The aircraft were participating in a parade of airplanes in front of thousands of spectators at the Wings Over Dallas airshow when they collided, killing all six on board. 

In a photograph included in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) preliminary investigation, the B-17 and the P-63 were shown flying at the same altitude. The P-63 was behind the bomber and in a slight left bank with its belly facing the larger aircraft, making it impossible for its pilot to see the B-17 prior to impact.

The P-63 sliced into the bomber, severing its tail. The forward half of the bomber cartwheeled to the ground and the P-63 disintegrated. There was a large fireball as the remains of the aircraft hit the ground.

• READ MORE: NTSB Releases Docket for Fatal Wings Over Dallas

In a Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) released Monday, the FAA outlined risk mitigation measures for the civilian airshow community. 

According to the SAFO, despite dissimilar aircraft operating in close proximity to one another, “the NTSB preliminary report stated there were no altitude deconflictions briefed before the flight or while the airplanes were in the air. This accident highlights the complexity of mass aircraft demonstrations, and the critical importance of safety protocols to provide separation and enhance situational awareness.”

The SAFO identified the complexities and challenges for these aerial demonstrations, such as the participation of dissimilar aircraft, the complexity of the flight patterns, communication protocols, and the number of aircraft involved.

In that document, the FAA made the following recommendations to mitigate risk and improve safety at these events:

• Air bosses should be experienced and have a background in mass aircraft demonstrations. 
• Pilots should have proper training, credentialing, and recency of experience.
• Formations should utilize experienced flight leads that have demonstrated their ability to manage their formation element.
• Mass aircraft demonstration structure should include a detailed written plan that is distributed to all pilots in a manner that is clear and concise and able to be used in the cockpit.
• Mandatory preflight and postflight briefings should review all aspects of the normal and emergency procedures for all participants.
• Following the briefed plan for operational execution is of critical importance. Deviations from the plan, ad hoc instructions, or maneuvers can contribute to confusion and loss of separation.
• No simultaneous flight operations for aircraft not involved in mass aircraft demonstration.
• Complete geographical, vertical, lateral, and time separation should be utilized.
• Mass aircraft demonstrations should use simple racetrack patterns to avoid complex maneuvering and loss of visual separation.
• Avoidance procedures should be clear to all participants and easily executed in the event of an emergency.

“Pilots, air bosses, and event organizers should be continually assessing the risks and implementing appropriate safety mitigations to ensure the continued safety at aviation events,” FAA said.

The post FAA Issues New Safety Protocols for Aerial Demonstrations appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The aircraft were flying in the pattern of the Fun Fly Zone (FFZ), which is located in the Ultralight area.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that the accident occurred when the gyroplane pilot violated established and briefed FFZ procedures by making a prohibited 360-degree turn in the pattern before colliding  with the helicopter.

• NTSB: Rule Violation Contributed to Fatal Midair Collision at EAA AirVenture

The pilot and passenger of the helicopter were killed and the pilot and passenger of the gyrocopter were seriously injured. No one on the ground was injured, however, an unoccupied aircraft was destroyed when the gyroplane came down on top of it.

According to the NTSB final report (below) on the accident, in addition to the one-strike rule, the EAA has adopted the following changes to prevent future mishaps:

• Standardized briefing for all types of FFZ operations
• Standardized traffic pattern for all types of FFZ operations with exception of the powered-parachutes group due to speed performance
• Standardized aircraft spotter locations for all types of FFZ operations
• Designated sterile corridor for traffic on base leg over the north/south paved road

The NTSB’s final report is below.

The post EAA Adopts New Procedures in Wake of AirVenture NTSB Crash Report appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

If you plan to go to AirVenture this year, you can find our “Oshkosh LIVE” Redbird Studio on-site at Redbird Exhibit space 301, adjacent to Hangar A and facing Knapp Street. If you have never been to AirVenture, we hope tuning in to our daily coverage will inspire you to make the trip to Oshkosh one day.

If you’re simply unable to join this year, our goal is to ensure you don’t miss out on all of the excitement by bringing the experience to you live across several of our websites and social media channels. 

