liquid oxygen and kerosene fuel. The plane made a flame about 15 feet long, and sounded like an acetylene torch. The engine is turned on and off as necessary during flight-fuel permitting. It will fly again during the airshows on Friday and Saturday.

It looks like people aren’t letting the high fuel costs keep them away. The North 40 camping area is full.

Oshkosh Day 1 Events

While we’re not at AirVenture this week, reports from Oshkosh through EAA’s email notices, and EAA Radio are reporting quite a bit. A power transformer explosion at the north end of the field yesterday cut off power for a while, and a large plane was parked in the line-of-sight of their microwave link.

The biggest arrival was the Boeing Dreamlifter. It’s landing was held up a bit since the Harrier demo ran a bit late. That distracted the audience of the Foreigner concert.

The announcement that Vern Rayburn was being forced out as President of Eclipse Aviation by its investors was probably the biggest surprise of the day.

Today the much awaited jet pack will be flown. Representatives were up at 1 AM today doing a live prime time report for a station in New Zealand.

More Events and Activities Scheduled for EAA Oshkosh (Airventure)

SPECTACULAR WARBIRD ACTIVITIES ALL WEEK

WarbirdThe annual warbird activities include five warbirds air show performances during the week (every day except Thursday, July 31 and Sunday, August 3), with a 60-minute demonstration on Tuesday, July 29, and the “Warbird Spectaculars” on Friday, August 1, and Saturday, August 2. In addition, a full schedule of the popular “Warbirds in Review” programs with World War II veterans, current aircraft owners and other warbird authorities will take place throughout the week.

The hundreds of warbirds expected at Oshkosh include an all-star roster of the best-known World War II-era aircraft, including B-17 “Flying Fortress,” B-24 “Liberator,” B-25 “Mitchell,” P-51 “Mustang,” P-38 “Lightning,” F4U “Corsair,” and many others. Some of the world’s top aviation museums and collections, such as the Commemorative Air Force, Lone Star Flight Museum and Cavanaugh Flight Museum, have warbirds participating at EAA AirVenture that complement the current military aircraft on display.

The schedule of guests at the Warbirds in Review programs held in the EAA AirVenture warbirds area is also an unmatched gathering. Such legendary pilots as Bob Hoover, Bud Anderson, Doolittle Raiders, Paul Poberezny and others are among the presenters at these informal and intimate sessions held each day at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

  • Top warbird aviators are featured in the regular AirVenture forums series and at the special EAA AirVenture Museum “Speakers’ Showcase” programs throughout the week.
  • The Warbird Spectacular air show performances on August 1-2 feature the full pyrotechnics and recreations
  • World War II re-enactors with military vehicles present on the grounds
  • A special concert on Friday night, August 1, at EAA’s Theater in the Woods in conjunction with the Disabled American Veterans, featuring actor Gary Sinise’s “Lt. Dan Band.”
  • At non-air show times, the warbirds area is open for visitors to view the aircraft and talk to the owners and pilots of these airplanes, which are among the few remaining airworthy examples of these historic aircraft.

AFFORDABLE WAYS TO ATTEND AND ENJOY EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2008

Discounts on fuel along the route to Oshkosh, ride-share programs, airline discounts and onsite camping are among the ways AirVenture-bound travelers can make their trip even more valuable and affordable. The 56th annual edition of the EAA fly-in convention is July 28-August 3 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

It’s easy to find out more about each of these economical ways to enjoy EAA AirVenture through the www.airventure.org website, the comprehensive guide to help plan, attend and fully enjoy the event. Among some of features available are:

  • EAA’s Rideshare Program gives a pilots and drivers the opportunity to share expenses with someone looking to ride along to Oshkosh, or if you are seeking a ride, the chance to find someone with a spare seat who is willing to share their journey to Oshkosh. Find out more at www.airventure.org/rideshare.
  • Fuel discounts for EAA members flying to or coming home from EAA AirVenture. These special prices for fuel and, at many locations, special amenities for aviators, are available in the “Special Offers for Pilots” area at www.airventure.org/2008/flying
  • Airline discounts for EAA members are available through Midwest Airlines and Northwest Airlines. These discounts are available with exclusive discount codes available in the “Airline Discount” area of www.airventure.org/2008/flying.
  • The best and most economical way to enjoy the culture of the event known around the world simply as “Oshkosh” is by camping right on the grounds – either next to your airplane or in the drive-in Camp Scholler area. Camping is just $20 per night and puts you among fellow aviation enthusiasts for an unmatched experience. Another low-cost option can be private housing and room rentals that are always available during AirVenture. Find complete accommodation options at the “Planning/Where to Stay” area of the www.airventure.org website.
  • Merchandise and food discounts for EAA members on the grounds. Just show your EAA membership card and receive 10 to 30 percent off on most items at designated EAA merchandise locations. Special EAA-member pricing is also available on selected menu items at food locations throughout the site.

