Doc will host B-29 Doc Flight Experience rides July 22-25 and will be a featured performer at the air show during the week. The historic warbird will also be on static display for ground and cockpit tours on Boeing Plaza on Friday and Saturday, July 26-27.

“Doc has been a regular participant at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh over the past decade and its presence is always well-received from our members and visitors,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “Seeing the B-29 fly and seeing it up close on display is a highlight for many aviation enthusiasts who come to Oshkosh.”

“Joining the EAA AirVenture performer line-up is a top highlight of our tour season each year,” said Donnie Obreiter, B-29 Doc director of maintenance & chief flight engineer. “Bringing Doc to Oshkosh allows thousands of people a unique opportunity to experience history up close and personal. Operating such a historically significant machine to honor the Greatest Generation is core to our mission and it’s something in which our entire team takes great pride in executing.”

Tickets for B-29 Doc Flight Experience rides during EAA AirVenture are on sale now at B29Doc.com/rides. Tickets will also be available at the Bomber Shack in Warbird Alley on the EAA show grounds during the week of the air show.

This year marks the fifth time Doc has participated in EAA AirVenture.

Read more

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“As the number of veterans from WWII who are still with us are dwindling, it is important to commemorate the events of 1944, and the importance of the campaigns in both Europe and the Pacific to preserve freedom,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “This year’s programming during AirVenture week will connect the human events and aviation history of that year so those of us today have a better understanding of those times.”

A collection of C-47s from the D-Day Squadron will be on display as part of the commemoration. The Squadron features a fleet of unique C-47 aircraft from throughout the United States. Many of these aircraft will be part of a commemorative mission to Europe in May and June 2024. The C-47 played a vital role in transporting more than 13,000 paratroopers to Utah Beach for the Normandy landings. Afternoon air shows on July 23-24 will feature warbirds from both the Pacific and European theaters, including the World War II Airborne Demonstration Team. The team will be jumping from their own C-47 using traditional round canopy parachutes, reminiscent of the paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions who risked their lives in Normandy.

The Theater in the Woods presentation on the evening of Tuesday, July 23, will focus on 1944 as well. The presentation will be split into two parts: the first will retell the story of 1944, while the second part will go into detail about the aircraft. More details about the presentation, including guests, will be announced as they are finalized.

Additional aircraft that played key roles in 1944 have also been invited to participate, and EAA and EAA Warbirds of America continue to plan activities as part of the commemoration.

More information at EAA website

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The aircraft will be at AirVenture as part of the centennial celebration for the Royal Canadian Air Force to be featured at Oshkosh this summer. They will join the Canadian Forces Snowbirds aerial demonstration team, which in December confirmed its participation at the 71st edition of EAA’s fly-in convention.

Each of the aircraft has a unique story:

• Spitfire Mk IX – Often considered the most beautiful aircraft design of its day, the “Spit” became legendary with its performance during the Battle of Britain in 1940. The Vintage Wings of Canada example is painted in the markings of Arnold Rosemond, a Canadian who flew more than 65 missions before being shot down over Normandy in 1944. It received the World War II Reserve Grand Champion and Phoenix Gold Wrench awards at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018.
• Hurricane Mk VII – This versatile aircraft was an extraordinarily capable dogfighting airplane that was also developed into numerous variations from fighter-bombers to carrier-based Sea Hurricanes. This aircraft was built by Canadian Car and Foundry in Fort William, Ontario. It carries the markings of Flight Officer William Lidstone “Willie” McKnight, who was part of the Royal Air Force’s all-Canadian No. 242 Squadron and Canada’s most outstanding fighter pilot during the first 18 months of WWII.
• P-51D Mustang – One of the best-known and capable fighter aircraft of WWII, more than 16,000 Mustangs were produced beginning in 1940 in response to a British plea for more fighter aircraft from the U.S. This aircraft is painted in the markings of 442 Squadron as they appeared toward the end of the war. It is dedicated to brothers Larry and Rocky Robillard from Ottawa, Ontario, who both flew with that squadron during the war.

