EAA AIVATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (July 29, 2009) -
For the first time, the Airbus' corporate owned A380 flight-test version of the world's largest passenger aircraft, opened its doors for walk-through tours of the main deck and full-length upper deck. The self-guided tours started today as thousands experienced firsthand the inside of this flight-test aircraft. The tours continue tomorrow from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and on Friday from 9 a.m.-12 noon.
Besides the Airbus tours, the flight crew gave a presentation on the technical aspects and flights of the aircraft. Test pilots Terry Lutz and Claude Lelaie also spoke of their experiences as both private and commercial pilots.
Once again, the flight line was surrounded as aviation enthusiasts watched the special air show highlighting Warbirds, including the T-28s celebrating their 60th Anniversary. EAA and the Warbirds of America have worked together to honor the North American T-28 Trojans with special activities, including this commemorative air show. Other air show performances included Matt Chapman, John Klatt and Julie Clark, who added fireworks to her aerobatic maneuvers.
This evening's entertainment includes famed actor, EAA Young Eagles Program Chairman, and aviation enthusiast, Harrison Ford, as he introduces Six Days Seven Nights tonight at the Fly-In Theater at 8:30 p.m. The Fly-In shows feature films nightly on an outdoor movie screen, five stories tall.
Thursday's agenda includes arrivals of an Air Force "Red Bulls" T-38 Laughlin, C-130J Rhode Island Air National Guard and a Navy T-34. The air show will be filled with exciting acts by the Red Bull aerobatic helicopter and Patty Wagstaff, the first woman to win the U.S. National Aerobatic Championship, and more. A highlight will again be the flight of Virgin Galactic's launch vehicle for commercial space flight, WhiteKnightTwo VMS Eve.
EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2009, which runs through August 2, is "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration" and EAA's yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket purchase, is available through the World Wide Web at www.airventure.org. EAA members receive the lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org.TOMORROW'S HIGHLIGHTS:
- Showcase flying (approx. 2 p.m.): A-10 Heritage Flight, WhiteKnightTwo VMS Eve
- Afternoon air show, 3:30 p.m.
- Gathering of Eagles fundraiser, AirVenture Museum
- Theater in the Woods evening program, Tuskegee Airmen, 7:30 p.m.
- Fly-In Theater, Bat*21, 8:30 p.m.