• READ MORE: 7 Things to Know Before You Go to AirVenture

What to Expect

Daily live segments hosted by editors from  FLYING, KITPLANES, Plane & Pilot, AVweb, The Aviation Consumer, and AirlineGeeks will host daily live segments featuring interviews with the world’s top airshow performers, a look at some of the most rare aircraft in the world, tips for how to build your own aircraft or pursue a career in aviation, and features on the rich history that has shaped AirVenture.

When and Where to Watch

Our live broadcast will run daily, Monday through Thursday, July 22-July 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CDT (9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. EDT). 

• READ MORE: Airplane Types Unlock AirVenture Locations for Parking, Camping

On Friday, July 26, we will livestream additional original content from the week throughout the day. You will find us broadcasting and streaming live across all of our brand websites—on the FLYING and AVweb YouTube Channels, as well as FLYING and Plane & Pilot Facebook pages. 

Follow us on Facebook or click subscribe to one of our YouTube channels and you’ll receive alerts that we are live!

We hope to see you in Oshkosh or that you’ll tune in to see all the exciting news and activity from this year’s EAA AirVenture.

The post FLYING Unveils ‘Oshkosh Live’ Video Programming Lineup appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

You’ll see volunteers at the show wearing vests. They do everything from parking cars and airplanes to driving trams and making sure the infrastructure of the grounds, such as walking paths and parking lots, are ready for use. 

• READ MORE: 7 Things to Know Before You Go to AirVenture 

EAA doesn’t yet have an exact tally of how many volunteers will be helping out at this year’s event (July 22-28) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, said organization spokesperson Dick Knapinski. 

“It’s tough to gauge the exact number right now, because the big influx comes as people arrive,” Knapinski said. “However, last year we had nearly 6,000 volunteers assist before, during, and after the week.”

As the airshow approaches, many pilots have taken to social media to discuss contingencies for weather, as the area has been inundated with storms. When it rains in Wisconsin, it really rains, turning aircraft and automobile parking areas and roads into nearly impassable bogs.

• READ MORE: Airplane Types Unlock AirVenture Locations for Parking, Camping

“We have had quite a bit of rain, 7 inches in June alone,” Knapinski said. While a significant amount, it’s not as bad as it was in 2010 when the show was waggishly renamed “Sloshkosh” by some.

“The additional drainage efforts done after 2010 certainly have helped, as there are large open fields used for parking and camping, some areas are lower than others, and therefore mushier,” Knapinski said. “We’re moving early arrivals into the dry areas as they come in at this time. With two-plus weeks until opening day, a lot can happen to dry the grounds between now and then.”

• READ MORE: Flying In to AirVenture: A Carefully Orchestrated Cacophony of Chaos

Knapinski noted that there are stockpiles of wood chips and gravel that will be used to shore up soggy locations. 

“We’ve got large tractors to assist those who find themselves stuck, literally and figuratively,” he said. “EAA AirVenture is a massive public event with countless moving parts. Our volunteers and staff work very hard to make sure it runs smoothly, but sometimes factors cause it to run less so. With this many people in one place, chances are that if you’re headed someplace, so are other people. Bring your patience along with you.”

The trams will be operating this year as they have in year’s past—driven by volunteers. The tram stops and routes are marked on the AirVenture map.

For the people who chose Uber to get to and from the grounds, the four drop-off/pickup locations that have been in place for the past four years will be in use, Knapinski said.

• READ MORE: Oshkosh 2024 Notice Outlines Changes for Pilots Flying to AirVenture 

“They are designated by the black-and-purple circles on the site map available online, in the app, or via printed map available on-site,” he said. “Those points are off the North 40 near Friar Tuck’s on South Park Avenue; Foundation Road adjacent to Homebuilt Camping; the Camp Scholler West gate on Poberezny Road; and the South 40 gate at the intersection of Knapp Street and County Highway N.”

Oshkosh Rules

It also helps if everyone remembers the Oshkosh Rules started by the AirVenture founder, the late Paul Poberezny:

• Pick up your trash, and if you see trash on the ground, please pick that up too, and put it in a waste receptacle.
• Respect the no smoking rule on the flight line.
• Do not touch an airplane unless you have permission from the owner. Be very careful about lanyards, camera gear, etc. to make sure they do not scratch or bump the aircraft.

