Blogs

Wanted to pass this along as an FYI.

Aviation Gateway Park

‘Drone cage’ hosts daily unmanned flight demos at Oshkosh

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (February 27, 2015) — The latest innovations, unmanned drone demonstrations, and a world of possibilities for young aviation enthusiasts are part of the new Aviation Gateway Park that makes its debut at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015, the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” on July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

The 63rd annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention includes this new area, which builds upon the success of the College Park innovation/education area launched in 2014.

“EAA AirVenture Oshkosh has always been about innovation and education, and the new Aviation Gateway Park area is an opportunity to showcase these important initiatives in an even bigger way,” said Dave Chaimson, EAA’s vice president of marketing and business development. “This is the place to find out what’s new and learn about gateways to aviation for those interested in careers or new innovative technologies.”

One of the highlights of Aviation Gateway Park will be a new “Drone Cage,” where unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will be demonstrated each day during AirVenture. Manufacturer demos, educational presentations, obstacle course contests, and free flight can be viewed from all sides of the cage, including from bleachers inside the Park’s Innovations Center. Companies interested in exhibiting and demonstrating should contact EAA’s exhibits office at exhibits@eaa.org.

Aviation Gateway Park includes the popular Innovation Center presented by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), where some of the most intriguing concepts in aviation technology are on display; the Education/Career Center presented by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where more than 20 college aviation programs showcase possibilities for young aviation enthusiasts who seek schooling and careers; and a special forums area also presented by NATCA, highlighting the people and programs in this area. A plaza area between the three main structures will be a popular gathering place and home for some of the returning activities from last year’s College Park complex, including a social for college aviation students and an aviation job fair hosted by aviation-related companies seeking employees.

“The high levels of spirit and enthusiasm we’ve seen in this area over the past two years keeps growing, and EAA-member and attendee feedback led us to add more to the area this year as it outgrew the original College Park concept,” Chaimson said. “This area will be a gathering place filled with fun and discovery for all ages, but really provides a glimpse into what’s ahead in the world of flight, whether it’s the innovations or the people.”

Exact schedules of all Aviation Gateway Park activities will be announced as they are finalized.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure.