State Aviation Journal EAA AirVenture 2015
Rapters Shine in Oshkosh
o t o Ph cap Re * Plus - 2016 AirVenture Preview AirVenture 2015
STATE AVIATION JOURNAL
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On The Cover
Contents Contents From the Publisher
From the Publisher
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A labor of love
Warner F-22Headlines Raptor October WOW Showcase
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Rocketeers Wanted Into the Night
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Just because the sun sets, doesn’t For Worlds Largest Competition mean the action stops!
SeenUniversity on the Grounds Auburn Announces People and relationships
New Aviation Center Legislation
GAMA Protecting flight Competition Creates New Interest in Aviation Industry Preview 2016 AirVenture What’s in store for this year
Build A Plane, Founder Receive Crown Circle Sea Plane Base Protecting flight
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Page 1227 Page Page 15
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Statistics Prove
KidVenture Exploring Aviation/Aerospace Education
Focus on FIFI
Andrew Stevens captures the diversity in aviation at AirVenture. From the Air Force Thunderbirds to camping under the wing of your aircraft.
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Aviation Alive & Soaring
State Aviation Journal
Flight Sim and STEM
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Through the Lens
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ThePublisher/Editor photography of Shahn Kim Sederberg J. Stevens Graphic Design
Andrew Stevens
Photos Andrew Stevens Layoutby Design Kim Stevens Page 38 Photography Andrew Stevens Kim Stevens
Oshkosh - A Short Personal Recap Hal Davis By Andrew Stevens Page 48 3535 S. Ball Street, #627, Arlington, VA 22202 623-326-1125 email: editor@stateaviationjournal.com
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From the Publisher Labor of Love For seven years now the State Aviation Journal staff has published either a special stand-alone issue focusing on EAA’s premier event, AirVenture, or provided featured content in one of our regularly scheduled publications. In most cases, each year we’ve included more than 30 pages of photos from the event held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. I don’t know if you have ever wondered why we do it – we certainly have. Each year we spend countless hours walking the grounds during AirVenture week – some turn out to be 12-hour days. We spend a great many hours editing and laying out the photos, designing the overall magazine and eventually publishing it. All in all, it makes for an exhausting time. However, as we pull out of Oshkosh on Monday morning, it’s not – “man, I’m glad it’s over” – we find ourselves looking over our shoulder to see if we can catch one more glimpse of an aircraft departing the runway. Each year, it’s truly a labor of love. For me, if I can get into the weeds a bit, it’s a combination of being able to immerse myself in all things aviation (a true passion) along with the great joy and the satisfaction I receive from taking pictures. In addition, it’s a great feeling to be able to share that passion with others – as many will take the time to page through each edition. Although seeing aircraft that span the better part of a century is a gas, I find the people and the relationships that I’ve developed over the years to be the draw that keeps me coming back each year. As you will see in this issue, we’ve included a small percentage of those folks, some like me, who’ve been coming back each year for longer than I have. Some are new to aviation, for others this is their first time at AirVenture. One thing for sure, I’ve not photographed a single soul, that hasn’t had a smile on their face or at least a gleam in their eye. From the youngest to the oldest, very few walk away from Oshkosh, without a bit more giddy-up in their gait or (av) gas in their tank!
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The F-22 Raptor, a crowd favorite, played a significant role at EAA AirVenture in 2015 drawing large crowds and the usual oohs and aahs whenever the aircraft flew or while just sitting on the apron. Perhaps the only time the Lockheed Martin fighter got upstaged was when the F-35A Lightning made its first U.S. civilian air show appearance.
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Continued on page 11.
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Heritage Flight
The Heritage Flight has been performed at AirVenture for a number of years and has always been a crowd favorite, giving spectators the opportunity to see military aircraft, both former and current, flying together in formation. Continued on page 11. Page 8
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Photos by Andrew Stevens
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F-22 Raptor
Heritage Flight
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The Lockheed Martin aircraft is a fifth-generation singleseat, twin-engine, all-weather stealth tactical fighter aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF). The result of the USAF’s Advanced Tactical Fighter program, the aircraft was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, but has additional capabilities including ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence roles. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor and was responsible for the majority of the airframe, weapon systems, and final assembly of the F-22, while program partner Boeing provided the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems. The aircraft was variously designated F-22 and F/A-22 prior to formally entering service in December 2005 as the F-22A. After a protracted development and despite operational issues, the USAF considers the F-22 a critical component of its tactical air power, and states that the aircraft is unmatched by any known or projected fighter. The Raptor’s combination of stealth, aerodynamic performance, and situational awareness gives the aircraft unprecedented air combat capabilities.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force (USAF), the Heritage Flight program was founded in 1997. Heritage Flight performances of current fighter/attack aircraft flying with World War II, Korea and Vietnam era fighters dramatically display USAF airpower history and honor the brave men and women who have served, or are currently serving, in the USAF. In 2010, the Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was formed to keep this popular program flying. The mission of the Program is to provide and safely orchestrate 30–40 Heritage Flight performances annually; Offer a living museum of, and aerial monument to, U.S. Air Force history; Celebrate and honor the sacrifice of those currently serving, as well as the sacrifices of war heroes of the past; Educate current and future generations on the long-term importance of the USAF; and strengthen and enhance Air Force recruiting and retention efforts.