Vintage Wings of Canada is the creation of Michael Potter, who founded the Vintage Wings of Canada Foundation and has been collecting and flying vintage aircraft since the mid-1990s. The aircraft of his collection are maintained in flying condition and flown annually throughout the summer to support air shows, commemorative military flypasts, and other special events. Several aircraft of the collection are owned directly by the charitable foundation as well as by other individual operators.

Potter has put together a collection of some of the finest examples of Canada’s, and indeed the world’s, most historically significant aircraft. The collection is housed in a 24,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art hangar at the Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport near Ottawa, Canada.

Current plans call for the aircraft to arrive at the start of AirVenture week and to initially spend several days in the warbirds area. The aircraft will also fly on selected days in the afternoon air show prior to spending the final weekend on Boeing Plaza.

More information about Vintage Wings of Canada here

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The NOTAM, which is in effect from noon CDT on Thursday, July 22, until 8 p.m. CDT on Sunday, August 1, outlines procedures for the many types of aircraft that fly to Oshkosh for the event, as well as aircraft that land at nearby airports. The NOTAM was designed by the FAA to assist pilots in their EAA AirVenture flight planning.

Some of the 2021 changes include:

• There are new ATC-assignable transition points approaching Oshkosh from the west that will ease holding and congestion. These points are at Endeavor Bridge, Puckaway Lake, and Green Lake. They will be announced on the arrival ATIS when ATC puts them into use at times of highest traffic flows.
• Different start and ending dates for the NOTAM.
• The temporary Runway 18L/36R at Oshkosh (KOSH) has been reconstructed and is now 60 feet wide.
• Two VORs have been decommissioned (FAH and IKK).
• Numerous editorial changes.

“With AirVenture on hiatus last year, it is more crucial than ever to thoroughly read and understand the 2021 AirVenture NOTAM to ensure safe operations on arrival and departure for this year’s event,” said Sean Elliott, EAA’s vice president of advocacy and safety. “We also urge all pilots to log appropriate cross country time prior to their trip to Oshkosh so they have the proficiency and confidence to fly safely in conjunction with a thorough knowledge of this year’;s NOTAM.”

EAA is also hosting a webinar on June 23 at 7 p.m. regarding flying to AirVenture 2021 and changes in this year’s NOTAM. Pilots are encouraged to participate in that webinar to build their knowledge prior to their flights to Oshkosh.

This year’s NOTAM cover features a photo from the EAA Seaplane Base. Pilots can download a digital version of the NOTAM at EAA.org/NOTAM, or order a free printed copy via that webpage or by calling EAA Membership Services at 800-564-6322.

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 Safety has always been a top priority for EAA and Airbus, and this year it’s more important than ever. That’s why we’ve proudly partnered with Airbus to offer Express Arrival. To make your admission to AirVenture as safe and effortless as possible, when you register in advance and select Express Arrival, we will send your wristbands, parking, and Camp Scholler passes to you by mail.

This will reduce crowding at key entry points, support our safety efforts by promoting social distancing, and improve the efficiency of the overall entry process. With Express Arrival, you’ll be able to bypass the admission windows and head straight to gates. Camping in Camp Scholler? You can get to your campsite without ever leaving your car.

Express Arrival, in partnership with Airbus, is exclusively available to U.S. members who have valid EAA memberships through at least July 31, 2021. Shipping is FREE of charge, but you must order your passes by June 15, 2021 to take advantage of Express Arrival.

Buy Your Tickets Now

*Carry-in bags with Express Arrival admissions are still subject to security screening per safety protocol.

Make sure you join now to take advantage of this members-only benefit. Don’t forget, EAA members also receive the best AirVenture admission rates!

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We continue to focus on the health and safety of our staff, guests and volunteers, as this is our highest priority. We are appreciative of all the support our volunteers provide, and we know the last several months haven’t been easy, but we appreciate your patience and understanding. AirVenture wouldn’t be what it is without all of you, so we continue to look forward to your return soon.

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Through this difficult time EAA Warbirds of America, remains strong and ready to support our members with all of the programs and services that “Keep Em Flying”. Our Oshkosh staff, Bill Fischer and Kristin Schaick, are available to answer your questions and assist you and your Warbird Board of Directors and Officers will be working for you, as usual.

