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Bonanzas 2009 arrival |
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| Cessna 2009 arrival |
One of the unique aspects of AirVenture Oshkosh is the annual migration of various aircraft groups to Oshkosh, where they land together and create their own communities along the flight line. This year several groups are in various stages of preparation, including the Beech Bonanzas (Bonanzas to Oshkosh); Cessnas (Cessnas 2 Oshkosh); Mooneys (Mooney Caravan); Piper Cherokees, in honor of the airplane's 50th anniversary; Piper Comanches; Stinsons; and DC-3s, honoring that airplane's 75th anniversary. In addition, various warbirds groups are scheduled to arrive during the afternoon air show on opening day Monday, July 26.
"The mass arrival of aircraft always creates a unique visual spectacle and is a favorite of early attendees at AirVenture," said Tom Poberezny, EAA chairman/president and AirVenture chairman. "These aircraft owners participate by traveling together to create a memorable landing visual, as well as shared experiences of arriving and camping together at Oshkosh to form unforgettable memories and lifetime friendships."
Aircraft groups scheduled to arrive this year:
- The mass arrivals begin on Friday, July 23, with the Piper Cherokees scheduled at 1 p.m. (The maximum of 50 planes have already registered, but a waiting list has been established at www.cherokees2osh.com.)
- On Saturday, July 24, the Bonanzas are scheduled for a 1 p.m. mass arrival. (Currently 40 aircraft are registered at www.b2osh.org); Cessnas, at 2:30 p.m. (56 aircraft registered of the maximum 75 at www.cessnas2oshkosh.com); and the Mooneys at 4 p.m. (registration expected to open on May 10 at www.mooneycaravan.com).
- Sunday, July 25, arrivals include the Stinsons, 9 a.m. (register at www.stinsonclub.org); Comanches at 11:30 a.m. (e-mail JJMiller@who.rr.com); and the AirVenture Cup racers at 3 p.m. (Register for the race at www.airventurecup.com).
- On Monday, as many as 40 DC-3s (and military variants) are expected to arrive in time to open the air show, with warbird groups to follow.
Registration to participate in mass arrivals is coordinated between EAA, FAA, and the individual aircraft groups. Pilots receive thorough briefings prior to arriving at Oshkosh, and scheduled arrivals could be altered due to weather or other factors.
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