Special Guest to AirVenture aboard the Millennium Phenom

Volunteers from Veterans Airlift Command Bringing Special Guest to AirVenture aboard the Millennium Phenom

WHAT: Volunteers from Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) are flying a special guest into EAA AirVenture on Sunday – Tuskegee Airman Lt Col George Hardy. Hardy will fly from his home in Florida to his appearances at AirVenture on VAC’s Millennium Phenom—a 2010 Embraer Phenom 100 featuring out-of-this world airbrushed art in homage to Star Wars and Star Trek. The paint scheme was designed to bring attention to the work of the VAC while creating fun, unforgettable experience for their veteran guests. 

The Millennium Phenom, owned by Mark Holt, will be on display at Boeing Square during AirVenture. Holt has dedicated his retirement, and his former corporate jet, to serving and honoring veterans and their families by donating his time and aircraft for VAC flights. There are visual details galore on this “intergalactic” jet that tee up fantastic photo opps. 

Tuskegee Airman George Hardy is one of our country’s first African American military pilots and served in the skies of the European Theater in World War II. Watch him arrive at AirVenture and get a chance to interview him next to the Millennium Phenom. He will be accompanied by Holt along with Doug Rozendaal, CAF Red Tail Squadron Leader, who can speak to Hardy’s years of support and guidance to the CAF Red Tail Squadron’s efforts to educate and inspire audiences through the history of the Tuskegee Airmen.

WHEN: Sunday, July 22, scheduled for arrival at 11:15 a.m. 

WHERE: KOSH runway, taxing directly to Boeing Square at EAA AirVenture

OPENER UNVEILS FIRST USA-QUALIFIED ULTRALIGHT ALL-ELECTRIC PERSONAL VTOL AIRCRAFT

OPENER UNVEILS FIRST USA-QUALIFIED ULTRALIGHT ALL-ELECTRIC PERSONAL VTOL AIRCRAFT

OPENER, Inc., a pioneer of aero vehicles for consumer travel, today revealed BlackFly; the world’s first ultralight all-electric fixed-wing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. BlackFly is a single-seat Personal Aerial Vehicle (PAV) designed and built for a new world of three-dimensional transportation. BlackFly is simple to master and requires no formal licensing (in USA) or special skills to operate safely. Though BlackFly has full amphibious capabilities, it is primarily designed to easily operate from small grassy areas and travel distances of up to 25 miles at a speed of 62 mph (USA restriction).

“OPENER is re-energizing the art of flight with a safe and affordable flying vehicle that can free its operators from the everyday restrictions of ground transportation,” said Marcus Leng, CEO. “We will offer competitive pricing in an endeavor to democratize three-dimensional personal transportation. Safety has been our primary driving goal in the development of this new technology. OPENER will be introducing this innovation in a controlled and responsible manner.  Even though not required by FAA regulations, BlackFly operators will be required to successfully complete the FAA Private Pilot written examination and also complete company-mandated vehicle familiarization and operator training.”

The OPENER team has spent the last nine years in stealth mode, designing, developing, and testing new innovative technologies which have now evolved into the zero-emission BlackFly vehicles.  Fault-tolerant design and triple modular redundancy reside at the core of these vehicles. Eight propulsion systems, spread across two wings, provide for multiple-failure security. Years of continuous testing, combined with 1,000+ flights and 10,000+ miles flown, form the bedrock of OPENER’s development program.

OPENER’s long-term vision is to integrate these highly-efficient vehicles into a rural/urban commuting network. These networks would be powered by renewable energy sources requiring only a fraction of the transportation energy used currently.

DREAM OF FLIGHT

“The future of Aviation begins today,” said Alan Eustace, Director at Opener and former Senior Vice President of Knowledge at Google.  “The dream of flight, which was so difficult and expensive to obtain, will soon be within the reach of millions.  Opener is putting the fun back into flying and opening up a new world of possibilities.”

MAKING HISTORY

“I just saw the future. Watching BlackFly take flight just blew me away.  I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Darren Pleasance, Director, EAA. “The magnitude of innovation that OPENER has been driving in electric motors, aerodynamics, and VTOL operations is stunning and inspiring. OPENER has made a huge step forward in bringing the Jetson’s world to life.”

