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Kids can again log
expert instruction from NAFI members. |
For the past eight years, EAA's
KidVenture has provided untold thousands of children with delightful,
educational aviation experiences at its customary location, in the big,
white tent directly behind EAA AirVenture Museum. There's never been
much room for expansion, however, and the road bordering its eastern
edge has created occasional bottlenecks of buses, gators, golf carts,
and other vehicles.
At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007,
KidVenture will be transplanted across Pioneer Airport's turf runway
where there will be much more room for kids to enjoy safe, hands-on
aviation activities.
"We're looking for a fantastic year
this year with our expanded square footage," said KidVenture
Chairman Dan Majka, who coordinates volunteers from some 25 EAA chapters
to staff the area. "Being able to utilize the large hangar will
provide us with not only the additional space, but also some protection
from the weather for some of the high-tech equipment. We'll also be able
to put the blacktop in front of the hangars and grass areas by the
runway to good use. KidVenture will certainly have a much larger
footprint than in past years."
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Control line
flying, and everything else at KidVenture, relocates to the
other side of the Pioneer runway at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007. |
Having extra room inside and out will
allow KidVenture to offer more of everything. This year, high tech is
one of the main themes, with additional flight simulators installed to
allow more kids to try their hands at virtual flying. The popular flight
training sessions with National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI)
CFIs will be doubled, plus eight stations will be available offering
introduction to meteorology, navigation, and other subjects.
A daily RC (radio-controlled) air show
will be held outside, and kids can also try their hands at control-line
flying. At KidVenture's "Skunk Works" area, kids can build and
fly their own balsa gliders, featuring a new canard design this year. Or
they can design their own aircraft on the computer with DaVinci
Technologies software. Kids can modify and even test-fly aircraft, with
a daily contest will determine the best airplane.
Other returning features are the
KidVenture Heroes Stage, providing a showcase for aviation
personalities; riveting instruction (supported by Van's Aircraft and
Avery Tools); prop shaping (supported by Hartzell Propeller), the artist
booth; and the ever-popular cockpit climb. The U.S. Army
will also bring back its 18-wheel science laboratory, featuring physics
experiments and lots of cool demonstrations, including a robot kids will
be able to operate. There's even talk of having a UAV (unmanned aerial
vehicle) on static display throughout the week.
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This year's
riveting project will be custom metal name tags. |
KidVenture sponsor this year, Andy's
Airplane, will feature an interactive video display for younger kids.
Andy's Airplane is a new television series aimed at young children.
Thursday through Sunday, ham radio
operators will set up their equipment and allow kids to communicate with
other faraway operators.
KidVenture hours are 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily, except for Sunday, July 29,
when closing time is 2 p.m. due to the earlier air show. Shuttle busses
will run regular schedules to KidVenture throughout the day from the
main EAA AirVenture bus stop and AirVenture Museum.
Stay tuned for other KidVenture
announcements as they are confirmed.
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