Questions About Aircraft on Display

Because AirVenture is an outdoor event it can be a challenge to say with certainty what aircraft will be on-site for outdoor display. It can change day to day. A common question this year is “Will there be B-17s on display?” There are just a handful of these left in airworthy condition, and they are expensive to operate, therefore, they don’t always make it to the show.

• READ MORE: EAA AirVenture: A Vintage Aircraft Paradise

Knapinski said he had not been made aware of any B-17s visiting the show, with the exception of the EAA’s Aluminum Overcast that will be parked on outdoor display next to the museum.

He said it’s important to have the right frame of mind when you are at Oshkosh—that is, focusing on what brings us together rather than what drives us apart.

“One reason is that we’re all here for the airplanes and each other,” said Knapinski. “Especially in these times, leave the politics and other dividing stuff at home and come enjoy the fun of flight.”

The post Army of Volunteers Gives AirVenture Its Lift appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

1. If you drive to the event, pack your patience. 

You may end up parked well away from the show grounds and bused to the front gate. Take note of where you parked (for example Blue Lot) and write it down. Also consider dropping an AirTag in your car, so at the end of the day when you’re tired, you can find it more easily.

• READ MORE: Airplane Types Unlock AirVenture Locations for Parking, Camping

2. Conserve your energy.

Don’t run when you can walk, and don’t walk when you can ride. Use the trams and buses on the grounds to get where you need/want to go, or close to where you want to go. You get a map when you enter the grounds. Use this map to plan your visit. For the map-reading challenged: The big runway is aligned north-south; the warbird runway is east-west.

• READ MORE: Air Force B-52, C-17 Headed to EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh

3. Carry a backpack.

Most people carry a backpack to the event to hold water bottles, sunscreen, etc. The pack will be searched when you enter the grounds, so do yourself a favor and make sure you’re not carrying a firearm or other contraband that is not allowed.

• READ MORE: Flying In to AirVenture: A Carefully Orchestrated Cacophony of Chaos

The best packs are the ones with the waist strap as they take the load off your shoulders. Make sure your name and phone number are on the bag in the event it goes missing. EAA has an excellent lost-and-found department.

4. Self protection is important.

Wear a hat with a brim and sunglasses on a lanyard. Carry a rain poncho and an extra pair of socks. Even if the sun is shining, weather comes up quickly and ferociously. You can also use the poncho to make shade or to sit on when watching the airshow. When your socks get sweaty, change into the dry pair. This prevents blisters, which can ruin your day. Also, don’t forget earplugs as it can get loud during the airshow.

• READ MORE: Oshkosh 2024 Notice Outlines Changes for Pilots Flying to AirVenture

5. Study the map.

Plan your route carefully. You may want to make a loop of the grounds, starting at one end and going to the other, rather than zigzagging back and forth.

• READ MORE: EAA AirVenture: A Vintage Aircraft Paradise

6. Visit the hangars early in the day.

If able, visit the hangars before 11 a.m. because they can become uncomfortably hot later in the day.

7. Carry a small first-aid kit.

This kit should contain hand sanitizer, Band-Aids, anti-diarrhea medication, pain reliever, etc. Hopefully, you won’t need any of it. There is a first-aid building on the grounds for more serious injuries.

The post 7 Things to Know Before You Go to AirVenture appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Five aircraft from AFMC will be on static display on Boeing Plaza, led by the B-52 Bomber and C-17 Globemaster, EAA confirmed Thursday.

EAA’s annual fly-in convention is scheduled for July 22-28 at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

• READ MORE: Flying In to AirVenture: A Carefully Orchestrated Cacophony of Chaos

B-52H Bomber Stratofortress

The B-52H has been part of the Air Force arsenal since 1952. Designed as a strategic long-range bomber, it can carry up to 70,000 pounds of ordinance. It was built to carry nuclear weapons then later modified for conventional ordinance.

