It may still be over nine months away, but it’s not too soon for the folks in Oshkosh — or for aviators around the world — to be planning and working and thinking about EAA AirVenture 2009. The date has already been set — July 27 to Aug. 2 — and so far several highlights have been announced. WhiteKnightTwo, the carrier ship for the new SpaceShipTwo space tourism vehicle, is expected to fly in; participants from the five visits of British Airways’ Concorde to Oshkosh are planning a reunion; and aviation’s humanitarian role around the world will be recognized. Special programs saluting international aviation anniversaries and homebuilt aircraft are also being developed. Comedian/ventriloquist Jeff Dunham, who is also an experienced helicopter builder and pilot, drew a crowd of about 10,000 last summer, and he’ll be back next year, with a show on Saturday, Aug. 1. More special guests and events will be announced as the schedule fills up.
The AirVenture Web site features information for visitors, including admission rates, housing, forum presenters, special attractions and more. “At EAA AirVenture, we often see and hear about the big events, such as the one-of-a-kind aircraft or the new innovations in flying,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. “But more important, in one week this is where the whole, true spirit of aviation comes together to celebrate the world of flight.”
