Highlights Of EAA Airventure 2004 Air Sept. 23 On Discovery Wings Channel

The sights, sounds and personalities of the world's greatest aviation gathering, the Experimental Aircraft Association's annual EAA AirVenture fly-in, speeds into the homes of television viewers during an hour-long special on the Discovery Wings Channel that premieres Thursday, Sept. 23, at 2000 (Eastern Time).

The one-hour special, titled "Oshkosh 2004: The Next 100 Years," was produced in association with EAA Television. It features the highlights of EAA AirVenture 2004, held July 27-August 2 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, and marks the fifth consecutive year the Discovery Wings Channel has brought the excitement of EAA AirVenture to TV audiences. Included in the programs are some of the attractions that brought nearly 700,000 visitors and 10,000 airplanes to the 52nd annual EAA gathering, which featured the theme "Launching the Next Century of Flight."

"We're very pleased that we can bring the unique aviation celebration that is EAA AirVenture to Discovery Wings Channel viewers again this year," said EAA president Tom Poberezny. "This program gives those who were at Oshkosh this year the chance to re-live those great experiences, while it brings the event closer to those who could not join us this year, but know that EAA AirVenture is the place where the world of flight comes together each year."

Among those EAA AirVenture 2004 highlights are visits with Mike Melvill, the world's first private spacecraft pilot; an attempt to break a nearly 60-year-old altitude record for a piston-engine airplane; innovations large and small in the world of flight; and stunning displays by some of the world's finest aerobatic performers.

"Discovery Wings Channel and EAA share common goals: To celebrate the wonder of flight, to explore the amazing technological advances in aviation and to provide information to private pilots and anyone interested in aviation," said David Karp, senior vice president and general manager of Discovery Wings Channel. "By combining our joint expertise, 'Oshkosh 2004: The Next 100 Years' will bring television viewers the best of this event in an entertaining and informative way."

Many of the features of the one-hour special, plus additional footage and interviews, will be part of EAA's expanded video review of the event. That video is anticipated to be available in VHS video and DVD formats from EAA Membership Services, starting in November.

FMI: www.eaa.org