It bomber has been used extensively in major military campaigns since the 1950s. This particular aircraft is based at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

C-17 Globemaster III

The C-17 is one of the most prevalent large cargo airplanes in the world, capable of airlifting hundreds of troops as well as heavy equipment. Often utilized for humanitarian relief missions, the aircraft has a range of nearly 3,000 miles.

F-15EX Eagle II

The F-15EX is a variant of the F-15E Strike Eagle with an updated avionics package. The fighter is a refined version of the F-15E, sporting a revised wing structure that increased the aircraft’s service life by 20,000 hours.

• READ MORE: Oshkosh 2024 Notice Outlines Changes for Pilots Flying to AirVenture

Beechcraft C-12 Huron

The C-12 is the military designation for a series of twin-prop aircraft based on the Beechcraft 1900 and Super King Air. The C-12 is used for embassy support, light cargo transport, and medical evacuation. 

X-40 Space Maneuver Vehicle

The X-40 is an unmanned, unpowered glide test vehicle created as a test platform for the X-37 Future-X reusable launch vehicle. It was designed by Boeing then delivered to NASA, which modified it to conduct further testing.

The X-40 will be showcased along with a B-52 munitions display inside a tent adjoining Boeing Plaza. Accompanying the aircraft will be a large number of Air Force personnel on hand to answer questions about their missions.

In addition, on July 27 the AFMC will also be featured during an evening program, focusing on test pilot school and the impact on global aviation, at the Theater in the Woods. 

The post Air Force B-52, C-17 Headed to EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Often organized by type, and parked in disciplined rows, these meticulously restored machines are something to behold—and learn about.

• READ MORE: Pilot Proficiency Center Sets Focus for Oshkosh 2024 Training 

“Vintage in Review” is an informational interactive series presented during AirVenture that showcases specific airplanes built between 1903—the dawn of powered flight—and 1970. The presentations will take place July 22-26 next to the Vintage Hangar.

“Vintage in Review offers attendees an opportunity to see a rare selection of airplanes up close and hear stories about them directly from the owners, pilots, and other aviation personalities,” said Ray Johnson, Vintage in Review chairman. “Several of this year’s headline aircraft are more than 75 years old, making them quite rare to see airworthy today.”

• READ MORE: Oshkosh 2024 Notice Outlines Changes for Pilots Flying to AirVenture

This year, the presentations focus on antique and classic aircraft produced from the post-World War I boom of the 1920s to the 1940s when civilian aviation slowed considerably due to World War II before roaring back when hostilities ended and military trained pilots weren’t willing to hang up their wings.

Vintage in Review Schedule

Each day, EAA will interview three pilots about their unique aircraft. There will also be a vocal performance of Ladies For Liberty at 10:45 a.m. CDT, followed by a running of antique engines at 11 a.m. The lineup of aircraft for the vintage talks includes:

Monday, July 22

• Jim Hammond – 1931 Aeronca C-3

Tuesday, July 23

• Kelly Mahon – 1929 Cabinaire Biplane

Wednesday, July 24

• Edwin Remsberg – 1949 Stampe Biplane
• Ron Johnson – 1938 Buhl Pup

Thursday, July 25

• Laura Benton – Ladies Love Taildraggers
• Jeri Barrientos – 1929 Rose Parrakeet

Friday, July 26

• Ben Templeton – 1937 Spartan Executive

According to EAA, additional aircraft will likely be added to the schedule. You can find more information about vintage aircraft at the show here.

Special Anniversaries

There’s a whole slew of aircraft celebrating a significant production anniversary this year, starting with ultralights Titan Tornado and Mini Max, both of which mark their 30th year. Small and light and fun to fly, you’ll find them down in the Ultralight Area.

In the Homebuilt Area, the SX300, Kitfox, and Zenith have reached their 40th anniversaries. It can be fun to compare earlier models to the more recent designs to note the refinements  over the decades.

Marking its 70th anniversary, the Helio Courier, what many consider the beginning of the short takeoff and landing (STOL) movement as it was designed to be able to take off and land on a dime and give you back 9 cents change.

