RTX SUBSIDIARY PRATT & Whitney brought its Boeing 747SP test bed to Oshkosh as part of the company’s global centennial celebration, commemorating 100 years since its founding in 1925. The 747SP is expected to be here until Thursday, July 24, o ering attendees a rare opportunity to tour this iconic flying test bed.
Pratt & Whitney began operations in 1925 with the invention of the R-1340 Wasp engine, which revolutionized military and commercial aviation. The 1940s saw more
innovation as the company powered several era-defining aircraft for the Allies in World War II and began exploring jet propulsion.
The Boeing 747SP (for special performance) is a shortened version of the 747 airliner that features a longer range than its full-sized counterpart and is powered by four Pratt & Whitney JT9D engines. Only 45 such aircraft were produced, with Pratt & Whitney owning the only two that are currently airworthy. The test bed variant features a fifth engine mount separate from the four main powerplants located below
the wings. This extra engine configuration allows for testing engines in real-life weather conditions. Since 2001, Pratt & Whitney’s test beds have completed more than 1,400 ground runs and flight tests using 71 di erent experimental engines.
“Pratt & Whitney has always pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in flight,” said Maria Della Posta, president at Pratt & Whitney Canada. “Bringing our 747SP to Oshkosh isn’t just about showcasing a unique aircraft — it represents how our legacy of innovation
continues to shape the future of aviation. As a proud EAA AirVenture exhibitor for more than 15 years, we’ve valued every opportunity to connect directly with pilots, operators, maintainers, aviation enthusiasts, and OEM partners who share our passion for flight.”
In addition to the airplane, RTX’s booth — located in Aspen Avionics Exhibit Hangar B — will showcase throughout the week Pratt & Whitney Canada’s iconic PT6 engine cutaways, as well as Collins Aerospace’s technologies.
TOP STORY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE SWARTZ
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW ZABACK
OSHKOSH MOMENTS
AirVenture 2025 Volunteers of the Year
BY ANGELA SATTERLEE AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF
GARY BAKER, EAALifetime 251742, a retired airline pilot from Medina, Ohio, has selflessly given his time and expertise to EAA and Chapter 846 for the past 32 years.
Just a few of his contributions include coordinating Young Eagles flights and flying more than 175 kids, serving on the Homebuilt Aircraft Council, holding positions as president and treasurer of Chapter 846, and volunteering as EAA flight advisor and tech counselor.
Dedicated to his mission of bringing people into the aviation community, he’s put in countless hours, never giving up, but he realized it wasn’t a one-man task.
Gary said he noticed that the more e ort and time he invested in his chapter, the more he understood the power of teamwork. As more people began to participate, Chapter 846 experienced significant growth in numbers, including younger future pilots.
Reflecting on this, Gary explained: “An individual can’t do everything. You might have a vision for what you think you’re going to be doing, but when you get more people involved, more good things happen.”
“It just goes back … to keep introducing people [to aviation],” he said.
Michael Dooley , EAA 834638, grew up in the Midwest. At age 9, a Civil Air Patrol airplane ride sparked his passion for flying. He began saving for flight training, earning his private certificate in 1973 and an instrument rating in 1983.
After serving 30 years in the Army, which limited his flying opportunities, Michael joined EAA upon retirement to rekindle his passion for aviation.
“When you start volunteering and you kind of find out all the things that go on behind the scenes to make it happen and to be a part of that, it’s just pretty incredible.”
— Tim Popp
“I did a restart in aviation in 2007 and joined Chapter 91 … and went to AirVenture for the first time,” he said. By 2010, he was fully volunteering and eventually became chairman of the Homebuilt Headquarters and served as chapter president for six years.
Michael believes strongly in what EAA can do for others and loves being a part of that.
“I think it’s a chance to give back to what, in my mind, is a very special organization,” he said. “The opportunities are amazing right now for young people in particular to get involved in aviation and aerospace. And so, anything that I can do to help further that mission makes me feel good if I’m doing it.”
Tim , EAA Lifetime 317633, and Liz Popp , EAA Lifetime 1486815, are one of EAA’s husband/wife power couples and have been since 1988 when they attended their first AirVenture together. Since 1993, they’ve dedicated their time volunteering and are most known for their work with vintage aircraft judging.
Their commitment to EAA goes beyond just volunteering; it’s about being a part of a community and
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contributing to something they love. For the past few years, they’ve arrived in May and stayed through September living on the grounds, far away from their hometown in Arizona, immersing themselves in their work. Whether it’s helping out with Vintage, South Maintenance, facilities, convention admin, or something else, they always go where they are needed, spending hundreds of hours to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Liz’s willingness to contribute is evident. “Whatever they need me to do, if I can physically do it, I’ll do it. I don’t [mind],” she said.
Tim said he enjoys being part of the behind-thescenes work that goes into AirVenture.
“Anybody that comes the first time, just they have no idea what they’re in for. And that’s just coming to the show,” Tim said. “Then when you start volunteering and you kind of find out all the things that go on behind the scenes to make it happen and to be a part of that, it’s just pretty incredible.”
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AROUND THE GROUNDS
Innovations Day
BY ANGELA SATTERLEE AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF
THROUGHOUT BOEING PLAZA, air shows, and exhibits at AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, the newest innovations in aircraft will be on display. Each Tuesday of AirVenture EAA celebrates Innovations Day, sponsored by Airbus, specifically to highlight the newest and most innovative technologies in aviation.
There’s a lot of technological development these days focused on electric and hybrid aircraft, uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), both autonomous and remotely piloted, and VTOL for personal transportation. Here are a few of the companies that will be showcasing their latest developments this year:
American Drone
American Drone is an agriculture company using UAS to distribute products to support American growers. They provide protection for crops through pest control, plant propagation, and crop health
monitoring using drone technology. American Drone will perform spraying demonstrations using unmanned aircraft on Tuesday.
BETA Technologies
Based in South Burlington, Vermont, BETA Technologies is an aerospace company manufacturing electric aircraft, designing aircraft for the cargo, medical passenger, and military aviation industries. The company has also developed a network of chargers that can supply power to their aircraft and other electric vehicles. BETA will be bringing their two flying models that will be showcased in their exhibit, on Boeing Plaza, and during their flight.
