Our goal is to promote and encourage the preservation and safe operation of ex-military aircraft, better known as Warbirds.
These wonderful aircraft are an important part of our aviation heritage. Please join us in our efforts to “Keep ‘Em Flying!”
Learn more about the benefits of membership in EAA Warbirds of America!
Too Early for EPA to Make Fuels Assessment
GA Avgas Coalition maintains more data needed before decision
August 30, 2010 — The Environmental Protection Agency currently does not have sufficient data to make a determination on lead emissions from aircraft engines, according to GA Avgas Coalition comments submitted by EAA and other aviation and petroleum associations to the Environmental Protection Agency on Friday.
The comments, submitted to the EPA’s “Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking,” were jointly signed by EAA and AOPA, GAMA, NBAA and NATA, as well as the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association (NPRA). It was the next step in what will be a multi-year process to replace 100 low-lead with an unleaded fuel for general aviation. (Read more)
August 24, 2010 - The Key West International Airport (KEYW) in Florida is having their first ever Southernmost Open House & Aviation Review (SOAR) on Saturday, February 5th, 2011. It’s being produced by a new 501(c)3, non-profit called, Friends of the Airport (FOTA).
We need static display aircraft with a high “cool” factor (every aircraft associated with the Warbirds!). If any of your members are interested in putting their aircraft on display for the day, they can contact us for more details.
Soar will include aircraft static displays, aviation exhibitors/vendors, flight opportunities, and tours of the new terminal. Please note SOAR is NOT an air show, NOR is it a fly-in; limited ramp space will not allow it. Our web site is http://monroecofl.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/MonroeCoFL_Airport/soar/SOAR. Or they can email us at info.kwiasoar@yahoo.com. (Read more)
FIFI Flies Again!
Only Flying B-29 Completes Successful Test Flight
August 5, 2010 —It’s been a long, challenging effort, but Thursday morning (August 5) it all paid off for the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) as its Boeing B-29 Superfortress FIFI returned to flight for the first time since 2004. After more than four years of work, FIFI lifted off the runway at Midland, Texas, just before 9 a.m. for a 39-minute flight.
“It is an emotional day at the CAF for our volunteer-members and staff,” said President Stephan Brown. “There were more than a few tears of joy shed by those who have worked over these past few years to see FIFI fly again. Today is a new beginning for this historic warbird.
“Thanks to the dedication of our members and the support of Jim Cavanaugh, the B-29 can once again return to telling the stories of the men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.”
Paul Stojkov, CAF Colonel and one of the B-29 pilots, exclaimed, “She ran like a top. It’s a very special day. A lot of us have been waiting for this for four and a half years. We have to thank everyone involved for their help in getting her to this point.” (Read more)
EPA Tells General Aviation AVGAS Coalition it is Committed to Working with Industry
Agency sets no deadline for reduction of unleaded avgas
July 28, 2010—The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Monday told the General Aviation Avgas Coalition that it will work with the general aviation industry and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as the government and the industry seek a safe, viable alternative to the current formulation for aviation gasoline, which uses a lead additive. The commitment to work with industry came in a written response to several questions submitted to the agency by the avgas coalition.
In a letter from Margo Tsirigotis Oge, director of the EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality, the agency told the coalition, “EPA has not established or proposed any date by which lead emissions from aircraft operating on leaded avgas would need to be reduced. In fact EPA does not have authority to control aviation fuels.” (Read more)
Rod Hightower named EAA President
Third president in organization's history; Poberezny to remain chairman
EAA today named longtime pilot and EAA member Rod Hightower, EAA 357443, as the incoming president of the association. Hightower was introduced by current chairman and president, Tom Poberezny, during his opening day remarks. A press conference will be held at 3 p.m. today at Press Headquarters on the AirVenture grounds.