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Photo by Andrew Stevens
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State Aviation Journal
Seven years and counting - bringing you daily coverage of AirVenture.
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For some, the day is done....
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QF-4E Phantom II
... For others, the party has just begun! GAMA
F-100 Super Sabre
AV-8 Harrier Page 18
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Photo by Hal Davis
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Sederberg
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Seen on the Grounds
Tom Poberezny former EAA President greets friends as he drives the grounds in Red 3 on his first visit to AirVenture in 4 years.
AirVenture Brings Out Passion for Aviation Each year, folks show up at EAA’s AirVenture; newbies to seasoned veterans, men and women, young and old, each arriving to participate in some way at what is arguably the greatest aviation event anywhere. For some, it’s curiosity or checking off an item on their bucket list. For others its about education, networking and all the action. And then there is a group that come, because like in the movie Close Encounters, they’ve been invited. Invited by some unseen, undiscribable subliminal message that says, “this is where you belong Continued on page 24.
Rick Carlson stands in front of the Michigan Aeronautics display in the NASAO tent.
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Dick Rutan talks to students and teachers during Teachers’s Day.
Build A Plane Executive Director, Debbie Phillips and Lyn Freeman at Teachers Day.
Dr. Peggy Chabrian, President and founder of Women in Aviation International.
Amelia Earheart with Michael Goulian, left and Jamail Larkins.
Marke ‘Hoot’ Gibson, left and Kim Stevnes, Communications Director for NASAO.
Ronnie Mitchell, Nebraska Aeronautics Director, left and Pete Bunce, President and CEO of GAMA.
NASAO President Greg Principato, left and Barry Valentine.
Welcoming guests to the AeroClub are from left, Kathy Phillip, Rose Pelton and Gail Taylor.
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NASAO’s Kim Stevens hops on the back of a golf cart with Donna and Jim Bildilli.
Jack Pelton, EAA Chairman, greets the Oklahoma delgation during a lunch on the grounds.
Passion for Aviation Continued from page 22.
- this is where you thrive - this is your passion.� A cross-section of humanity, from all walks of life and from all corners of the earth, they come. Friend and perhaps foe, representing many cultures and ideologies, but hear in Oshkosh, they put all of that behind them and become a band of brothers and sisters, engaged in the business and passion of flight. James Stephens, South Carolina Aviation Director, left and FAA Administrator, Michael Huerta.
Ray Rought, former Minnesota Aeronautics Director and Kathy Vesley, current assistant director in the NASAO tent.
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Ronnie Mitchell, Nebraska Aeronautics Director, left and Cassandra Isackson, Minnesota Aeronautics Director, converse with FAA Administrator Michael Huerta.
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Missouri Congressman Sam Graves addresses aviation supporters.
Third Class Medical Reform and Pilot Bill of Rights Discussed at EAA Sen. James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma), in Oshkosh for his 36th consecutive year, talked to a standing room only crowd about Senate Bill 571, the Pilot’s Bill of Rights 2 (PBOR2). The Saturday morning event held in the Honda Forums Plaza, also featured Congressman Sam Graves. U.S. Representative Todd Rokita (R-IN) was also on hand to lend his support for the general aviation bill.
U.S. Representative Todd Rokita, (R-IN) is recognized for his support of general aviation.
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Oklahoma Senator James Inhofe.
Jack Pelton, right, talks with Greg Principato.
