EAA AirVenture 2006 Welcomes Blue Angels Pilot, Aircraft for 'Up Close-and-Personal' Sessions

U.S. Navy Lt. Kevin Davis,  pilot of the Blue Angels No. 7 aircraft.

Aviation enthusiasts can learn more about the pilots and aircraft that are part of one of the world’s finest aerobatic teams, as a U.S. Navy Blue Angels pilot and airplane will be part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2006. The 54th annual EAA AirVenture fly-in, The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration, is coming July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

Lt. Kevin “Kojak” Davis and the No. 7 Blue Angels F/A-18 “Hornet” two-place aircraft will arrive at Oshkosh on Sunday, July 23 and depart on Wednesday, July 26. During his stay, Lt. Davis will also present a special evening program at EAA’s Theater in the Woods on Tuesday, July 25. The F/A-18 Hornet will be parked EAA AirVenture’s showcase AeroShell Square on July 24-25, giving AirVenture attendees photo opportunities right next to the Blue Angels’ legendary aircraft.

“The Blue Angels provide an aerial spectacle for millions of people each year, and the aviation-knowledgeable participants at EAA AirVenture 2006 are even more eager to know the facts behind the amazing performances,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. “EAA AirVenture’s reputation, prestige and friendly atmosphere provide the perfect place for Lt. Davis to talk more about the Blue Angels and their role as part of the U.S. Navy.

“As with so many of the activities each year at EAA AirVenture, there is no other place that offers the public such opportunities to meet the legends of the aviation community up close and personal as here at Oshkosh.”

Lt. Davis is a native of Pittsfield, Mass., and a graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Since joining the U.S. Navy in 1996, he has flown a variety of aircraft, graduated from the Navy’s “TOPGUN” weapons school and served extended tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in the North Arabian Sea and Arabian Gulf. Davis, who joined the Blue Angels in September 2005, has accumulated more than 2,000 flight hours and made 150 carrier landings.

An overhead photo of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels' "No. 7" jet, a two-place F/A-18 Hornet.

Although the dimensions of the EAA AirVenture aerobatic area limit the ability of the Blue Angels and other high-performance military jet teams to showcase their amazing talents, the Blue Angels and EAA had sought for years to find a way for Oshkosh attendees to enjoy some of the pageantry, precision and pride associated with the renowned Navy/Marine Corps flight team.

“The chance to have your picture taken next to the Blue Angels’ powerful F/A-18 Hornet or meet and talk at length with one of the pilots is a rare opportunity,” said Poberezny, who as a member of the legendary Eagles Aerobatic Team for 25 years, often shared prime billing with the Blue Angels at air shows throughout the country.

“EAA AirVenture is all about offering pilots and aviation enthusiasts something they can’t get anyplace else, whether it’s standing next to the pioneers of space tourism and their air/space vehicle, SpaceShipOne, meeting a Blue Angels pilot in-person, or being part of the greatest gathering of airplanes, aviation personalities and fellow fliers anywhere in the world. It’s another reason that, when it comes to EAA AirVenture, you’ve just got to be there!”