Hightower, a Texas native, has a distinguished career in business leadership. His career spans more than 25 years of business management for manufacturing and industrial companies. He has led both U.S. and international operations with as many as 2,300 employees and annual revenues of as much as $470 million. (Read more)
"FAA Safety Center Oshkosh 2010 Forum Schedule July 26 - August 1"
Topic: EAA AirVenture FAA Safety Forum, Multiple seminars. See attached individual event for details at www.faasafety.gov
On Monday, July 26, 2010 at 8:30 AM
Location:
FAA Safety Center
3120 Knapp Street
Oshkosh, WI 54901
Select Number:
GL1332685
Description:
Starting July 26, 2010 there will be forum seminars on aviation related subjects presented in the air conditioned FAA Aviation Safety Center during the entire EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010 event. See individual events for details and Wings credit information. You can search for individual events by entering the Select number in the Courses Seminars & Activities, Find Seminars, Seminar Search screen at www.faasafety.gov
To view further details and registration information for this seminar, click here.
The sponsor for this seminar is: Great Lakes FAASTeam
The following credit(s) are available for the WINGS/AMT Programs:
n/a
Click here to view the WINGS help page
The new WINGS–Pilot Proficiency Program is great! Check it out now!
B-29 FIFI Cleared for Flight
July 7, 2010 – Midland, TX. -On Tues. July 6, 2010, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an Airworthiness Certificate allowing the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) B-29 Superfortress crew to begin Phase I flight-testing.
Phase I flight-testing will begin in the afternoon on Fri., July 9 and continue through Sat., July 10. During these test flights, the B-29 crewmembers will be required to depart Midland International Airport for unpopulated areas. Upon returning from the flights, the crew will need to dismantle areas of the aircraft in order to review the aircraft’s performance and safety.
On Mon., July 12, the B-29 will be in flight for crew training. This is the perfect opportunity for community members to join the CAF in celebrating FIFI’s return to flight. During these training exercises the B-29 crew will be performing “touch-and-gos” at Midland International Airport. *
The CAF Airpower Museum will open its doors at 7 a.m. on Mon. July 12 for visitors who would like to get a front row seat for FIFI’s pre-flight preparations and flight. Visitors to the museum will be ushered to the main hangar for an up-close view of the crew preparing this massive bomber for flight. Once FIFI begins to head for the runways, visitors will be escorted to a prime viewing area, to witness the B-29’s crew training. (Read more)
Classic Jets Add to Impressive Warbirds Lineup
July 2, 2010 - A variety of classic military jets, including the North American T-2 Buckeye, are among the hundreds of warbirds to be showcased at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010.
Other jets scheduled to appear are a North American F-86 Sabre, Douglas A-4B Skyhawk, Lockheed T-33 T-bird, Aero L-29 Delfin and L-39 Albatros, Cessna T-37 Tweet, as well as the debut of a civilian-flown British Sea Harrier at AirVenture.
The T-2 Buckeye, which first flew in 1958, served as a jet trainer aircraft produced for the U.S. Navy to conduct basic jet flight training for future Navy and Marine Corps aviators. The aircraft helped train more than 11,000 students from 1959 to 2004, after which it was replaced by the McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk. The Buckeye was officially retired in 2008. (Read more)
Veterans: Share and Preserve Memories with Timeless Voices at AirVenture
June 25, 2010 - All veterans carry a story within them that deserves to be told. All of them have personal experience of serving and defending our country. The sacrifices. The selflessness. The heroism.
Thousands of veterans, from World War II to the modern day, will be honored during the week-long "Salute to Veterans" commemoration at EAA AirVenture 2010.
Through EAA's Timeless Voices of Aviation, veterans attending AirVenture 2010 will be able tell their stories of service and give others a glimpse into their time spent preserving our freedom.
The mission of Timeless Voices, the official oral history program of the EAA, is to assure that the first-person memories of aviation's development are preserved for future generations of family members, teachers, students, historians, and others. (Read more)
WWII Honor Flight at EAA AirVenture 2010 Will Bring Veterans to Memorials in D.C.
June 24, 2010 - EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (June 24, 2010) — EAA, American Airlines, and the Honor Flight Network have joined together to give World War II veterans the opportunity to visit the powerful memorials dedicated in their honor with an Old Glory Honor Flight departing from EAA AirVenture 2010.