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EAA AirVenture 2016
Experience the Spirit of Aviation AirVenture 2016 will mark the 8th year in a row that the State Aviation Journal has provided daily updates from Oshkosh as well as expanded coverage in the e-magazine, featuring the expert photography of SAJ staff members. Subscribe now to the State Aviation Journal to make sure you don’t miss any of the exciting content being planned for the coming year. Advertising opportunities are available www.stateaviationjournal.com
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Multiple Aircraft Groups to Make AirVenture 2016 ‘Aviation’s Family Reunion’
Snowbirds to Perform at AirVenture 2016 The Canadian Forces Snowbirds, one of the most popular military aerial demonstration teams in the world, announced EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016 as part of its schedule, which would be the first time the team would be back at Oshkosh in more than 30 years. The Snowbirds are currently scheduled to have a public practice over the grounds on Friday, July 29, with full performances as part of the daily afternoon air show on Saturday and Sunday, July 30-31. The Snowbirds, officially designated as 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, were created in 1971 and have a nearly 40-year connection to EAA, as they were the first military team to perform at Oshkosh when they flew over the EAA fly-in in the 1970s. They have not appeared at Oshkosh since 1983, as their primary schedule commitment each year is to Canadian air shows.
2016 AirVentu
Inspiring Women Part of Aviation Community Goal of EAA AirVenture 2016 Events
Two activities during EAA AirVenture 2016, will help introduce and inspire women of all ages to engage and participate in the world of flight. The Women Soar You Soar event for high-school age girls takes place on July 24-27 and connects these young women with successful mentors involved in aviation and aeronautical sciences. Meanwhile, the WomenVenture gathering in Oshkosh brings together women aviators of all ages for weeklong programming and an opportunity to share their bond in the world of flight. “Less than 10 percent of all active pilots are women and as EAA is committed to grow participation in aviation, it is absolutely vital that we welcome and break down barriers for everyone who wants to pursue their dreams of flight,” said Janine Diana, EAA’s vice president of people and culture. “As the aviation world gathers at Oshkosh each summer, it provides an unmatched opportunity for us to gather and celebrate those women who are achievers in our community while encouraging those who want to be a part of it.”
More than a half-dozen types of airplanes will be celebrating special anniversaries in 2016, and owners of those aircraft are commemorating the occasion at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016, the perfect place for aircraft and aviation people to gather. The aircraft types celebrating anniversaries at Oshkosh are from across the spectrum including homebuilts, vintage aircraft, warbirds, aerobatic aircraft, and ultralights. Owners of anniversary aircraft types are encouraged to register early to help ensure parking and other special events surrounding their gathering. Among the aircraft types celebrating anniversaries at Oshkosh are: Van’s RV-6 – 30 years Ultralights at Oshkosh – 40 years Cessna C120/C140 – 70 years Navion – 70 years De Havilland Chipmunk – 70 years Interstate Cadet – 75 years Grasshopper (L-Bird) – 75 years Stearman Aircraft (Warbirds and Vintage), commemorating Boeing’s 100th anniversary “Along with these milestone anniversaries, there are dozens of other aircraft groups and type clubs that make EAA AirVenture their annual reunion place,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice present of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “Oshkosh really is the site of aviation’s family reunion. Whatever you fly or enjoy see flying, you’ll find kindred spirits on our flightline.”
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Women Soar You Soar welcomes girls entering grades nine through 12 in a day camp setting. It links these young people with mentors and positive role models for inspiration, participation and fun. Registration is just $75 and is open to girls through June 1, with registration including programming, meals, and weeklong admittance to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The program is made possible through support from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Women in Aviation International, and Boeing. More information and registration materials are available at www.EAA.org/ WomenSoar. WomenVenture has grown to a full week of programming throughout the grounds, with complete schedules still being finalized. Wednesday, July 27, will be a day of celebration within AirVenture’s “aviation family reunion” culture. It will include the Women in Aviation breakfast at 8 a.m. and annual group photo on Boeing Plaza at 11 a.m., plus the WomenVenture Power Lunch at EAA’s Theater in the Woods with two dynamic speakers: U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Meagan Flannigan, a highly decorated and carrier-rated naval aviator who is currently an instructor pilot with the Navy’s VFA-106 unit; Vanessa Christie, a U.S. Navy combat veteran pilot who flew and instructed in the F-14 Tomcat. She is currently Vice President of Strategic Development for Prevailance Aerospace LLC.
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British Avro Lancaster (Above) Popular with AirVenture Attendees The Avro Lancaster is a British four-engined Second World War heavy bomber designed and built by Avro for the Royal Air Force (RAF). It first saw active service with RAF Bomber Command in 1942 and, as the strategic bombing offensive over Europe gathered momentum, it was the central implement for the night-time bombing campaigns that followed. It became the main heavy bomber used by the RAF, the RCAF, and squadrons from other Commonwealth and European countries serving within the RAF, overshadowing its close contemporaries the Handley Page Halifax and Short Stirling. The “Lanc”, as it was affectionately known, thus became one of the more famous and most successful of the Second World War night bombers, “delivering 608,612 long tons of bombs in 156,000 sorties.