For those of us who make the annual trip to Oshkosh in July, that date will roll around on the calendar and there will be an empty feeling. This is the time when we renew old friendships, make new friends and enjoy a camaraderie that is unique to our organization. This year as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of World War II we can still recognize our veterans and showcase the airpower that changed the course of history. Local events will not require the advance planning and logistics of Oshkosh. Let’s keep ‘em flying by promoting events and camaraderie on a local level and when July arrives, I hope that all of you are safe and the COV19 pandemic is behind us.

Those who have pre-purchased EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2020 admissions, camping passes, or other amenities will be contacted within the next two weeks at the email address listed with your purchase. The options available include rolling over those purchases to AirVenture 2021 or requesting a refund of 2020 purchases made. Those options will be fully detailed with the individual contact.

Thanks to all of you for your dedication to Warbirds and EAA and for being the keepers of the aircraft that are a part of our history, and for your patriotism as you recognize our veterans and preserve our history.

Throughout the past year, EAA Warbirds of America developed a new website and increased social media presence through weekly “eblasts” and Facebook posts. As it turns out, this is very timely as we are now in a position to stay better connected as we navigate through these uncertain times. We will continue to increase our social media presence to keep everyone connected. We encourage you to become a contributor to this network where Warbird activities can be shared. Restorations, flybys, training, Veteran tributes, and local events, etc. Share your stories and events with Bill Fischer so he can help us stay connected.

Fly Safe and Be Safe!
Connie Bowlin
President, EAA Warbirds of America

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We Don’t Gamble, We Need A Sure Thing
AirVenture 2020 is officially cancelled

My fellow EAA’rs. It is May here in Wisconsin, and unfortunately like many of you across the country, we are still under a stay at home order through May 26. Normally, this is the month when we start our preflight planning for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. By this time, we should have begun ramping up our entire site in preparation for our July convention. Volunteers from across the country and world would have descended on Oshkosh. Together they would have formed work parties, our suppliers would begin start setting up tents and infrastructure. Our EAA staff would be printing wrist bands, campers guides, programs and an assortment of EAA collateral as full-on AirVenture execution begins.

But because of circumstances beyond our control, none of this can happen now. We cannot even get to the hangar so our preflight is left to watching the prog charts. While this certainly makes the ability to prepare for the event a scheduling problem, it does not preclude the bigger issue of predicting what will be the health guidelines in July. Right now, there are three phases that have been defined in Wisconsin as the recommended procedures. As I write this, we are not in Phase 1 yet. Phase 2 restricts gatherings to 50 people. Phase 3 allows for mass gathering with restrictions.

Our convention attracts EAA members not only from the U.S. but around the world. Today we cannot predict when we will be at a point that our event meets the all clear Phase 3 milestone for mass gathering with restrictions. As your leader, I see no clear path to meet our own requirements to insure the health and safety expectations our organization demands for our employees, members, volunteers, exhibitors and attendees. That includes sanitization, separation and personal protection requirements.

My conclusion is, like in any good flight planning, don’t take the risk. Therefore, I have no choice but to cancel AirVenture 2020. Together, we can come back stronger, safer and ready for AirVenture 2021 and create a memorable world class aviation event. Because of our dedicated and enthusiastic EAA members, our Association is strong. We know that at some point this storm will pass. And over the next 12 months we will continue to support all of you as we again, together, grow EAA in the Spirit of Aviation.

Respectfully,

Jack J. Pelton
Experimental Aircraft Association
CEO and Chairman of the Board

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Dear Fellow Warbird members; During these times of great uncertainty my thoughts are with you and your family for your safety and wellbeing.  Last week, EAA CEO Jack Pelton issued a statement which outlined the current status, policies and contingency plans for EAA and Airventure 2020.
On April 1st Sun N Fun made the official announcement that their event is cancelled for 2020.  EAA Warbirds of American supports their decision and pledges our full support to make their next Sun N Fun the best ever.

On March 26, 2020 Jack Pelton shared the following in a press release:  My fellow EAAers, I’m writing this to address the status of AirVenture Oshkosh 2020. Today we are still planning on having the event beginning July 20, 2020. In that context, I wanted to let people know how we’re approaching the planning process for AirVenture, and to help people understand the timetable as we sort through the ever-changing world events.”

