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PHOTO COURTESY OF “EAA”
The Air Force Reserve will celebrate its 70th anniversary at AirVenture. The division encompasses nearly 70,000 Citizen Airmen.
“Everything came together last year – the weather, the programming, the airplanes...it was a full-house,” said Dick Knapinski, EAA Senior Communications Advisor. “Weather is always a wild-card, but we are fully expecting another 500,000-plus year.”
Last year’s show saw such an inf lux in attendees that some airplanes had to be turned away from Wittman Regional Air- port. Aircraft parking and campgrounds (more than 11,000 sites) either reached or were pushing capacity for the major- ity of the week. This year, one of the core EAA initiatives is
preventing a repeat episode of this logistical quandary. They have reanalyzed overall parking techniques, and have also carved out additional parking in the “South 40.”
“One of our topmost goals is to ensure that everyone who wants the unique experience of flying directly into Oshkosh has that opportunity,” said Knapinski.
Succeeding “Year of the Bomber,” EAA AirVenture 2018 is dubbed “Year of the Tanker.” Attendees will be treated to up- close looks at tankers and cargo aircraft including the KC-10, KC-135, C-17 and the monstrous C-5. The theme also dove- tails nicely into a collection of historical anniversaries that will be celebrated throughout the week: the 70th anniver- sary of the Air Force Reserve (AFR) and the centennials of both the Royal Air Force and final year of World War I.
Saluting the Unseen
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Air Force Reserve, EAA AirVenture will be holding various programs, demonstrations and aircraft lineups throughout the week – with considerable support from the AFR.
“This year, we are saluting the folks who often carry out the unseen work, such as moving cargo or tanker aircraft, many of which are affiliated with AFR,” said Knapinski. “Oshkosh is a natural place for these Citizen Airmen to tell their story not only to fellow aviators, but the general public.”
Since 1948, the Air Force Reserve has played a critical role in the nation’s military and humanitarian operations. The division encompasses nearly 70,000 Citizen Airmen who car- ry out a variety of missions such as aircraft refueling, medi- cal services, airfield operations, engineering, weather recon- naissance (“Hurricane Hunters”), combat rescue and others.
During AirVenture, Air Force Reserve Command air- craft will participate in the daily air shows, in addition to being displayed on Boeing Plaza throughout the week. Reserve Citizen Airmen will also actively participate in forums and programs, including WomenVenture.
As a tribute to the centennial of the Royal Air Force, some of the oldest and rarest of British aircraft are expected to arrive to AirVenture from all over the world.
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6 • TWIN & TURBINE
July 2018
PHOTOS COURTESY OF “EAA”