AirVenture Museum Latest News

Ski Plane Fly-In January 22, 2011-Beautiful clear blue skies and light winds contributed to another successful Ski-Plane Fly-In at EAA’s Pioneer Airport. With plenty of snow on the ground thirty ski planes were able to land, including a contingency of 14 planes from Poplar Grove Illinois. Visitors, whether they flew in or drove in, warmed up with the traditional chili lunch. Other items on the menu included cheddar cheese soup, cheese filled breadsticks, hot cocoa and coffee. The annual event also serves as a celebration for Audrey Poberezny’s birthday. After a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday by the crowd, the cake was distributed to the over 250 guests. Check out the photo gallery for more pictures of the 2011 Ski Plane Fly In by clicking here
Kids Days December 27-31, 2010- The week between Christmas and New Year’s was filled with activity at the AirVenture Museum. From 10AM to 4PM each day, families spent the day exploring the museum and enjoying various activities set up throughout the facility. As usual the “Houston, We May Have an Omelet” was a favorite. Scheduled three times each day, parents and children attempted to build the perfect capsule for their “eggstranaut”. With careful planning and execution, each session had several survivors. The new paper airplane launcher was another crowd pleaser. After making the perfect paper airplane, kids then launched their creations in the Founder’s Wing. Click here to check out more photos from Kids Days.
Wright Brothers Dinner December 17, 2010- This year’s event celebrated the 107th anniversary of powered flight, with Joe Kittinger Jr., the record holder of the highest parachute jump, giving the keynote address. Nearly 300 guests attended the annual dinner and enjoyed Kittinger’s speech about his many aviation feats. He still holds the record for the highest parachute jump at 102,000 feet set over 50 years ago. After retiring from the military, Kittinger began racing gas balloons in the Gordon Bennett Balloon Cup series winning the race four times during the 1980’s. He was also the first man to complete a solo crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in a balloon. To view the speech on video click here
2010 Christmas in the Air December 7, 2010- Christmas in the Air attracted nearly 5000 people to the 27th annual community open house at the AirVenture Museum. The event featured over 20 local musical groups that performed in four staged areas throughout the museum. The crowds also enjoyed the return of those “Funny Little People”. Free cookies and hot chocolate, plus the return of Just “Plane” Chocolate added to the evening’s festivities. The highlight of the night was the arrival of Santa Claus via helicopter. View more photos from Christmas in the Air click here