You may read the entire message from Jack by clicking this link which will take you to the EAA website:

https://eaa.org/airventure/eaa-airventure-news-and-multimedia/eaa-airventure-news/eaa-airventure-oshkosh/03-26-2020-Looking-Ahead-to-AirVenture-2020

Our Warbird staff members (Bill & Kristin) have been working from home and will continue to do so until the danger has passed. Fortunately, today’s technology allows us to conduct the business of your organization and continue planning for Airventure.  There are and will continue to be challenges for each of you personally and for the organization as we continue with a hopeful attitude that we will all have the opportunity to gather in July to share the friendships and camaraderie.  Check the Warbird and EAA websites for updates and tune in to the Warbird Facebook page to enjoy special programming and reports from other members.

Stay Safe

Connie Bowlin

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March 26, 2020 – My fellow EAAers, I’m writing this to address the status of AirVenture Oshkosh 2020. Today we are still planning on having the event beginning July 20, 2020.  In that context, I wanted to let people know how we’re approaching the planning process for AirVenture, and to help people understand the timetable as we sort through the ever-changing world events.

Certainly, the world has changed dramatically in recent weeks with the global COVID-19 pandemic, beginning internationally and now at extremely concerning levels within the United States. Most of you reading this are impacted by state-by-state orders to stay home and follow specific CDC guidelines on social distancing, hygiene, and other precautions to slow the spread of the virus. The circumstances have changed rapidly here as well, with Wisconsin enacting a stay-at-home mandate until April 24.  We are supportive of those restrictions, and at EAA we have closed our headquarters, with all staff working from home and adhering to the most stringent standards possible. But thankfully, due to the technology infrastructure investments we have made, a majority of our employees continue to focus on their daily tasks, which include production of your monthly magazine, digital offerings, and of course AirVenture planning.  

On a daily basis over the past several weeks, I have had countless calls, emails, and teleconferences with EAA members, volunteers, AirVenture exhibitors, sponsors, aviation manufacturers, our board of directors, and EAA employees. This is in addition to assessing the daily influx of CDC data and daily health guidance recommendations from local, state, and federal government.

We are also closely following and assessing many of the larger closures of world events. In the case of the Olympics, the world’s athletes have already lost crucial training time because of restrictions imposed in response to the viral outbreak. It also is a completely international event. This meant the organizers were forced to make their “go/no go/go later” decision early on. The same holds true with the Democratic National Convention being held in Milwaukee, as they too look at every contingency, including allowing time for preparations to host the proceedings online if need be. 

As we look at AirVenture, with our own similarly complex but also radically different set of circumstances, we have the rare luxury of making our decisions just a little bit later. While AirVenture 2020 planning began in earnest at the end of AirVenture 2019, the real onsite preparation work for our annual convention doesn’t happen until May. That is when many of our dedicated volunteer work parties arrive in force and start the serious work to prepare the convention grounds. We have already identified those tasks that could be deferred until June, while still enabling us to have a safe and successful event in late July.

Currently our timetable for our next major decision point is not until May. In the meantime, we are continually preparing and in planning mode, which includes a variety of “what-if” scenarios. The choices are stay the course, delay, or cancel. Of course, the ability to delay would be dependent on volunteer support and exhibitor commitment and probably could not be later than late August. Again, it is important to consider all options, but it is also possible that even as I gather and digest incoming relevant information, I may not have any significant updates over the next couple of weeks. We will understand a lot more when we get to the end of April. That is the time most stay-at-home mandates could expire.  

I want to ensure you that as our AirVenture planning continues, I will keep you posted. I want to thank everyone for their patience as we weather the “storm before the calm.” Frustrating as it is, we’re in a holding pattern right now. The best thing we can do is keep a watchful eye on the conditions and make the best decisions as factual information comes in, to ensure the health and safety of everyone attending our event. As aviators, we know that this, like all storms, will pass, and whatever transpires over the next couple of months, EAAers will see it through with the mutual support and fellowship that have been the cornerstone of our organization for the past 67 years.

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