OMG! Only 19 Days To Oshkosh!

The Experimental Aircraft Association tells ANN the organization is particularly proud of the collection of aircraft scheduled to headline the features and attractions that make EAA AirVenture Oshkosh "The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration." The EAA's 56th annual fly-in takes place July 28-August 3 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

From the smallest ultralight to enormous cargo aircraft, the Oshkosh flight line is the place to see the entire world of flight. Every year, several new aircraft also make their debut at EAA AirVenture, which is regarded as THE place to see aviation innovation unveiled.

"It has been said that if an aircraft has flown, is flying or will fly, it will eventually make it to Oshkosh," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. "That diversity of aircraft makes EAA AirVenture a place like no other to discover and explore the passion for flight in all of its unique forms. It also allows AirVenture participants to make the event as large or small as they want -- they can try to see as much as possible or focus on their own particular favorites."

This year's aircraft lineup is deep and diverse, with some late commitments still being confirmed. It includes new aircraft from both commercial and general aviation, popular military airplanes of today as well as classic warbirds, and magnificently restored vintage airplanes from the early decades of aviation. Among the headline aircraft already confirmed for EAA AirVenture are (list is subject to change without notice):

• Boeing 747-400 LCF Dreamlifter: Making a 24-hour stop at EAA AirVenture, this colossal modified 747-400 aircraft is one of only three in the world. The Dreamlifter features a significantly enlarged fuselage allowing it to carry more cargo by volume than any airplane. It is scheduled to arrive late on Monday, July 28, and depart on Tuesday, July 29.

• Goodyear blimp: This always popular aircraft is making its second straight appearance at Oshkosh. It will be flying over the AirVenture grounds throughout the week and will be moored at Pioneer Airport behind the EAA AirVenture Museum.

• USAF F-22 Raptor: This state-of-the-art fighter jet dazzled Oshkosh audiences for the past two years and will be demonstrating its unmatched aerial capabilities on July 31-August 3.

• US Marine Corps V-22 Osprey: The unique tiltrotor aircraft will be making its first AirVenture appearance with flying demonstrations and ground displays July 28-August 1.

• Boeing 40 airliner: The only one of its type flying in the world, this 1929 aircraft is making its Oshkosh debut after a lengthy restoration process that brought a long-lost airplane back to life.
• U-2 reconnaissance aircraft: Lockheed's two-place TU-2S version of the well-known "spyplane" will be on display for visitors to see up-close.
• Modern military aircraft: The lineup is still building, with aircraft such as the F-18 Hornet, F-16 Fighting Falcon, T-38 Talon, and HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter already committed to the event.

• Amazing innovations: The flight debut of the Rocket Racing League, the premiere of the Martin Jetpack, the ICON light-sport aircraft, and alternative-fuel aircraft will be featured.
• Fast and furious: The Nemesis NXT Speed Blast attempts to set a world record while the Red Bull Aerobatic Helicopter does things one normally won't see with a helicopter.

"Each airplane at EAA AirVenture adds its own story to the event and helps make this aviation's annual family reunion," Poberezny said. "This aircraft lineup will make 2008 a year to be remembered at Oshkosh, so come enjoy all of these airplanes and more this year."

FMI: www.airventure.org