The Air Crew Briefing was
a critical part of every flight during World War II, just as it is
today. Prior to any mission, be it training, search and rescue, or going
into battle, the air crew would get a briefing to cover facts about the
mission, weather, launch, recovery, and any other pertinent details. At
EAA AirVenture’s new World War II Training Command display, you can
take part in a simulated air crew briefing based on the EAA Warbirds of
America air show on the days that they fly.
Head down to the area,
located near the Warbirds in Review and the Warbird Café, on Monday,
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 1130 (11:30 a.m. for
you civilians). Briefings begin promptly at that time (so don’t be
late!) and run about 30 minutes. They’ll be conducted as if you were a
pilot in one of the aircraft flown in the show.
Briefers will review the
required items and qualifications that pilots must have to fly the
mission (air show) that day. Learn about the timing, planning, and the
dedication of the pilots, air boss, safety personal, ground personal,
weather briefer, and the entire air show team necessary to put on a safe
and successful air show. This is a unique opportunity to have an inside
look at a military style air crew briefing.
"We’re inviting
people to come in and get a flavor of what is was like to get a briefing
during World War II," said Bill Fischer, EAA Warbirds of America
executive director. "It will give them an inside look at the air
show operation." Kids, their parents—anyone—are welcome to
attend.
Later, when the
performance begins, participants can watch and anticipate what to expect
in the performance.
The World War II Training Command area is
where you can talk with volunteers and pilots between 0900 (9:00am) and
1700 (5:00 pm). See actual training films from the WW II era in the WWII
Training Command Tent demonstrating Primary, Basic, and Advance Training
of our WWII Air Crews. Also see video on how many of these historic
aircraft are used today.