MagniX
MagniX’s Harbour Air retrofitted de Havilland Beaver seaplane will be in their exhibit and in Boeing Plaza. First taking flight in Vancouver, Canada, the
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PAGE 4 / INNOVATIONS DAY
Beaver was the world’s first to fly as an all-electric commercially focused aircraft. MagniX developed an electric-powered Robinson R44 and completed the first piloted flight by a hydrogen-electric helicopter.
Pivotal
Pivotal will be attending AirVenture with their most popular design — the BlackFly. It’s an American electric-powered VTOL personal air vehicle designed by Canadian engineer Marcus Leng. It was publicly revealed in 2018, after nine years of development. The BlackFly is the world’s first ultralight fixed-wing, allelectric, vertical takeo and landing aircraft and the first ultralight VTOL to be sold to customers complete and ready to fly.
Starlight Aerial Productions
Starlight is known for their stunning drone light shows, including providing the drones for the AirVenture night shows on Wednesday, July 23, and Saturday, July 26. They use their drones to create captivating performances, turning visions into reality and synchronized to music for an immersive experience.
Longtime FAA employees Tim Fitzgerald, EAA 1462033, and Boyd Martin, EAA 1509012, now work at EAA to help put together Innovations Day each year.
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PAGE 6 / INNOVATIONS DAY
“Innovations Day is yearly every Tuesday; it’s when EAA tries to showcase new technologies as it relates to airplanes flying,” Boyd said.
Tim agreed, “There’s always a lot of innovations at Oshkosh, certainly in the displays and exhibits.”
There will be displays of the new and innovative aircraft, but EAA is also making efforts to showcase technologies that may have been around for a while, but you just don’t see very often, like the Goodyear blimp.
“Everybody knows the Goodyear blimp, but there’s just not that many flying,” Boyd explained. “So, we try to take the opportunity to showcase … rarely seen technologies.”
Both Tim and Boyd emphasized the fact that the EAA audience is a little di erent from your average air show crowd. Tim said that the EAA crowd is very intelligent when it comes to aviation.
“It’s a very intelligent crowd around aviation, homebuilt, experimental, and as well as trying to make flying as a ordable for the everyday person,” Boyd said. “And so, I think it’s always important to show them where the industry is going, not just from a performance [view], but from industry, from technology.”
Check out these special aircraft and more in their exhibits, on the plaza, or in the air throughout the day!
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GARY DANIELS
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INDUSTRY AND FAA CHART NEW COURSE FORWARD FOR FLIGHT TRAINING
National Flight Training Alliance
DURING THE LEAD-UP to and the development of the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act, an e ort was made by mem bers of the flight training industry, including the National Flight Training Alliance (NFTA), to include language mandating an update of 14 CFR Part 141 by the FAA to modernize the regulatory framework concurrent with industry need and future requirements.
The overall purpose of this e ort was to modernize an outdated regulatory system that would focus on improving operational efficiency, embracing emerging technology, and improving learning systems to augment overall pilot performance and system safety. To improve student outcomes, a focus was also to reduce costs as a barrier to entry wherever possible.
Shortly before ratification in May 2024, the FAA announced its desire to develop an industry-wide collaboration with the flight training providers in the U.S. to develop a new and modern 141. Upon passage of the bill in June 2024, the FAA requested the NFTA to be its partner and serve as the industry lead for this upcoming e ort, and the partnership was announced formally in September.
Rather than the customary regulatory system that has been used in the past, FAA wanted to have a broader, more thorough collaboration that would not have been possible via traditional means. Incorporating industrywide listening sessions and workshops would allow any and all interested parties to have equal say and participation in the development of this new framework and the eventual outcome.
Work began in October 2024 to develop FAA leadership teams along with the NFTA to serve as facilitators in organizing a wider outreach to the entire flight training industry along with other interested parties. Throughout the year planning sessions were underway, and eventually the decision was made to hold o on implementation until after the first of the year and begin early in the first quarter of 2025 with the advent of a new administration.
The meetings have been both in person and virtual, each being held at di erent locations throughout the country to maximize opportunities for participation. Currently the
hope is to conclude the work of the task force by December 2025 with a produced draft report. Further, it is expected to deliver a final report to the administrator of the FAA in January 2026.
The members of the modernization group have been divided into four primary subgroups, each working on specific elements of the existing framework and a new imagined framework based upon subject matter expertise, perspective and interest. The membership of each of these subgroups has been open to any and all interested parties and is voluntary. To date, the interest and participation has been overwhelmingly successful and positive, with more than 150 individual representatives and companies being in attendance.
Virtual and in-person meetings will continue across the country throughout the summer.
Interested parties or individuals can visit faa.gov for more information or to sign up to attend future meetings.
During AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, a forum on the Part 141 modernization e ort is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, at the EAA Pilot Proficiency Center within the EAA Education Center, beginning at 9 a.m.
AROUND THE GROUNDS
Small Businesses Loom Large at AirVenture
AMONG THE HUNDREDS of exhibitors who come to Oshkosh for EAA AirVenture to show our visitors their wares are businesses of all sizes. Here’s a look at a few of the companies that may not be the biggest, but they use their experiences at AirVenture to make a big impact.
Air Mod
Founded in 1973 by industrial designer Dennis Wolter, EAA 290125, Air Mod has become a strong source of creativity and quality in the aviation industry. Dennis learned to fly before he could drive, and he always envisioned a company that would bring corporate-level quality to general aviation interiors.
Air Mod specializes in transforming aircraft interiors, ensuring comfort and safety with innovations like custom seats, advanced soundproofing, flame-retardant materials, and ergonomic design. The company also introduced shoulder harnesses, which Dennis said have a mortality reduction rate comparable to wearing a helmet on a motorcycle.
Dennis created Air Mod simply to pursue his devotion to aviation, and he believes in doing what he loves.
“The most important word in general aviation, besides ‘no,’ is passion. We do this because we love it,” he said.