CHECK OUT BLACKFLY VEHICLES  AT EAA AIRVENTURE

Opener vehicles will be on display at the 2018 EAA AirVenture Convention in Oshkosh, WI from July 23 to July 29, 2018. The public is invited to view the vehicles in the Innovation Building, booths IC-12A and 13A, and also experience three-dimensional flight by operating the vehicles in a virtual reality simulation.

BLACKFLY - ADDITIONAL FEATURES

• Manufactured in the USA

• Super Charging capable (

• Low noise signature

• Geofence-capable

• Automatic Return-to-Home button (localized training feature)

• Ballistic parachute option available

About OPENER

On Oct 5, 2011, history was quietly made near the small town of Warkworth, Ontario, Canada. That day saw the first manned flight of a fixed wing all-electric VTOL aircraft. This event prompted the formation of a stealth company with the sole purpose of pursuing the development of this new unique technology. In September of 2014, the Company reorganized as Opener and relocated the majority of its operations to Silicon Valley in California to pursue an unencumbered and accelerated development timeline.

Find videos and more information at https://opener.aero

Presentation at Planes of Fame

SPECIAL PRESENTATION SAT. JULY 21st, 2018 ‘HISTORY OF CAL AERO FIELD’ Presentations by the Museum’s Education Programs Team! FEATURING: WWII Cal Aero Graduates Ed Lopez and Sandy Ross.  Active Duty Military will receive FREE entrance to Planes of Fame Air Museum on the Day of the Event!    SPECIAL PRESENTATION: HISTORY OF CAL AERO FIELD SATURDAY, JULY 21st  ~ 10am This special presentation will relate the early beginnings of the Cal Aero Flight Academy, look at the coursework taught at the school, and discuss many of the unique personalities involved in the Cal-Aero story.  Presentations by the Museum’s Education Programs team will provide insight into the amazing history of the Cal-Aero Flight Academy. Comments from several Cal-Aero grads will also be a part of the program. READ MORE…   (Schedule subject to change)   Ed Lopez: After graduating from the Cal Aero Flight Academy in Chino,CA Ed flew with the 387th Fighter Squadron, as a replacement pilot after D-Day. A Los Angeles native, Ed not only flew as a Hell Hawk, but — during the 3rd Armored Division’s advance on Duren and Cologne, Germany — also spent two weeks riding in a Sherman tank, directing Thunderbolts by radio to hit enemy tanks and guns. READ MORE. Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Sandy Ross was a Cal Aero Academy Chino CA student graduate. Sandy Ross is credited with downing two German Fw 190 fighters and completed 51 combat missions. One of those downings saved the life of his wingman (the squadron leader). Sandy was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for this victory and for other mission accomplishments. READ MORE.   Planes of Fame ~ Chino Airport 909.597.3722 ~ www.planesoffame.org Museum is Open to the Public, General Admission: $11, 11 yrs and Under $4, Ages 4 and Under : FREE! (excludes special events) Special Event for Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Lifetime Members! Sit in the Cockpit of a P-51 Mustang! Sat. August 25th Click Here for Info!  CLICK HERE TO SAVE $2 ON ADMISSION   Keep up with the latest Happenings! FREE Speicial Presentation Admission for Planes of Fame Members!    BECOME A MEMBER OF THE PLANES OF FAME AIR MUSEUM! Planes of Fame Air Museum, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. By becoming a member today you help us sustain our efforts to Keep ‘em Flying! Click Here for Info   BRING THE KIDS School and Group Tours Available -Click Here Future Events: (click on picture for info)   ‘TWO GUYS GRILLING’ WILL BE BBQ-ING HAMBURGERS & HOT DOGS AT THE SPECIAL PRESENTATION!   PLANES OF FAME AIR MUSEUM DIRECTIONS CLICK HERE: 14998 Cal Aero Drive, Chino, CA 91710 (Corner of Merrill & Cal Aero Drive, Chino Airport) www.planesoffame.org 909-597-3722 info@planesoffame.org

