Aviation Events 

EAA AirVenture 2011 Packed With Special Events, Tributes

jetguy , ,

Even three months before the official opening of EAA AirVenture 2011, tremendous excitement has already been generated by some of the featured programs and attractions scheduled for “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.”

Confirmed events for the 59th annual EAA fly-in convention, which takes place July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, include:

* Week-long commemoration of the Centennial of Naval Aviation, featuring unique aircraft attractions, appearances, and forums. AirVenture, which has been classified a Tier 1 event by the U.S. Navy for its year-long celebration, will feature “Navy Day” on July 27.
* Themed tribute days to aviation icons Burt Rutan (July 28) and Bob Hoover (July 26), featuring aircraft and aircraft maneuvers they made famous.
* The return of the widely popular Night Air Show and Daher-Socata Fireworks & Wall of Fire on July 30, capping off a “Super Saturday” filled with activities for the entire family.
* An unmatched gathering of new innovations of electric-powered aircraft as part of eVenture, featuring the $60,000 Electric Flight Prize contestants showcased in action.

Featured entertainment this year includes three concerts: REO Speedwagon for the opening day concert on July 25, presented by Ford Motor Company; actor Gary Sinise and the “Lt. Dan Band” on July 29, presented by the EAA Warbirds of America and Disabled American Veterans; and country star Aaron Tippin on July 30, as part of Commemorative Air Force’s “Red, White & Loud Tour” that will bring the world’s only airworthy B-29 Superfortress, FIFI, to AirVenture as well.

Those concerts are included with AirVenture admission, as are other features to be announced and the nightly Fly-In Theater presented by Ford Motor Company and supported by Hamilton Watches.

Advance purchase admission tickets at a discounted rate as well as camping for all dates are now available at www.airventure.org/tickets.

EAA AirVenture annually draws participants from more than 70 nations and in excess of 10,000 airplanes, including more than 2,500 showplanes. The event includes 700 exhibitors with the latest aviation innovations; nearly 1,000 forums, workshops and seminars covering the entire world of flight; daily afternoon air shows featuring the world’s finest aerobatic performers; up-close sessions with top aviation personalities; and the gathering of aviation enthusiasts from around the globe.