EAA Sport Aviation

“FIFI” COMING TO OSHKOSH

First visit since 1995 for world’s only airworthy B- 29

FLYING AGAIN AFTER A four-year renovation, the world’s only airworthy Boeing B- 29 Superfortress, “FIFI,” plans a much-anticipated appearance at EAA AirVenture 2011, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) confirmed. Part of the CAF’s B-29/B- 24 Squadron based in Addison, Texas, “FIFI” will arrive at Wittman Regional Airport Tuesday, July 26, and stay for the duration, including flying in Friday’s air show, July 29, as part of the daylong veterans salute. This will be the first appearance for “FIFI” since 1995.

“FIFI” was refitted with custom-built engines—combining
Wright R-3350-95W and R-3350-26WD powerplants—to replace

the Wright R-3350-57AM engine used since the early 1970s. The refit required reworking the engine mounts and some of the engine cowling. Mechanical difficulties prevented “FIFI” from making scheduled visits to AirVenture in 2005 and 2006.

INTERNATIONAL
LEARN TO FLY DAY
ZENITH AIRCRAFT ENTHUSIASTS
TO HONOR CHRIS HEINTZ AT AIRVENTURE

INTERNATIONAL LEARN TO FLY DAY is May 21, 2011. It is an aviation community-wide effort helping people of all ages take that first step to discover the fun, freedom, and accomplishment of flight. EAA and other aviation organizations and businesses are joining together to organize introductory flights, seminars, open houses at airports and flight schools, to create the next generation of aviators.

A primary focus of this year’s event is to offer introductory flights to adults who have always wanted to discover flight. EAA views these introductory flights for adults as a key step toward establishing a year-round adult version of its popular Young Eagles program, which has offered free flights to more than 1. 6 million young people since 1992.

More than 80 events have already been
planned. Learn more at www.Learn ToFly.org.

AIRVENTURE CONCERT BAND
WELCOMES NEW PERFORMERS

LIKELY THE LARGEST GATHERING of Zenith aircraft owners and builders ever assembled will convene at AirVenture Oshkosh 2011 to celebrate the company’s various models of airplanes and the man who created them. Chris Heintz has introduced more than a dozen successful kit aircraft designs, including the STOL CH 701, Zodiac CH 601, CH 650 LS and LSi, STOL CH 801, Zodiac XL, STOL CH 750 light-sport utility kit airplane, and CH 2000.

“Zeniths to Oshkosh” is a grassroots effort created through various Internet groups involving owners and enthusiasts from around the world. Organizers have reserved an entire floor at UW-Oshkosh’s Gruenhagen Conference Center—there’s already a waiting list established for those— and they’re also arranging private housing.

Fifty aircraft parking spaces have been
reserved in the Homebuilt area; about
25 owners have already reserved a spot.
Zenith owners who bring their airplanes
to Oshkosh will receive a commemorative
presentation plaque.

PLANNING FOR THE AIRVENTURE Concert Band is well underway, and conductor Elton Eisle is looking for EAA members who play a musical instrument to perform in the fifth annual concert during AirVenture 2011.

Rehearsals are Tuesday and Wednesday mornings (July 26-27) and sheet music will be sent ahead of time so members can practice. The concert is scheduled for 6:45-7: 30 p.m. at Theater in the Woods on Wednesday. Sign up through May 14; for more information, visit www.SportAviation.org.

Those who play large instruments can reserve an instrument with Heid Music, located near the airport entrance. Call 920- 651-4343 to reserve an instrument.

WIN A SKYCATCHER

ENTER THE 2011 EAA Share the Spirit Sweepstakes for your chance to win a Cessna 162 Skycatcher with fuel for the year courtesy of Shell Aviation, along with other great prizes. Every donation to the EAA Sweepstakes directly supports EAA programs like Young Eagles, which allow members to share the spirit of aviation among fellow enthusiasts and the next generation of aviators.