Warbirds of America president Rick Siegfried (far right, in blue tropical shirt) joins the warbird flight line volunteers for the annual mid-winter review and planning session in Oshkosh in late January. Larger view

February 5, 2008 - Anniversary gatherings of several warbird models could bring a significant number of additional airplanes to EAA AirVenture 2008, and warbird-area volunteers are preparing for the possible influx.

During their annual mid-winter review and planning session at Oshkosh, the warbird flight line volunteers studied warbird parking layouts for the 2008 fly-in. EAA AirVenture is a major gathering for several warbirds groups celebrating anniversaries this year, including the 70th anniversary of the T-6 trainer and the 60th anniversary of the Nanchang CJ-6A. Dozens of each of those models are expected to be part of the AirVenture flight line, and it could shift warbird parking patterns slightly in that area.

Warbirds of America Executive Director Bill Fischer and warbirds area chairmen are working with these aircraft groups and others to welcome all warbird aircraft to Oshkosh again this year. The annual mid-winter volunteer gathering is an essential part of the year-round planning process that makes EAA AirVenture successful.

“These volunteers dedicate their time and abilities because of their enthusiasm for the warbird community and for AirVenture, and that dedication makes a huge, positive impact,” Fischer said. “The continuing popularity of the warbirds for AirVenture visitors, and our affection for these great aircraft, motivate us to make it the best possible event each year.”