• READ MORE: EAA Scholarship Program Has Launched 500 Private Pilots

The North American T-28 celebrates 75 years in service. The T-28 premiered in the 1950s as a military trainer and is still used in that capacity by several nations around the world.

The Aeronca, the post-WWII high-wing taildragger marks 80 years in existence this year. The National Aeronca Association reports more than 70 of these classic taildraggers have signed up to attend the show.

The post EAA AirVenture: A Vintage Aircraft Paradise appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Pilots visiting the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, next month can explore what it means to them at the organization’s Pilot Proficiency Center (PPC).

• READ MORE: The Pilot Proficiency Center Opens in a New Permanent Space

The PPC, which is adjacent to the EAA Museum, is a learning center equipped with Redbird Flight Simulation advanced aviation training devices (AATDs). During AirVenture it will be staffed with experienced instructors who will provide seminars and hands-on learning to put a pilot through their paces. The idea is to identify weak spots in performance and give the pilot the tools they need to achieve proficiency on a regular basis. 

• READ MORE: Oshkosh 2024 Notice Outlines Changes for Pilots Flying to AirVenture

‘Hands-On, Minds-On’

This year the PPC promotes contents inspired by aviation educator Rich Stowell’s book, The Nine Principles of Light Airplane Flying, as delivered in Community Aviation’s Learn-To-Fly framework.

“We’re creating a dynamic atmosphere at the PPC that fosters discussion and a flow of ideas,” said Community Aviation president Billy Winburn.

To make this happen the PPC is bringing in experienced flight instructors known in the industry for their dedication to aviation education to lead “hands-on, minds-on” activities.

• READ MORE: Dates for Next 4 EAA AirVenture Conventions Announced

Each session will be structured as half-day, four-hour workshops consisting of a briefing, interactive discussion, activity and simulator labs, and debriefing periods.

The training does not end when the participants go home. During AirVenture, surveys will be taken as part of a research project spearheaded by Central Washington University’s aviation program.

Researchers want to answer at least two questions: Did participating in the experiment change how pilots approach their flying? And did it change the way instructors teach? The results will appear in a documentary-style video to be produced by Community Aviation.

The experiment in optimal learning will run July 22-26 at the EAA Pilot Proficiency Center.

The post Pilot Proficiency Center Sets Focus for Oshkosh 2024 Training appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

According to the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), the races will return in 2025 and continue to feature seven classes of racing, static displays, and military demonstrations.

“We’re thrilled to bring our honored tradition of racing to Roswell and are confident that they have both the enthusiasm and resources to expand the future of our races for many generations to come,” said Fred Telling, CEO and chairman of the board for RARA. “While Roswell was chosen, we are truly grateful for the overwhelming support, dedication, and enthusiasm shown by all the communities who submitted their bids to host our event.”

• READ MORE: Regional Growth Forces Reno Air Races to Look for New Home

In September, fans gathered at Reno-Stead Airport (KRTS) in Nevada for the last air race at that location, which local officials said was a venue no longer able to accommodate the growing sport.

Over the decades, homes and subdivisions encroached upon the airport that had once been remote, sparking concerns about potential accidents that could harm area residents. 

On the last day of the 2023 race, a midair collision involving two aircraft killed both pilots. 

• READ MORE: Airshow Plans Advance in Reno

Race authorities said they were determined to find a new home for the sport and  initiated an official request for site proposals in April 2023. 

According to RARA officials, they received 38 inquiries from municipalities across the country interested in hosting the high-profile event. The pool of contenders was narrowed to 11 cities participating in bidders’ conferences, then to six venues submitting comprehensive proposals. 

RARA officials visited each site for evaluation. Among the factors considered were the ability of the venues to host large crowds, as well as hundreds of cars and aircraft, and the racecourse layout. The three finalists were Casper, Wyoming; Pueblo, Colorado; and Roswell.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The 2025 NCAR event will take place at the Roswell Air Center (KROW), located 5 miles south of the city. 

During World War II, the facility was known as Roswell Army Airfield and was an active training base for bomber command. After WWII, it was renamed Walker Air Force Base in honor of General Kenneth Newton Walker, who was killed in action over Papua New Guinea in 1943. 