The Old Glory Honor Flight is one of hundreds activities comprising the week-long “Salute to Veterans” commemoration at “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” which is being held July 26-August 1 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
On Thursday, July 29, the special American Airlines yellow-ribbon 737 aircraft, “Flagship Liberty,” will fly approximately 80 World War II veterans from the AirVenture grounds to Washington, D.C. After a reception greeting them at Reagan National Airport, the veterans will be taken on a day-long tour of memorials honoring the sacrifices they made preserving freedom, including the World War II Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Air Force Memorial, and the Vietnam Wall. (Read more)
Pilots Caught in Middle of Conflicting Federal Rules
June 21, 2010 — EAA is working to remedy a situation where conflicting rules written by two different federal agencies will soon place pilots in a precarious position – being in compliance with one but not the other.
On June 15 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released for publication a change to 47 CFR Part 87 that will "prohibit the certification, manufacture, importation, sale, or continued use of 121.5 MHz emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) other than the Breitling Emergency Watch ELT." Meanwhile, the FAA in 14 CFR Part 91.207, stipulates that U.S.-registered civil airplanes are required to have an approved automatic type emergency locator transmitter in operable condition attached to the airplane. The FAA does not specify either 121.5 or 406 MHz, but the overwhelming majority of aircraft are equipped with 121.5 MHz units, meaning they would be in violation of federal law when it goes into effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
EAA is working with fellow aviation associations to prevent this action and exploring all avenues of action to address this rule before it goes into effect.
"This regulatory change would impose a substantial and unwarranted cost on general aviation," said Earl Lawrence, EAA vice president of industry and regulatory affairs. "And this also creates a burden for the GA community and those ground-based rescue units that continue to use the 121.5 frequency to perform searches and save lives." (Read more)
Lt. Dan Band, Asleep at the Wheel Highlight Theater in the Woods Evening Programs
June 18, 2010 - A vast array of concerts and informative programs once again highlight the Theater in the Woods lineup in 2010, including performances by two popular musical acts on AirVenture's final weekend.
Actor and veterans advocate Gary Sinise returns with his "Lt. Dan Band" on Friday, July 30, for a concert sponsored by EAA Warbirds of America and the Disabled American Veterans. It's the second EAA visit for bassist Sinise, who is best known for his role as Vietnam veteran Lt. Dan Taylor in the classic film, "Forrest Gump," and as star of the hit TV series "CSI: New York." Coming off a widely popular AirVenture appearance in 2008, the Lt. Dan Band covers everything from Bruce Springsteen to Linkin Park, Aretha Franklin and Jimi Hendrix.
That's just a start to the weekend jams at the Theater in the Woods. The legendary band Asleep at the Wheel begins the final evening on Saturday, July 31, with its unmatched mix of Americana, blues, country, and western swing. Led by Ray Benson, the Austin, Texas-based band has a loyal following everywhere it plays. Its most recent album, "Willie and The Wheel," recorded with Willie Nelson, was nominated for Best Americana Album at the 2010 Grammys.
Sign Up for EAA Military Trainer Fantasy Flight Camp
June 18, 2010 - Through the Military Trainer Fantasy Flight Camp, September 24-26, participants have a rare opportunity to fly in the only remaining airworthy PT-3 - plus take a second flight in the famed "pilot maker," the North American T-6. Flights include pre-flight briefings on the aircraft and their controls. EAA's own pilots and instructors will perform the take-off, demonstrate in the air how the controls work - and then it's your turn! Sign-up now at www.fantasyflightcamp.org.
Fokker Dr.1 Arrives at Pioneer Airport
June 18, 2010 - Another WWI replica aircraft made an early arrival for AirVenture this year as a Fokker Dr. 1 landed at EAA's Pioneer Airport in Oshkosh Wednesday, June 16. The triplane is a replica of the German airplane used during WWI and owned by the Vintage Aero Flying Museum, of FT Lupton, Colorado. It will be one of five of VAFM's World War I era replicas that will participate in AirVenture this year, and joins Jack Kerbey's S.E.5a in Pioneer's Pitcairn Hangar. (Read more)
AirVenture Presentations Schedule is Now Online
Hundreds of AirVenture presentations, forums, workshops, speakers, programs, and more are now listed on the EAA AirVenture website, allowing users an efficient way to advance plan their visit to Oshkosh next month. The comprehensive online guide is continuously updated — right up to and during the convention, scheduled for July 26 - August1 at Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh. Ultimately more than 1,000 events and in excess of 500 presenters will be listed.
