EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008 'Keeps 'Em Flying' With Spectacular Warbird Activities All Week

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (June 10, 2008) - One of the world's largest annual reunions of warbird aircraft and dozens of associated activities are again among the highlights of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008 this summer at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. The 56th annual edition of EAA AirVenture, "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration," will be held July 28-August 3.

The 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.

"Warbirds enthusiasts know that EAA AirVenture is the place to see an unmatched gathering of these magnificent restored aircraft," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. "We know that the warbirds area and programs are among the most popular attractions for attendees during the event, and thousands of people plan their visits to include the warbirds' flying activities."

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.

Other warbird-related highlights include:

• 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 complete schedule of speakers is available in the "Attractions" area of the www.airventure.org website;

• The Warbird Spectacular air show performances on August 1-2 feature the full pyrotechnics and recreations that have proven to be popular visual treats for AirVenture attendees;

• World War II re-enactors with military vehicles present on the grounds, who also participate in the Warbird Spectacular air show segments;

• 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." This show is open to all AirVenture visitors with their admission wristband.

• 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. The warbird public areas are cleared 15 minutes prior to engine start-up for each day's air show for safety considerations, but re-opens after all warbird aircraft have returned and have been shut down.