Each year, Air Mod participates in AirVenture, sharing its expertise and connecting with aviation enthusiasts. The event is a platform for the founder to give seminars, showcase the company’s work, and engage with a community that values quality and innovation in aviation. You can check out Air Mod at Booth No. 2056.
Aviator Products
Edward Gonzalez, the founder of Aviator Products, has always been driven by his love for aviation. His small business specializes in creating custom aviation charts that showcase the location of specific home airports. These charts are not only purposeful but also serve as decorative additions for homes, hangars, flight schools, FBOs, and pilot lounges. Customers can order these maps in their preferred size and on a variety of materials.
The product first began as a gift for Edward’s son, Elijah, EAA 1591595. After his son earned his pilot certificate, Edward created a chart as a gift for him. On a whim, he shared it online in some aviation groups he belonged to, and soon, people started asking him to make similar charts for them. After making a few, he realized there was a demand for these items, so he expanded his company and brought it to AirVenture in 2023.
“What I love most is connecting with clients and hearing their stories. We share a genuine passion for aviation, and there’s something special about being
SMALL BUSINESS / PAGE 14
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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DENNIS WOLTER
surrounded by people who just get it,” Edward said. Now he is thrilled to bring Aviator Products to AirVenture for the third time and can be found in Epic Aircraft Hangar C at Booth No. 3109.
DG Pilot
DG Pilot, founded in 2015 by Donald Gardner, is an aviation-themed travel lifestyle store that began with aviation collectibles and expanded into apparel in 2020. The company offers products from brands like Red Canoe, which is known for vintage aviation apparel, and it recently launched the 332nd FG apparel line featuring licensed Tuskegee Airmen merchandise.
DG Pilot is distinguished by its quality products and unique o erings. As the largest supplier of Red Canoe brands at AirVenture, it provides apparel representing various aircraft, including military and general aviation brands. With a dedicated team of nine employees, DG Pilot continues to thrive, fostering a deeper appreciation for aviation history.
The company’s presence at AirVenture has significantly boosted its visibility. “It’s just really cool to be exposed to so many di erent avenues of aviation and to see the excitement that is involved within aviation,” Donald said.
Check out DG Pilot at Booth No. 4062.
Proceeds support the youth education activities of EAA, including EAA’s Young Eagles Program, which has provided more than 2.5 million youths with a free first flight since 1992.
The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend is provided with the support of Kocourek Ford, Wausau, Wisconsin.
SMALL
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF EDWARD GONZALEZ
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DONALD GARDNER
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GARY SAMPSON
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Simplified, dynamic departures, arrivals, approaches and airport diagrams are here. Learn more at the Garmin exhibit on Celebration Way.
Pedal Planes
Pedal Planes began as a heartfelt project by Marvin and Cathy Hoppenworth. They crafted their first pedalpowered plane for a grandchild, hoping to share their love of aviation with the youngest member of their family. But to their surprise, bringing the plane to AirVenture drew a crowd.
The Hoppenworths began selling blueprints at AirVenture around 1985 so others could build their own pedal planes. The demand grew rapidly, prompting them to expand their o erings to include complete kits, which they transitioned to in 2004.
Marvin and Cathy’s passion project had taken flight, inspiring young aviators and bringing families together through their pedal-powered planes. Eventually, they decided to sell the company to Gary Sampson, EAA 192729, who shared their vision and enthusiasm. Gary, now the driving force behind Pedal Planes, continues to innovate and expand the company’s offerings. “Pedal Planes is about more than just making toys,” Gary explained. “It’s about giving children the opportunity to experience the joy of aviation in a tangible way.”
You can find Pedal Planes at AirVenture in Booth No. 499.
SlideDown Tiedowns
SlideDown Tiedowns, founded by Sal Corio, began with a simple idea during a camping trip in the mid1990s. Sal, an aviation enthusiast who started flying at 14, was inspired by a wooden block with twine a friend used to secure a tarp while camping. He thought, “Why can’t you drill the holes a di erent way?” This led him to create a more robust version using aluminum tubing, which he used for years.
Each year at AirVenture Oshkosh, Sal looked for similar products but found none. In 2012, he decided to bring his invention to market, and by 2013, he introduced SlideDown Tiedowns at Oshkosh, where it quickly gained attention. “Cirrus became our first private label customer that very first year,” Sal said.
The company manufactures its product (except for the hook) in-house in Rhode Island, ensuring high quality. “We fabricate this in my shop … all our parts, all our components are all made in the United States,” Sal said. Today, SlideDown Tiedowns is a popular choice in the aviation world to secure general aviation aircraft.
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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GARY SAMPSON
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SAL CORIO
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BETA Technologies Electrifies Afternoon Air Show
BY EMME HORNUNG AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF
“THIS BUSINESS WOULD not exist if it weren’t for EAA,” said Kyle Clark, BETA Technologies founder and CEO. As one of the participants in today’s Innovations Day activities, BETA’s all-electric conventional takeo and landing aircraft, ALIA CX300, will be flown by Kyle in the afternoon air show — a “dream come true” for the CEO who discovered his passion for aviation through Vermont’s EAA Chapter 613 when he was just a teenager.
Kyle, EAA 1141386, spent a lot of time as a teen at his local airstrip, finding guidance from George Coy, EAA 278276, who introduced him to the thrill of aerobatics and experimental aircraft. “I got very passionate about homebuilt aircraft and started reading everything I could about Rutan and Martin Hollmann,” he said.
Kyle took this passion to Harvard where he studied materials science with a concentration in engineering science, winning thesis of the year in 2004 for his earliest hybrid aircraft concept that would evolve into BETA
Technologies. “I thought I was on a good track to go and do what I dreamed of, which was building airplanes, but I couldn’t get anybody to invest in this idea that I had,” he said.
In 2017, he managed to find an investor, Martine Rothblatt, who was excited about his ideas, and Kyle’s dreams and BETA could finally take off. “I dropped everything, like every other thing I was doing, and
focused on designing and building these airplanes,” he said. “We had to design, build, and fly an electric vertical takeo and landing aircraft in a very short period of time. About 10 months.”