The online schedule also allows users to make and save a personal itinerary today and make revisions in future visits. The database allows you to search by date, title, type, presenter, location, or keyword. There's even a special link for use with smart phones.
While the advance planning tool is now available, a new, easier-to-use format is also in the works, so we encourage you to re-visit the site for updates. If you have questions or comments about the schedule, please contact Mark Forss at mforss@eaa.org.
B-17 “Flying Fortress” Bombers to Mark Aircraft’s 75th Anniversary During EAA AirVenture 2010
June 16, 2010 — EAA Aviation Center, Oshkosh, WI.— At least four of the remaining airworthy Boeing B-17 “Flying Fortress” aircraft will be on hand to commemorate the legendary World War II bomber’s 75th anniversary during EAA AirVenture 2010. “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” will be held July 26-August 1 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
Only about a dozen of the iconic aircraft remain airworthy anywhere in the world, including EAA’s “Aluminum Overcast” that brings aviation history to the public through national tours. Already confirmed to join it at AirVenture for the week-long “Salute to Veterans” is “Texas Raiders,” “Thunderbird,” and “Yankee Lady” to honor the exact 75th-anniversary date of the B-17’s first flight – July 28, 1935. Numerous events throughout the week will celebrate the B-17’s legacy in aviation.
“These magnificent warbirds gathering in one place will mark this special occasion in a memorable way,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA chairman/president and AirVenture chairman. “As we celebrate the B-17’s 75th anniversary, we honor these living links with aviation’s past and a reminder of the sacrifices of the young men who flew them.” (Read more)
Tuskegee Airman, Historian William Holloman Passes Away
Lonely Eagle William H. Holloman, III
August 1924 - June 2010
6/16/2010 - The Seattle area funeral services for Lt. Col. William H. Holloman, III, are scheduled as follows:
FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2010 at 2:00 PM (PDT)
Marlatt Funeral Home
713 Central Ave N
Kent, Washington 98032
(253) 852 2620
www.marlattfuneralhome.com
We hope to announce a memorial celebration for Lt. Col. Holloman at the Museum of Flight in Seattle at a date and time yet to be determined. Check the website: www.museumofflight.org
The St. Louis area funeral services for Lt. Col. Holloman are scheduled as follows:
MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2010 at 11:00 AM (CDT)
St. Alphonsus Catholic Church
1118 North Grand Blvd
St. Louis, Missouri 63106
Interment will be at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery:
MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2010 at 1:00 PM (CDT)
Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery
Market St & S Tucker Blvd
St. Louis, Missouri
(Read more)
D-Day Paratroopers at Appear at C-47 Warbirds in Review Program
One Served in 'Band of Brothers' Easy Company
June 10, 2010 - EAA Warbirds of America is pleased and honored to announce that D-Day veterans Col. Ed Shames and 1st Lt. Fred Bahlau will be presenters at the popular Warbirds in Review Program during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010. Col. Shames and Lt. Bahlau will participate in the C-47 presentation at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 27, at the new Scotts Warbirds Alley aircraft display area. They'll join crew members of the C-47 Tico Belle, a C-47 with documented log book time of flying missions on D-Day, Operation Market Garden, and the postwar Berlin Airlift. (Read more)
Warbirds Salute Veterans During Daily Oshkosh Air Shows
June 11, 1010 - Historic warbirds will dazzle audiences and salute the veterans who flew them as part of the daily air shows at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010. As part of the week-long "Salute to Veterans" commemoration, the warbirds' legacy from various eras will be celebrated in themed afternoon air shows. Highlighting the week will be the "Max Effort" air show on Tuesday, July 27, honoring the 75th anniversary of the DC-3/C-47 through formation flights and aerial displays.
"Seeing these legendary warbirds take flight is sure to be a memorable experience," said Bill Fischer, EAA Warbirds of America executive director. "Spectators will gain an appreciation for the veterans who piloted them and get a glimpse into their history and aerobatic flying capabilities."