AMENITIES, SERVICES AVAILABLE TO VISITORS AND CAMPERS

  • Wheel & Sprocket’s “Mobile Bike Shop” has extended its hours during AirVenture from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day from July 26 to August 4. More than 100 individual services for attendees using bicycles in and around Camp Scholler are being provided
  • This year, OfficeMax is offering a discount to EAA members, as well as office supplies, faxing, and copying to all exhibitors and attendees. A five percent discount is available for EAA members on all OfficeMax products at the event and throughout the entire year at all OfficeMax locations.
  • Shipping services are available for the first time through GES, accepting all properly addressed inbound letters and packages (including camping gear) from UPS, DHL, FedEx, and more.
  • FedEx is making its debut this year at AirVenture. It will provide campers and attendees with only an outbound shipping service.
  • Gander Mountain is also making it easier for campers to have access to cots, tents, cooking equipment, lanterns, toilet paper, ponchos, and lawn chairs. These services are provided in Camp Scholler
  • The Internet Café returns with 20 online stations in the EAA Welcome Center, where EAA members can check email while at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Member Village Camper is another Internet café offered to EAA members in the campgrounds. EAA members and attendees can also use 10 WiFi access points available throughout the grounds free of charge.

ROCKET RACING LEAGUE TO UNVEIL COMPETITION
Several flight demonstrations planned throughout week

Rocket RacingThe flight activities at EAA AirVenture will begin on July 29 with a single-ship demonstration to open the afternoon air show. On August 1-2, the first full demonstrations of the Rocket Racing League concept are planned, using large outdoor screens to showcase how competitors will fly a “raceway in the sky” via in-panel and 3-D helmet displays during actual competition. The flights will also highlight the aircraft and engine technology innovations that make this new competition possible.
Along with the public aircraft unveiling and demonstration flights, the Rocket Racing League is scheduled to make several other presentations throughout the week, including an evening program at EAA’s Theater in the Woods on Monday, July 28. During these presentations, the Rocket Racing League will present the “inside story” on the creation and development of this entirely new concept in aerial competition.
More information on the Rocket Racing League is available at www.rocketracingleague.com.

WORLD’S FIRST PRACTICAL JETPACK TO BE LAUNCHED

After 27 years of research and development, the Martin Jetpack will be launched at 9.30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29, at AeroShell Square on the EAA AirVenture grounds.

“Such a flying machine has been part of our imagination for decades, highlighted by science fiction movies such as “Buck Rogers” more than 75 years ago and by military attempts to produce a practical jetpack in the 1950s,” said the jetpack’s developer. “We have worked for nearly 30 years to develop this jetpack and are very much looking forward to unveiling the technology at Oshkosh.”

The developers of the “World’s First Practical Jetpack” state that their innovation is distinguished by a unique, patented technology. Capable of flying 100 times longer than the Bell Rocket Belt of the 1960s, it uses regular gasoline and complies with FAA Ultralight regulations.

‘Hints for Homebuilders’ Video Segments to be Taped

Homebuilders with hints and tips on aircraft building techniques will have an opportunity to volunteer and become a part of the popular videos of Hints for Homebuilders online video series. Homebuilders can send their tips, as well as the dates they will be at AirVenture and a contact phone number, to info@eaa.org. EAA will then contact the homebuilder and set a videotaping time during this year’s fly-in.

Among other events highlighting aircraft construction during EAA AirVenture 2008:
• The achievement of 30,000 certified experimental amateur homebuilt aircraft in the United States will be recognized by EAA in the “30,000 & Climbing” celebration

  • Workshops throughout the week for those considering building an aircraft or for homebuilders wanting to learn more to enhance their skills. These mini-workshops are patterned after the highly successful EAA SportAir Workshops held throughout the year across the country.
  • The Homebuilt Review will give homebuilders another opportunity to showcase their aircraft, but in the air. Between 15 and 20 homebuilt aircraft will fly in review during each of the sessions.
  • Homebuilders can share camaraderie during the annual Homebuilders Dinner on Thursday, July 31, at 6 p.m. at the EAA Nature Center.
  • The prestigious gold “Lindy” award will again be awarded to the Grand Champion Kit Built and Plans Built aircraft during AirVenture, with other aircraft awards also announced at the end of the event.

V-22 ‘OSPREY’ TILTROTOR AIRCRAFT

V22 OpsreyThe V-22, developed jointly by Bell and Boeing, is the world’s first production tiltrotor aircraft. It is flown primarily by the U.S. Marine Corps and is designed to serve effectively on missions that had been covered by either helicopters or twin turboprop aircraft. The two Ospreys are scheduled to arrive at EAA AirVenture on Monday, July 28, during the event’s opening-day air show, and remain until Friday, August 1. The appearance will feature both flight demonstrations and ground displays of the aircraft, which are based at the Marine Corps Air Station in New River, N.C.

The U.S. Navy and Air Force also operate the V-22, which is designed for missions ranging from assault transport and search-and-rescue to special operations uses. The versatility of the Osprey allows it to take off and land similar to a helicopter, then turn its rotors 90 degrees to serve as a high-speed turboprop airplane. Its wings also rotate for compact storage aboard ships.