In those 10 months, Kyle and a small team converted a Lancair IV fuselage into a VTOL aircraft. “We built a
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BETA TECHNOLOGIES
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PAGE 18 / BETA TECHNOLOGIES
new wing and a new tail. All the motors, batteries, inverters. We programmed our own flight controllers, gutted and made these wild bearings to make it thrust vector. I built all the propellers in my garage with local Vermont maple.”
After getting FAA certification on the prototype, it was the largest electric airplane to fly at the time. Fast-forward to today. BETA is ramping up full production and getting ever closer to its goal of lowering the cost and increasing the sustainability of aviation. “The recurring cost of operation goes down so much that you ask the question not how few flights can I do, but how many flights can I do? And that’s the transformative e ect of electrification. You lower the cost; you increase the utility,” Kyle said.
“Initially, people told me it was impossible to fly 250 nautical miles in an electric airplane. We went out and flew 336 nautical miles on a single charge. It was a world record.”
— Kyle Clark
The No. 1 lesson learned since diving headfirst into BETA? “Simplicity is king,” he said. “Simplicity is where you have aerodynamic e ciency, minimal parts in your engines, minimal parts in your flight control system.
“And it’s really just paying attention to the first principle of physics: Make it light; carry a lot of energy. You do that by having low structural weight fraction and high energy density, and [you] convert that precious energy into thrust efficiently and have a high lift-over-drag ratio. That’s all it is,” Kyle said. “Initially, people told me it was impossible to fly 250 nautical miles in an electric airplane. We went out and flew 336 nautical miles on a single charge. It was a world record.”
Bringing ALIA to Oshkosh was a call to action for Kyle and the entire team at BETA, but under one condition: They had to fly it — not truck it — in. And they’ve done just that, times two! You’ll be able to catch the passenger version in this afternoon’s air show, and you can see both the passenger and cargo version at BETA’s exhibit booths, 90 and 91, just o Celebration Way.
For a concept that was just a sketch on a piece of paper a few years ago, “I couldn’t think of a higher high than flying in front of a hundred thousand people,” Kyle said.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BETA TECHNOLOGIES
AROUND THE GROUNDS
Getting the Band Back Together
BACK FOR THE first time since 2019, the AirVenture Concert Band is here for another rocking performance.
It all started in 2007 when a group of musical aviators, under the direction of the late Elton Eisele, decided to come together and perform at that year’s EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, creating what would be a yearly tradition for 13 years until the peak of COVID-19 hit and they couldn’t continue. After a five-year hiatus, they are back and better than ever.
Their first year, the band consisted of about 40 members, and with around 90 selected applicants this year, the Concert Band is looking very strong. The anticipation is high, and the members have been hard at work practicing their music since spring. Only half of the band members this year are returners, so they have had to put in a lot of time and energy to get where they are now.
Sadly, Elton died this spring, and the band’s new conductor, Robert Reid, has graciously taken on the demanding role on top of his other volunteer work as an
AirVenture tram driver. In honor of Elton, they will be performing a tribute piece, along with the o cial songs for all six military branches, and more aviation themed pieces and patriotic tunes, keeping flying and Americana in mind.
These volunteer musicians come from all around the United States and even some from out of the country. From students to professional and retired musicians, the band is full of musical talent and a large variety of instruments, and everyone is a proud EAA member.
Longtime band member and AirVenture attendee, clarinet player Liz Leckey has been a big part of the band’s rebuild, but it would not have been able to progress without the support of Jack J. Pelton as well as Jon Eisele, Elton’s son.
“The EAA band is truly a grassroots endeavor. Some people feel that AirVenture has become too large and commercial,” Liz explained. “When Elton first wanted to have the band, he actually had some pushback, and it took him several years to get approved to do this. We CONCERT BAND / PAGE 24
BY ANGELA SATTERLEE AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAITLIN PIETTE
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recognize that EAA is not a music organization. However, the band is a place for people to touch base, have a smaller group to identify with, get together, have a good time, and, in this case, provide some entertainment for the entire airshow audience.”
“This is an opportunity for a lot of people that are extremely intelligent and extremely talented to come together, and not only celebrate the craft of flying, but also the art of playing an instrument,” Robert said.
For Liz, just being on stage again is exhilarating. “There’s something magical about being on a stage for a performance,” she said. “And you’re always learning something with a new group, no matter what.”
There are only two rehearsals in preparation for the concert: one on Monday and one today. The performance will take place at the Theater in the Woods tomorrow afternoon at 4:15 p.m.
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Scholarship awards are a major part of what Women in Aviation International (WAI) is all about. Since 1995, WAI has awarded more than $15 million to its members to help advance their aviation experiences or careers. There is something for nearly everyone, from the college student to the member returning to the workforce or looking to advance one’s career.
WAI welcomes companies and individuals in the U.S. and globally to sponsor our organization’s scholarship program. Email scholarships@wai.org for more information. Visit WAI.org/scholarships for all the details.
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AEROBATICS
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IAC and ACROWRX to livestream real-time aerobatic data
BY PAULO ISCOLD, IAC 435118, AND TAYLOR MERSHON, IAC 442603
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THE IAC IS excited to announce a partnership with the cutting-edge aerobatic flying technology ACROWRX to demonstrate live competition aerobatics at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025. During the Tuesday and Wednesday air shows, in a no-smoke routine designed to simulate a competition environment, Je Boerboon will fly at the Unlimited level category and Britt Lincoln will fly at the Advanced level category. Just like in regular competition, a line of judges will score the flights. To help viewers best enjoy and understand the experience, a commentator will be present to explain the competition details, maneuvers, and scores.
To show fans a glimpse of what can otherwise be a somewhat complicated notation system for aerobatic maneuvers (known as the Aresti code) and the protocol for judging sequences in competition, ACROWRX will stream the flights live using telemetry data from the airplanes. The public will be able to watch the flights online in real time from anywhere in the world using the ACROWRX software — flights and program data can even be viewed from mobile phones.