Other themed air shows include classic warbird jets and Vietnam War-era warbirds as well as solo aerobatic performances that will close AirVenture on Sunday, August 1. (Read more)
Airborne Pilot Deviations- FAAST Notice
Notice Number: NOTC2333
June 7, 2010 - Airborne pilot deviations (PDAs) have occurred too often in the past and are generally not decreasing at an acceptable rate. Pilot deviations include failure to follow ATC instructions with regards to altitude, airspeed, and course instructions, along with airmen operating in airspace without appropriate clearance. Many other in-flight FAR violations are also categorized as airborne pilot deviations. These deviations have strong potential to lead to problems, including a reduction of safety, a slowing of capacity and FAR violation actions towards those airmen involved. A focused FAASTeam and industry collaborative mitigation strategy is in place that has resulted in a slight reduction in the number of pilot airborne deviations nationwide, which is a good thing. However the Western Pacific Region has two of the top ten states--California and Arizona, so we still have work to do.
PDAs can be broken down by the following phases of flight: Airspace violations; Altitude clearance violations; Course clearance violations; FAR's not complied with; Airspeed violations; Required equipment not operating; VFR flight into IFR; Careless or Reckless operation; Pilot not qualified for aircraft or flight conditions; Unauthorized low level flight. (Read more)
Two Rare WWII Axis Fighter Aircraft Participating At EAA AirVenture 2010
June 1, 2010 — Two extremely rare World War II fighter aircraft – a German Focke-Wulf Fw190A-9 and Japanese Model 21 Zero – are the latest additions to an impressive lineup of warbirds presented during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, which will be held July 26-August 1 at Wittman Regional Airport.
Both Axis airplanes will be on display during the week at the new “Scotts Warbird Alley” showcase in the Warbirds area, and will also appear together at the convention’s final Warbirds in Review program set for 1 p.m. Sunday, August 1. (Read more)
EAA AirVenture Ready to Welcome All DC-3 Owners, Operators, Enthusiasts
Changes clarify roles in 75th anniversary celebration
May 28, 2010 - Some recent changes to the upcoming DC-3/C-47 75th anniversary celebration at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010 will ensure that this program, one of the anchor events at this summer's fly-in, will honor all those who have been associated with this venerable airplane through the years. Read more
EAA Warbirds of America Announces New Program Letter Templates
May 13, 2010 - EAA Warbirds of America frequently receives calls from members seeking advice on writing their “program letters.” Owners of experimental-exhibition category aircraft including warbirds are required to submit “program letters” to the FAA, both upon initial certification and on an annual basis. These program letters outline how and when the aircraft will be used for exhibition purposes. Read more
FAAST Blast - May 06, 2010
Biweekly FAA Safety Briefing News update Notice Number: NOTC2273
EPA Issues Proposed Rulemaking for Leaded Avgas
On April 28, 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM), the first step in a process that may lead to standards mandating GA’s transition to unleaded avgas. This action allows the public to comment on the current data being considered to develop standards to control lead emissions from piston-powered aircraft.
Avgas is the only remaining transportation fuel in the United States that contains lead. FAA is committed to continue working with the GA community to test, adopt, and certify a new aviation gasoline fuel standard. In addition, FAA established a GA alternative fuels program at the FAA Technical Center to continue research of unleaded aviation fuels and has issued many supplemental type certificates (STCs) to allow aircraft with lower-performance engines to operate with unleaded automobile gasoline. Read more
EAA AirVenture Partnership with ScottsMiracle-Gro Improves Event Site, Enhances “Oshkosh Experience”
Commitment Also Provides Expertise on Care of Grass Airstrips
May 7, 2010 - Through EAA’s new multi-year partnership with The ScottsMiracle-Gro Company, aviation enthusiasts attending EAA AirVenture Oshkosh will see expanded Warbird facilities and general aviation displays in 2010.
The ScottsMiracle-Gro partnership with EAA will create the “Scotts Grass Strip,” which surrounds a newly expanded area for Warbirds aircraft and presentations. In addition, during EAA AirVenture, “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” on July 26-August 1 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Scotts will extend its expertise with aviators and airport owners worldwide.
Scotts’ world-leading research and expertise in turf management will be shared to benefit enhanced growing and care of grass airstrips, not only at AirVenture and the EAA AirVenture Museum’s Pioneer Airport, but also through “How To” sessions for EAA members during the AirVenture. EAA will host grass airstrip webinars and other events for members throughout the year. Read more