Eagles Skydiving formation.
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F-35 Lightning II
Lightning II to Touch Down at Air Shows Around the World Having made its airshow debut at AirVenture 2015, the F-35A Lightning is set to impress aviation fanatics during the 2016 air show season. The Lightning II qualified March 6 at the Heritage Flight Conference at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona to take part in the Air Combat Command Air Force Heritage Flight program. The program features modern USAF fighter aircraft flying alongside World War II, Korean and Vietnam-era aircraft in a dynamic display of our nation’s airpower history. “Being a part of these heritage flights allows the world to learn more about the F-35 and at the same time see just how far airpower has come over the years,” said Brig. Gen. Scott Pleus, the 56th Fighter Wing commander. “The F-35 will be the backbone of the Air Force fighter fleet and represent the future for the U.S., our partners and allies. This will be a great opportunity for everyone to see how amazing the F-35 is.” The F-35 heritage flight team includes one pilot and 10 maintainers, all selected from the 61st Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base. The team will travel to 16 air shows around the U.S. and abroad. “Our first show is at Luke,” DeLeon said. “It’s nice to be able to start at home and
showcase what we’re all about in front of our friends and families. After that, I’m so excited to get on the road and show the world what we’re all about.” Luke will present the “75 Years of Airpower” air show to the Arizona community April 2-3, 2016.
Photos by Hal Davis
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A 35 0
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Cessna 182 on floats. Photo by Hal Davis.
Sea Plane Base Offers Respite from the Hustle and Bustle Nestled deep in the trees in a picturesque cove along the Lake Winnebago shore is a place where all AirVenture visitors should try to visit: the Seaplane Base, where the runway requirements specify depth as well as length. The Seaplane Base (identifier 96WI) is located on the west shore of Lake Winnebago, 5 miles southeast of Wittman Regional Airport and the convention site. Buses make regular runs between the AirVenture grounds and the Seaplane Base, departing from the Bus Park Tower just outside the Main Gate and the Amphib Parking area at the south end of the airport. Seaplane base pace offers a respite from AirVenture’s hustle and bustle. People often just sit on the shore and watch the planes come and go.
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Sean D. Tucker in the Oracle Challenger III
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T-6 Texans
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Tony Janco with the FAA.
KidVenture More Popular Than Ever KidVenture during EAA’s 2015 AirVenture was more popular that ever attracting kids of all ages both as students and instructors. Located at Pioneer Airport across from the AirVenture Museum, KidVenture allows young people to explore aviation from several different fronts. They receive loggable flight instruction on a simulator, earn FAA credit toward an A&P certificate through hands-on building projects, learn how to fly a radio-controlled airplane, modify a wing on a computer then find out how well it flies, and even see what it’s like to land on Mars - making it a out-of-this-world experience. Highlights include eight A&P booths where kids learn basic building skills as well as Condor flight simulators and Kiddie Hawk flight trainers.
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FIFI Draws Attention By the end of World War II, nearly 4,000 Boeing B-29 Superfortresses had been built. Today, FIFI is only one of two still flying. At a time when most vintage warplanes are found on display in museums all across America, FIFI, built in 1945, has embarked on the mission of giving rides to paying enthusiasts and once again making the air-show rounds. Fifi didn’t see combat. Built just weeks before Tokyo’s surrender, she served stateside with the Air Force until 1954, when she was lent to the Navy, transferred to a facility in California’s Mojave Desert, and promptly forgotten. The current role of FIFI comes after a long journey back, requiring a four-year, multimillion dollar engine overhaul by her owners, the Commemorative Air Force. FIFI was named after the wife of Vic Agather, the man responsible for its restoration. In its prime, the B-29 was the most sophisticated heavy bomber ever developed. Boasting a pressurized cabin and automated gun systems, the four-engine propeller plane could traverse long dis-
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tances at high altitudes—evading enemy fighters and anti-aircraft fire—to drop thousands of pounds of high explosives on Japan. From the start, the bombers were unreliable and difficult to maintain. They had powerful-but-finicky engines that were prone to spontaneous combustion. When the war was over, variants of the B-29 remained in service until the 1960s, but the Air Force largely discarded the noisy gas guzzlers. The war’s most famous B-29, the “Enola Gay,” dropped the atomic bomb above Hiroshima. FIFI appeared at 2015 AirVenture and participated in a recreation of the bombings, giving attendees a visual representation of what happened.
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B-17
F4U Corsair
P-38 Lightning
PB4Y-2 Privateer Convair
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