The ACROWRX software allows viewers to watch the competition flights from the perspective of the judges’ line and from the perspective of a chase plane. It also shows the individual Aresti code of each figure as it is being performed. Finally, viewers can score each one of the flights on their own in real time using the program.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY CHILSEN
AROUND THE GROUNDS
Angel Flight West Command Pilot Kosta Constantine Flights for Itzy
BY CORBETT STEVENSON
ITZY’S MOTHER, MIRNA, remembers Itzy having a persistent fever, and Mirna had a nagging feeling that something was wrong. After a multitude of tests at their small local hospital in Kansas, the doctor said Itzy needed to be seen in the emergency room immediately. Mirna recalled, “That’s when he said they thought she had leukemia, and my world turned upside down.”
The family lives about four hours outside of Denver, and with Itzy’s appointments at Children’s Hospital Colorado so close together, driving back and forth quickly became another burden on top of the family’s situation.
“Angel Flight West was just perfect. I call the pilots ‘angel pilots’ because that’s what they are — they were there for us when we were at our lowest,” Mirna said. Since her diagnosis, Itzy has flown with Angel Flight 57 times. Of those, 40 flights were with Kosta Constantine, who, Mirna said, has become part of their family. “He’s been with us through the whole thing, through the whole journey,”
Mirna said. “He got to come to the bell ringing in February this year, and he comes to all her birthday parties.”
The bell ringing, which Itzy completed last year at 6 years old, signified the end of her cancer treatment and a celebration of being cancer-free. “It was tremendous. It was a relief knowing she was at the end of her treatment,” Kosta said. Itzy still has check-ups to monitor her condition, and Kosta and his wife and mission assistant, Nancy, are there for every one of them.
Angel Flight West’s volunteer pilots demonstrate acts of generosity every day by donating their time, talent, and resources to help others. “It’s a wonderful experience for us,” Kosta said. “There’s a big need, and Itzy and her family are just one family with this need. We’ve flown so many others.”
Each mission flown connects a patient with vital health-care resources — and it delivers a sense of hope along the way. Learn more about becoming a volunteer pilot at AngelFlightWest.org.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ANGEL FLIGHT WEST
The Krapfl Family — Main Gate North Mainstays
BY ANGELA SATTERLEE AIRVENTURE
THE KRAPFL FAMILY is the powerhouse of the Main Gate North Admissions (MGN), with nearly 20 volunteers of siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and in-laws who pitch in each year. The dynamic group started with Mary Krapfl, EAA Lifetime 176646, who 40 years ago began the tradition of volunteering for EAA. She is the first one behind the
hard workers that keep the North Gate running smoothly, and while she has retired from her chairman position, she watches very closely over her granddaughter who now leads the crew.
When Mary first came to AirVenture, she attended with her late husband, since he always liked the airplanes. But Mary was more interested in the people. In 1985, she started volunteering by doing di erent tasks around the grounds like parking airplanes and making sandwiches for Operation Thirst. She eventually joined the MGN crew working in the kitchen and fell in love with the atmosphere they had. She knew then that she needed to recruit more of her relatives as her family continued to grow.
“You only come to Oshkosh for two things,” she said. “You see airplanes and you connect to your family. Your family is everybody from around the world. They’re all here in one place. … I haven’t in all my years ever met anybody you couldn’t like.”
When she became chairman of the MGN, Mary had lots of responsibilities that came with the job. At one point she had 240 volunteers working under her, but she found the perfect place for each and every one of them. She loved and trusted them all.
In 2015, Mary stepped down as chairman and her granddaughter Courtney Renderman, EAA Lifetime 1207801, replaced her in the position, becoming chairman at just 18 years old, and has done a wonderful job. Courtney’s mom, Renee, EAA 1431357, works the first job Mary had with MGN, working in the kitchen. Courtney’s dad, Greg, EAA 1608028, and sister, Kelsey,
EAA Lifetime 1612686, work in the MGN information booth, but it doesn’t stop there. When the Renderman family is home, they are all prepping food for the MGN volunteers for the next day.
Since starting, Courtney has set up specific organization standards, smoothing the processes at the MGN by dotting i’s and crossing t’s. With the influx of attendees, many small changes were necessary. She gets out to the grounds by 6 a.m. and doesn’t leave until nearly 8 p.m., rarely leaving the gate.
“Courtney has really stepped into the shoes,” Mary said. “[She’s] done a great job, and I’m very proud of her.”
Courtney had been helping her grandmother with small tasks long before becoming chairman, starting when she was only 9 years old, and began going to chairman meetings at just 13 years old. But that was the Krapfl tradition — to keep the family of volunteers going strong.
“I love aviation and the incredible science behind it, but truly being a part of EAA is the community that we’ve created through Main Gate North and just having that extra support system and EAA family behind you,”
“I love aviation and the incredible science behind it, but truly being a part of EAA is the community that we’ve created through Main Gate North and just having … the EAA family behind you.”
— Courtney Renderman
KRAPFL / PAGE 29
TODAY STAFF
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF COURTNEY RENDERMAN
PAGE 28 / KRAPFL
Courtney said. “I always live by ‘You’re not promised tomorrow.’ Do things that you love, with people you love. Whether you are a pilot or not, you will find something at EAA to love. Make an impact wherever you can.”
Mary’s son Brian Krapfl, EAA Lifetime 728870, his wife, Ann, EAA Lifetime 1484482, and their daughter, Kaylee, EAA Lifetime 1484483, have all been crucial members of the North Gate crew as well. Brian began volunteering with his mom in his 20s, Ann joined in 2008, and Kaylee started when she was only 5 years old. And every year they’re up at 5 a.m. for the first car ride to the grounds ready to help their family.
AirVenture means a lot of di erent things to di erent people, but for the Krapfls it’s the people that keep them coming back each year.
“I think a lot of people do it for the socialization of it, the interaction with people,” Brian said. “It was fun to talk to the people that have never been or talk to the people that it’s their first time from another country or they’ve brought the whole family this year, whatever it was.”
“I always tell people, even if you are not interested in airplanes, come and you’ll find that you’re going to have a good time learning and spending time with people,” Mary concluded.
“Courtney has really stepped into the shoes … [She’s] done a great job, and I’m very proud of her.”