The base remained open after WWII and became the largest U.S. facility for Strategic Air Command during the Cold War.

It was also the location of the so-called “Roswell Incident” in July 1947 when an Army weather balloon, containing metallic and rubber debris and designed to detect Soviet nuclear tests, crashed near the base. Military officials announced they had recovered a “flying disc,” leading to the rise of speculation about visitors from outer space. The military quickly retracted the story, but the damage was done.

The terms unidentified flying object (UFO) and “flying saucers” entered the lexicon as a result of the event and are forever tied to Roswell. There is even a UFO museum in the city as well as an annual festival that celebrates UFOs.

• READ MORE: Taking in the Reno Air Races’ Final Lap

The military closed Walker AFB in June 1967, but the airport remained. In the years that followed, Roswell Air Center was created as the airport converted to civilian operations. It covers approximately 5,029 acres and provides outdoor storage for hundreds of airliners.

The airport has two runways: 3/21, measuring 13,000-by-150 feet, and 17/35, measuring 10,008-by-100 feet.

Race officials said the Roswell location opens a new chapter for the air races as the course will present fresh challenges for racers.

• READ MORE: The Intricacies of Getting Ready for Reno

“To know that Roswell will be the future home of the National Championship Air Races is a privilege and honor,” said Mike Espiritu, president and CEO for the Roswell-Chaves County Economic Development Corporation. “The event landing in Roswell is a testament to the collaboration and support of the region who have worked for the past year to make this dream a reality. We are confident that we can help the event grow and expand for many years to come.” 

Just because future air races will be relocated doesn’t mean Reno will no longer host aviation events. Preparations are continuing for the 2024 Reno Air Show, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary in October.

The post Air Races to Move From Reno to New Mexico in 2025 appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The 32-page document of official procedures, known as the Oshkosh 2024 Notice, is now available online and required reading for pilots intending to fly themselves to the Wisconsin event. 

According to the EAA, there are a few changes this year that are the result of “pilot feedback and FAA review of arrival procedure recommendations.”

The EAA said the notice is in effect from noon CDT on July 18 until noon CDT on July 29. The document outlines procedures for the many types of aircraft that fly to Oshkosh for the event, as well as aircraft that land at nearby airports.

New Procedures for 2024

This year there are TFRs in the Milwaukee area that have nothing to do with AirVenture.

• On July 15-18, the Republican National Convention will be held in the region, prompting a closure of airspace. On July 25-28, the Milwaukee Air & Water Show will be conducted with a TFR of its own.
• There is a new Fisk holding procedure. There are several pages on it in the notice that include drawings of landmarks and approved routes in addition to textual descriptions called out in boldface and boxes.
• No Fisk arrivals will be permitted before 8 a.m. CDT on Thursday, July 25.

In addition, the ATC assignable transition points located west of Oshkosh will be in effect again. They are designed to reduce holding time and air traffic congestion. The points are at Endeavor Bridge, Puckaway Lake, and Green Lake. According to the notice, they will be announced on the arrival ATIS when ATC activates during times of highest traffic flow.

This year’s AirVenture marks its 71st anniversary, and safety, as always, is paramount.

“The most essential information for any pilot flying to Oshkosh involves reading and thoroughly understanding the 2024 AirVenture Notice to ensure safe operations on arrival and departure,” said Sean Elliott, EAA’s vice president of advocacy and safety. “This FAA notice document states the official requirements and expectations for pilots. We also urge all pilots to log appropriate cross-country time prior to their trip to Oshkosh so they have the proficiency and confidence to fly safely.”

Pilots are advised to study the notice in advance and plan their flights carefully. 

Pro Tips:

• Add an additional 30 minutes to your estimated time en route, and be prepared to divert to another airport if weather, traffic, or an accident creates a delay.
• In addition to having the notice in digital form on your iPad or tablet, print it out and have a hard copy with you in the cockpit as a backup.

Good luck, and we’ll see you at the show.

The complete Oshkosh 2024 Notice is below. For a free, printed copy, call EAA at 1-800-564-6322.

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