Mass Arrival First Of The Festivities Planned Throughout The
Week
One of the iconic general aviation airplanes of the past
half-century, the Piper Cherokee, will be honored this summer at
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, "The World's Greatest Aviation
Celebration," at Wittman Regional Airport on July 26-August 1.
The four-place, low-wing airplane has been a staple at general
aviation airports since its introduction in 1960. The original
design has undergone several evolutions since that first year, but
it remains a recognizable part of the flight training and
recreational flying world.
At AirVenture 2010, a mass arrival of 50 aircraft will kick off
the golden anniversary event, with other activities and programs
included for Cherokee owners and enthusiasts throughout the week.
All Piper Cherokee clubs and owners groups are invited to
participate in the activities.
"There are just a few airplanes that are instantly recognizable
as part of the flying community at nearly every airport, and the
Piper Cherokee is among them," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president
and AirVenture chairman. "The design has been a part of
aviation history for those learning to fly, enjoying the freedom of
flight or using an aircraft as part of their business. In
addition, more than 250,000 young people have been flown in
Cherokees as part of EAA's Young Eagles program. With that superb
legacy, we are eager to give all the Cherokee aircraft and
enthusiasts a warm welcome at Oshkosh next summer."
File Photo
The historic mass arrival of Cherokees on Friday, July 23, just
before AirVenture's opening day, is being organized by the
Cherokees2Osh group and has already filled its maximum of 50
aircraft. Of course all Cherokee owners and pilots are
welcome to participate in all the other festivities.
The Cherokee received its type certificate from the Federal
Aviation Administration in 1960 and was first shipped to the
marketplace in 1961. More than 30,000 Cherokees and their
direct descendants, the Piper Warrior and Arrow, have been built
over the past 50 years.
"There's no better place to bring together the greatest number
of Cherokees for the airplanes' 50th anniversary than Oshkosh,"
said Terry Hocking of Nashwauk, MN, who is a lead organizer of the
celebration. "The Cherokee has been an important part of the
aviation community for the past 50 years, so we're looking forward
a great reunion of aircraft and people at AirVenture in 2010."