—
Mary Krapfl
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF COURTNEY RENDERMAN
Stop by the Cirrus Store on Celebration Way during EAA AirVenture for this exclusive deal. MADE WiTH UPCYCLED PARACHUTES
This limited-edition collection merges Cirrus innovation with Duluth Pack’s legendary craftsmanship. Each piece is handcrafted in Duluth, Minnesota, using recycled parachutes from Cirrus aircraft. A guaranteed for life heirloom, each piece celebrates the spirit of flight, quality and adventure. Own a piece of Cirrus history, available exclusively at the Cirrus Store.
WARBIRDS
Into a New Age
A spotter’s guide to 1945-1950 aircraft at AirVenture Oshkosh 2025
BY SAM OLESON
EIGHTY YEARS AGO, the greatest conflict the world had ever known was, mercifully, coming to an end. The conclusion of World War II signaled the beginning of a new era of military aviation. Jet engine technology began to take shape in the latter half of the war, with Germany introducing the Messerschmitt Me 262, followed a few months later by the British Gloster Meteor.
Although jets didn’t play a large role in WWII, the years following were crucial for the development of the technology. But while the future was clearly in jets, many piston-powered airplanes of WWII were still useful and served critical roles well into the 1950s and 1960s, and in some cases even longer.
Here’s a look at some of the aircraft that were either designed or operated during that transitionary period in aerospace development, 1945 into the Korean War, that have made an appearance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in recent years or may be here this week.
Grumman F8F Bearcat: Introduced in May 1945, the Bearcat entered service too late to see action during WWII but was used by the U.S. Navy in the years immediately following the war. As Grumman’s last piston-engined fighter, the F8F is widely regarded as one of the most capable propeller-driven fighters ever produced, though it had a short service life. About 200 Bearcats were used by the French in the French Indochina War, and 28 of those served with the Republic of Vietnam Air Forceuntil 1963.
Hawker Sea Fury: Like the Americanbuilt Bearcat, the British Sea Fury is regarded as one of the greatest propdriven fighters ever produced, entering service shortly after WWII in 1947. It was used by the Royal Navy during the Korean
WARBIRDS /
AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK MOORE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY THOMPSON
PAGE 30 / WARBIRDS
War primarily in a ground attack role. The Royal Navy retired the Sea Fury in 1953, but a number of other countries operated the type through the decade and into the 1960s.
Curtiss C-46 Commando: Introduced in 1941, the twin-engine C-46 was one of the primary USAAF cargo/transport aircraft during WWII, famous for its operations flying over “the Hump” in the China-Burma-India theater. After the war, C-46s were used by a number of civilian air carriers and continued to serve military purposes as well, seeing action in Korea, Vietnam, and other conflicts.
Sikorsky UH-34: As a further development of the Korean War veteran H-19, Sikorsky’s H-34 was used by the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as a number of foreign militaries. While not deployed to Vietnam by the Army, the H-34 served with the USMC in Southeast Asia before its retirement in 1973.
Consolidated PBY Catalina: While many PBYs were retired by the U.S. Navy immediately following WWII, amphibious versions of the aircraft continued to operate for the next decade in air-sea rescue and maritime patrol capacities. The final Catalina in U.S. service was retired from the Naval Reserve in 1957.
THE NEXT GENERATION OF PILOTS IS TAKING
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW ZABACK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRETT BROCK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AL SAUER
Innovations Day Sponsored by
JOIN US FOR INNOVATIONS DAY
A Display of the Latest Technological Advances in Aviation
A spotter’s guide to the EAA Aviation Museum aircraft around the grounds
EVERY YEAR, MORE than 10,000 aircraft fly to Wisconsin for AirVenture. Of those, nearly 3,000 are showplanes — vintage aircraft, warbirds, homebuilts, aerobatic airplanes, etc. — that are displayed around the grounds. But some visitors may notice other airplanes parked here and there that didn’t fly in at all, because they’re part of the EAA Aviation Museum collection. Because our museum exhibits rotate, many of these aircraft are only viewable by the public during AirVenture, spending the rest of the year in long-term storage on the convention grounds. Here’s a guide to some of these airplanes that you’ll see as you wander the neighborhoods of AirVenture.
Aircraft: Stits SA-11A Playmate
Designer Ray Stits built the SA-11A Playmate as a simple and inexpensive homebuilt in the late 1960s. The side-by-side two-seater was powered by a 125 hp Lycoming O-290 and featured quick-folding wings that made the airplane fit in a standard sized garage. Ray donated the prototype to EAA in 1969.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRYSTAL PEREZ
AROUND THE GROUNDS
Melissa Furney
BY KAITLIN PIETTE
MELISSA FURNEY FROM Erie, Michigan, has been attending EAA AirVenture since 2004 and has been volunteering for 10 years. She volunteers at the Print Mail Center and has bagged materials for pilots, put together membership information, and prepared materials for delivery. Melissa is not a pilot yet, but she has taken two lessons on how to fly a gyroplane.
This week, Melissa is looking forward to seeing B-29s Doc and FIFI fly together again, along with watching the night air shows and STOL competition. Mostly though, she loves seeing all the EAA friends who have become family over the years.
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY
TODAY STAFF
HEAD IN THE CLOUDS.
9:00AM - 9:45AM
Three Points of Safety: Avoiding
Aircraft Misfueling Through Communication
Keith Clark, Phillips 66 Aviation
10:00AM - 10:45AM
The State of Aviation Safety
Darren Pleasance, AOPA, President and CEO; Mike Ginter, AOPA Air Safety Institute; Pete Muntean, CNN Aviation Correspondent; John Murdock, NATCA National Safety Chair
11:00AM - 11:45AM
Elevate(her) - Shaping an Inclusive Future
Katherine Moloney, Elevate(her) 12:00PM - 12:45PM
Ask the A&Ps - LIVE!
