Page 7 - Volume 15 Number 7

Highlights of the 59th Annual Edition of the World’s Greatest Aviation CelebrationGlacier Girl ReturningThe incredible story of the P-38E Lightning Glacier Girl will once again be told in Oshkosh this sum- mer as this special aircraft makes its fourth consecutive appearance at AirVenture 2011. Glacier Girl is expected to arrive Sunday before the convention or Monday, said Bob Cardin, flight operations man- ager, and it will be on display – with an all-new informational exhibit – near the Warbirds in Review pre- sentation area.The airplane was originally attach- ed to Operation Bolero, America’s troop and material buildup in Great Britain in 1942. It along with five other P-38s and two B-17s comprised what would come to be known as “The Lost Squadron” when weather forced them to landon the Greenland icecap. The peo- ple were eventually evacuated but the aircraft were left behind. Over the ensuing years they became buried under 200 feet of ice.World’s Largest AirshipThe largest flying airship in the world – the Farmers Airship, a Zep- pelin NT owned and operated by Airship Ventures – is headed to Oshkosh, where it will offer 45-min- ute scenic flights over the AirVen- ture grounds for purchase.At 246 feet in length, the airship is 15 feet longer than a standard Boeing 747, and 50 feet longer than the largest blimp currently oper- ating. The gondola accommodates one pilot, one flight attendant, and up to 12 passengers, with luxury features including huge panoram- ic windows, onboard restroom, and a 180-degree rear observation window.With a top speed of 77 mph and maximum flight range of 500 nauti- cal miles, the Zeppelin NT is able to land, exchange passengers, and take off again in under five minutes – all within a 600-foot-diameter landing area.The Farmers Airship will be based at Pioneer Airport during AirVenture. Public tours aboard the airship will be offered for $399 per person July 22-31; tour dura- tion is 45 minutes. To purchase tickets in advance, call 650-969- 8100 ext. 111.Red, White & LoudThe featured entertainment is usually a blast from the past, and this year won’t disappoint with some big-name entertainers. The legendary rock band REO Speed- wagon will play the opening day concert on Monday, July 25. Actor Gary Sinise and the “Lt. Dan Band” returns to Theater in the Woods on Friday, July 29, and country star Aaron Tippin takes the Theater in the Woods stage on Saturday, July 30, as part of Commemorative Air Force’s “Red, White & Loud Tour” that will bring the world’s only airworthy B-29 Superfortress, FIFI, to AirVenture as well.A Cool Way to Experience OSHExperience AirVenture in a new, “cooler” way in 2011. The EAA Aviators Club is a place to rest and watch the air shows from the best seats around.Open Monday, July 25, through Saturday, July 30, the air-condi- tioned oasis is the perfect place for individuals, families, or large groups to meet and share their Air- Venture stories. Daily and weekly passes are available to purchase.In addition to relaxing in an air- conditioned building, Aviators Club members will also enjoy compli- mentary lunch, non-alcoholic bev- erages and snacks throughout the day, complimentary dinner on Sat- urday before the Night Air Show, reserved airshow seating outside on the flightline at show-center, electronics charging stations and bag storage, restroom facilities with flush toilets, and daily visits with some of the week’s air show performers and special guests.JULY 2011TWIN & TURBINE • 5