Astronics at AirVenture

Astronics Max-Viz will offer special pricing on enhanced vision systems for homebuilt and experimental aircraft at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.   Astronics Corporation, (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace, defense and semiconductor industries, announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary Astronics MaxViz will offer special prices for its Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS) for experimental and homebuilt aircraft. The special prices are good for orders received at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh July 23-29 and online during the same time period.   To qualify for this promotional offer, orders must specify delivery prior to December 31, 2018. “This special pricing is applicable for the Astronics Max-Viz X1+HR (High Resolution) and X1 EVS, uncertified versions,” said Tom Geiger, Business Unit Manager for Astronics Max-Viz. “During EAA AirVenture, the X1-HR system, normally priced at $18,000, will be available for $16,800. Similarly, the X1 EVS, regularly priced at $6,000, will be $5,700,” he added.  The X1+HR sensor uses a sophisticated system with 640x480 pixel resolution long wave infrared thermal imager with electronic zoom to assist pilots of experimental and homebuilt aircraft, which often operate from unimproved airstrips with wildlife and other obstacles. It is compatible with any display that accepts NTSC or PAL/Analog RS-170 signals. The Max-Viz X1 and X1+HR are single line-replaceable units built into an aerodynamically shaped housing for easy installation. The un-cooled infrared detectors output a composite RS-170 video signal, presentable on any analog video-capable aircraft display. The system also features integral window heaters to maintain operation under conditions from -55 degrees Celsius plus automatic pixel recalibration to keep the picture sharp. Both lightweight systems allow pilots to scan the taxi way and runway during takeoff and approach for obstructions, such as wildlife, vehicles, and construction barriers, which may not be visible and are not in Astronics Max-Viz will offer special pricing on enhanced vision systems for homebuilt and experimental aircraft at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh trade show July 23-2-29. Astronics Max-Viz Offers Special EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and Online Pricing for Enhanced Vision    any synthetic vision database.  The Max-Viz EVS will help pilots see and avoid terrain before the ground proximity warnings. The Max-Viz X1 or Max-Viz X1+HR will enhance safety for the experimental pilot community by enabling pilots to see up to 10 times further than unaided human vision in visibilityobscured conditions, such as smoke, haze and light fog, during the day or at night.. Both systems are uncertified for experimental flying enthusiasts. Astronics Max-Viz will be exhibiting these solutions in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, at EAA AirVenture in Hangar C, booth 3078.  With Supplemental and Type Certificates in both fixed wing and rotor wing aircraft, Astronics Max-Viz offers products built on more than 15 years of success in enhanced vision systems. View the EVS offerings in detail at www.astronics.com.

CAF Cadet to Present Award-Winning Exhibit to Tuskegee Airman George Hardy

CAF Cadet to Present Award-Winning Exhibit to Tuskegee Airman George Hardy

WHAT: A youth cadet from the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Florida Wing, Trevor Simoneau, will present his award-winning exhibit “A Salute to the Tuskegee Airmen” to Tuskegee Airman pilot Lt Col George Hardy in a special event. 

Simoneau’s work was one of the Junior Individual Exhibit winners of the 2016 Florida History Fair, where over 50,000 Florida students competed for the awards. He spent 10 months studying and collecting materials for the project, which included interviews with Lt Col Hardy as well as the late Tuskegee Airmen Lt Col Leo Gray and trips to historic sites such as the Tuskegee Airmen National Park in Tuskegee, Alabama and Chanute Field in Rantoul, IL. Both sites are important landmarks in the groundbreaking program that trained the first African American military pilots of World War II. 

“A Salute to Tuskegee Airmen” will be on display for the duration of AirVenture inside the CAF Red Tail Squadron’s RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit, located at KidVenture. It will then make its way to a permanent display at the CAF National Airbase in Dallas, Texas. Simoneau will be volunteering at the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit during AirVenture to share his knowledge about the Tuskegee Airmen and aviation to further inspire young visitors during their visit to this mobile movie theater featuring an original film about the Tuskegee Airmen. 

WHEN: Tuesday, July 24 at 10 a.m.

WHERE: At the CAF Red Tail Squadron’s RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit at KidVenture, located on the EAA AirVenture grounds at Pioneer Airport.

About Trevor Simoneau

Trevor Simoneau is an inspirational high school student that represents the exciting future of aviation. He is the president of Embry-Riddle’s Aviation Explorers Post 747 and the founder of Chart It All, a company that specializes in custom-created products printed with aeronautical charts. He is a glider pilot with the Eagle Sport Aviation Club and Cadet of the CAF Florida Wing. Simoneau’s passion for flying and all things aviation has landed him a spot as a student reporter for SUN’ n’ FUN Radio and a correspondent for Embry-Riddle’s The Avion Newspaper. He also lends his time as a volunteer with EAA Young Eagles.