AOPA Podcast Hosts: Mike Busch, Paul New, and Colleen Sterling
1:00PM - 1:45PM
Maximizing Engine-Out Glide Performance
Collin McDonald, The Flying Mechanic; Nate Callender, PhD, Middle Tennessee State University
39 Lounge Meet and Greets
11:00AM-11:45AM John & Martha King 12:00PM-12:45PM Katherine Moloney 1:00PM-1:45PM Patty Wagsta
Joe Costanza @bananasssssssss AOPA PROGRAM PAVILION TUESDAY | JULY 22
2:00PM - 2:45PM
Beyond the Cockpit: Understanding the Insurance Landscape for Pilots
Josh Jabour, AssuredPartners Aerospace
3:00PM - 3:45PM
ForeFlight Essentials: Optimizing Your iPad
ForeFlight Team Member 4:00PM - 4:45PM
Aviation & the Algorithm: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Social Media
We offer hot coffee, doughnuts, fresh fruit, salads, sandwiches and much more. Red One Market has everything you need to make your stay more enjoyable. CONVENIENTLY LOCATED SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO LEAVE THE GROUNDS!
Head over to one of our seven Red One Market locations today!
Meet Your Favorite Authors!
COME AND MEET the authors of your favorite aviation books! From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., renowned aviation writers and notable personalities from the world of flight will be available in the EAA Wearhouse, located between the EAA Member Center and the FAA Aviation Safety Center.
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
9:00 a.m. - Elby Gray, Building a Kit Airplane: Everything I Wish I Knew Before I Started
10:00 a.m. - Jay A. Stout, Savage Skies, Emerald Hell: The U.S., Australia, Japan, and the Ferocious Air Battle for New Guinea in World War II
11:00 a.m. - Jim Busha, Bazooka Charlie: The Unbelievable Story of Major Charles Carpenter and Rosie the Rocketer
12:00 p.m. - Heidi A. Porch, Ditching the Sky: A Memoir of Triumph Against All Odds
1:00 p.m. - Karen Patterson & Gabrielle Martin, Aviatrix, Red Tail: A Tuskegee Airman’s Rendezvous with Destiny
2:00 p.m. - Joe Peterburs, The Autobiography of Colonel Joe Peterburs with Memories of Over 36 Years of Active Military Service
3:00 p.m. (Table A) - Anne Keene, The Cloudbuster Nine: The Untold Story of Ted Williams and the Baseball Team That Helped Win World War II
3:00 p.m. (Table B) - Diane Ballweg, Into the Wind, Above the Clouds: Love at First Flight!
4:00 p.m. - Lt. Col. Olga Custodio, USAF (retired) Flightpath of Fortitude: Breaking Barriers, Building Horizons
5:00 p.m. – Eileen Bjorkman, The Fly Girls Revolt: The Story of the Women Who Kicked Open the Door to Fly in Combat
BY
THE NUMBERS AIRVENTURE 2024
121,212 kWH of electricity used per day
Equivalent to 8,000 homes
Today’s SCHEDULE
AVIATION GATEWAY PARK
the Next Generation Inspire Young
- 2:15
®
EAA
WORKSHOPS
Go Hands-On
Homebuilding is the heart of EAA, and you can learn virtually every skill and gain the confidence you need to build an airplane while at EAA ® AirVenture ® Oshkosh™ Patterned after the highly successful EAA SportAir ® Workshops.
Presenting Sponsor Supporting Sponsors
EAA AIRVENTURE FORUMS Learn from Experts
The very best from the aviation world come together for one week to share their knowledge with you, including hundreds of innovators, authors, experts, and legends. Forums Plaza Supported By:
2:30
BLUE BARN
destination
> Attend a forum about growing your chapter, engaging youth, and more
> Represent your chapter by placing your pin on the chapter map
> Become a Young Eagles or Eagle Flights volunteer
> Learn about chapter resources and best practices
> Connect with chapter leaders and EAA’s Chapters staff
Tuesday, July 22
PHOTOGRAPHY
Pilot Proficiency Center
Training for Every Pilot
EAA® and Redbird have joined forces this year at the Pilot Proficiency Center to provide training options that fit every experience level and schedule. We’ve built a training catalog that includes:
• Full-day VFR and IFR refreshers for active pilots looking to sharpen their skills. *
• Open sim training sessions for pilots who want to get a taste of sim training while still getting the whole Oshkosh experience. *
• A first-of-its-kind Rusty Pilots + Redbird Sim Course powered by AOPA to help get you back in the cockpit. *
• Dedicated sim sessions and presentations will show you how to get into backcountry flying. *
• A Right Seat Ready course for spouses that includes hands-on Redbird sim training. * * Registration required
Today’s Workshops
Tuesday, July 22
IFR Refresher Course
8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Free, one-day course focused on IFR flying, instrument proficiency, and top factors related to accidents. Training consists of three hours of ground instruction and three hours of simulator work with a flight instructor.
Mustbeactiveandcurrentprivatepilotorhigher.
Open Sim Training
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Get some free flight training with an expert flight instructor in one of our Redbird sims. Designed for certificated pilots, current or not, each session will last approximately 45 minutes and can be tailored to your needs. You can choose to focus on VFR flying, IFR flying, or crosswind landings.
Mustbeactiveandcurrentprivatepilotorhigher.
Rusty Pilots
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Join us for a first-of-its-kind Rusty Pilots + Redbird Sim course powered by AOPA to help get you back in the cockpit. Revive your operational awareness and then apply that refreshed knowledge through hands-on exercises in the simulator to edge you closer to moving back into a PIC role.
Scan to Register!
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE WITTY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEWIS BERGHOFF
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE SWARTZ
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE SWARTZ
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRANT BURG
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRANT BURG
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEWIS BERGHOFF
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACK FLEETWOOD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACK FLEETWOOD
Give the Gi of
Now is your chance to pass the aviation torch by gi ing an EAA membership to someone you feel will help carry on the legacy of EAA founder Paul Poberezny.
To thank you for sharing this membership, you will receive the following recognition items for the corresponding number of Legacy Memberships gi ed.
