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Concorde Reunion
highlights include forums, Wednesday evening program. |
July 26, 2009 - Oshkosh, Wisconsin - Nearly
a quarter century ago, British Airways’ Concorde passenger jet made a
historic landing at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. That appearance,
the first of five here for the supersonic transport, was a turning point
for the aircraft and for EAA’s annual fly-in convention.
The Concordes are now retired and no longer
flying, but the memories of those trips to Oshkosh are still vivid for
many people. Those recollections and stories will be relived this year
during the Concorde Reunion at AirVenture, honoring the 40th anniversary
of the prototype Concorde’s first flight over Europe in 1969.
“Concorde’s visits changed the way EAA
members looked at their event and the way the aviation world looked at
Oshkosh,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA chairman and president. “We’re
looking forward to seeing old friends once again and sharing stories about
this magnificent airplane.”
Concorde made its first visit to Oshkosh in
1985 and returned to Wittman Regional Airport in 1988, 1990, 1994, and
1998. As hundreds of thousands of visitors got their first—and for many,
only—close-up look at an SST, hundreds of others booked hour-long
flights from Oshkosh.
A Concorde Reunion luncheon will be held on
Wednesday, July 29, at the EAA Nature Center for flight crews involved
with the Oshkosh appearances. Those who flew on the flights to Oshkosh or
the local flights based at Oshkosh are also invited to attend. Make your
reservations by e-mailing kphillip@eaa.org.
Other activities celebrating the Concorde
include daily forums; an evening program on Wednesday, July 29, at Theater
in the Woods featuring members of Concorde flight crews who came here; and
showings of the 1985 Mach 2 to Oshkosh film, a first-person account by the
late Bob Collins, longtime EAA member and Chicago-area radio personality.
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