The RedStar Pilot's Association (RPA) is planning to mark the 50th anniversary of production of the Nanchang CJ-6 with a 50-plane formation of aircraft during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008. The formation will be flown during the EAA Warbirds portion of the daily air shows to commemorate a half-century since the first flight of the Chinese military trainer.

"EAA Warbirds of America looks forward to celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Nanchang CJ-6," said Bill Fischer, WOA executive director. "We are working closely with the RedStar Pilots Association and anticipate a variety of special activities that will highlight the CJ-6. Having 50 or more CJ-6s participating at AirVenture will be an impressive sight to see."

This airplane was the first indigenous Chinese aircraft design to be produced, and 50 years and 2,200 copies later, it's still in production. More than 200 of these aircraft are actively flown in the United States and regularly participate in air shows across this country under the RedStar banner.

Practice flights will begin on July 24 at West Bend, Wisconsin, and a mass formation arrival will help open the EAA Warbirds of America air show performance on Opening Day Monday, July 28.

In addition to the milestone CJ-6 anniversary, 2008 also marks the 15th year of the RPA. A banquet is planned for August 1 where several "best of class" awards will be presented to deserving owners of aircraft. A painting of a CJ-6 will also be presented to the EAA AirVenture Museum at the EAA WOA banquet scheduled for August 2.

Event sponsors are Cannon Aviation Insurance, the Windstar Group, Xiocom Wireless, and World Wide Warbirds.