Today’s CROSSWORD
Sponsored by
ACROSS
4. A popular homebuilt canard - even its name goes fast.
6. In 1955, Paul wrote about how you could build one of these for less than $800.
7. This kind of welding uses a tungsten electrode.
8. Every AeroCreeper is designed and manufactured in the _____.
11. Legendary designer of the VariEze, Long-EZ, etc.
12. Rutan’s X PRIZE winner.
13. Metal ultralight and homebuilt designer Morry _______.
15. Phil Lockwood built the first one for a National Geographic expedition.
17. EAA publishes ____ for Homebuilders, both in our monthly magazine and as videos online.
18. Homebuilts must undergo a ________ inspection every year.
19. This type of rotorcraft isn’t a helicopter.
DOWN
1. This ingenious little clamp is used to hold pieces together before and during riveting.
2. Homebuilt designer Bernard ___________.
3. After drilling holes in sheet metal, be sure to ________.
5. Eagle biplane designer Frank _________.
9. Designed by John Monnett, these kits are built right here in Oshkosh.
10. The R in RV-14 stands for:
13. A classic biplane, even if it was just built yesterday.
14. Carl Unger’s famous open-air design.
16. Corben’s Baby.
ACROSS 5.Oshkosh
How well do you know EAA history?
Try your hand at these trivia questions and find out. The answers, along with a new question, will be in tomorrow’s paper.
Q: Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, Fairchild Aircraft produced a number of iconic types through the years, including the A-10 Thunderbolt II. But the Warthog wasn’t the only ground-attack airplane built by Fairchild. More than 50 of these aircraft were converted into gunships during the Vietnam War. Can you name the airplane?
MONDAY, JULY 21, ANSWER
B. Birdseye Lewis
Your daily AirVenture playlist
Look for these songs on your favorite streaming service and build a personal soundtrack for your trip to the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.
Bombers by Gary Numan and Tubeway Army
Come Fly with Me by Michael Bublé Flying Without Wings by Peter Frampton
Learning to Fly by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Loop De Loop (Flip Flop Flyin’ in an Aeroplane) by the Beach Boys
EAA® Four Corners
From first-time visitors to seasoned attendees, new EAA members to Lifetime, and aviation enthusiasts and pilots, the EAA Four Corners has something for everyone!
EAA Member Center
•Join, renew, or become an EAA Lifetime member™
•Explore EAA’s many member programs and benefits
•Photo opportunities and airshow performer meet and greets
•Speak to an EAA Advocacy rep about MOSAIC/LSA2.0
EAA Learn to Fly Center
•Enjoy daily “Learn to Fly” forums
•Take an introductory flight lesson on a Redbird flight simulator
• Apply for your student pilot certificate
•Ask our friendly volunteers all your “Learn to Fly” questions!
EAA Merchandise
•Shop official AirVenture event merchandise
•Find event apparel, mini windsocks, aviation toys, and more
•EAA members receive 10% off
•Each purchase helps support EAA programs
EAA Youth Welcome Center
•Learn about youth activities on the AirVenture ® grounds
•Delve into interactive aviation activities and rivet your own keychain
•Explore EAA’s youth education opportunities
@ kineticgracephotography
Good morning, Aviators!
@ instabillwil
Made it to #OSH25. Let it begin. Hit me up if you’re here.
@ pakeypilot
A quick zoom around Oshkosh before the masses arrive. The mass arrival of around 50 Beechcraft was quite a sight, although the single Douglas Dauntless was better. Luckily they got in before the thunderstorm and the torrential rain. Thanks to Cindy who manages the Bell 47 helicopter operation for stopping to give me a lift during the downpour, saving me from becoming too soaked. That’s the spirit of Oshkosh !!
OSHKOSH MOMENTS
@ csolsrud Oshkosh 2025 (and 2006)!
@ pipesepip Made it to Oshkosh! Found a few familiar faces so far @nirobiw
@ alyssa.m.stone Air show hasn’t even started yet #OSH25
Lincoln Electric ❘ magniX ❘ McFarlane Aviation Products ❘ NATCA ❘ Oshkosh AeroTech ❘ PenFed ❘ Pepsi ❘ Piedmont Airlines
Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd ❘ Poly Fiber, Inc ❘ Rotax iService and Training Centres ❘ SiriusXM Aviation ❘ Southwest Airlines ❘ Superflite
Superior Air Parts, Inc. ❘ SureFly Electronic Ignition ❘ Tecnam ❘ Tempest Aero Group ❘ True Blue ❘ Power ❘ uAvionix ❘ United Airlines ❘ Van’s Aircraft
Williams International ❘ Wing Aviation ❘ Women in Aviation International (WAI) ❘ Zenith Aircraft
COPPER LEVEL SUPPORTERS
Avfuel ❘ B&C Specialty Products Inc. ❘ Bristell Aircraft ❘ CiES Inc ❘ DATC ❘ Flight Outfitters ❘ Flite Test ❘ Horizon Hobby ❘ Siemens Digital Industry Software SOFTIE PARACHUTES by Para-Phernalia, Inc. ❘ Starr Aviation ❘ UND Aerospace ❘ VOLARE HANGARS
PATRON LEVEL SUPPORTERS
4imprint ❘ AeroCreeper ❘ Alaska Airlines ❘ Arena Americas ❘ Bombardier ❘ Bravo Golf ❘ Chicago Executive Airport ❘ David Clark Company ❘ DJ Products, Inc
Endeavor Air ❘ EnerSys® ❘ Fly Girls Aviation ❘ General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) ❘ GES ❘ Global Aerospace ❘ Honda Power Equipment JSfirm.com ❘ MATCO ALS ❘ Metro Sales Inc. ❘ Mid-State Equipment ❘ Ninety-Nines, Inc (The) ❘ Old School Model Works ❘ Pilotsmith ❘ Scheme Designers, Inc Small Town EV ❘ Target Oshkosh ❘ Walkabout Hats ❘ WILCO ❘ Zipline
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University gets your career off the ground
Since 1926, the nation’s oldest and largest aeronautical university has offered leading-edge pilot training that can take you straight to the flight deck.
Embry-Riddle’s renowned aviation programs feature cutting-edge aircraft, the latest in simulators and technological training aids, along with industry partnerships that provide a direct route to airline careers.
According to The Boeing Company’s Pilot and Technician Outlook, there will be a need for 674,000 new pilots from 2024-2043, and Embry-Riddle is playing a vital role in meeting this unprecedented demand.
Ready for take off? See where you can go with Embry-Riddle. embryriddle.edu/oshkosh
