Oshkosh 2019 Day Four- A pictorial Review By Willie Bodenstein Starting at 14h30 and finishing late at 18h00 when the sun is still out and behind you, the afternoon airshows at AirVenture is what draws the crowds to the world's largest aviation event. Today the military was out in full force with some representation from the UK, a surprise visit by the USAF Thunderbirds and others. Two of the hardest working aircraft at Oshkosh is the Ford Tri-Motors which together will do more than 450 flights during the seven days. Another one is the B-17 that flies overhead Wittman Airfield from Appleton on one of its many flights. The Thunderbirds, created 66 years ago in 1953, is the air demonstration squadron of the United States Air Force and is the third-oldest formal flying aerobatic team (under the same name) in the world, after the French Air Force Patrouille de France formed in 1931 and the United States Navy Blue Angels formed in 1946. The Fairey Firefly built by the British aircraft manufacturer Fairey Aviation Company was a Second World War-era carrier-borne fighter aircraft and anti-submarine aircraft principally operated by the Fleet Air Arm. The Shetterly Squadron flying a Vans RV-8, DR-107 One Design, North American SNJ-6 and Giles was one of the civilian teams on day four. "Spoils of War" according to the commentator are the Aero Vodochody L -39 Albatros and the L-29 Delfin trainers developed in Czechoslovakia. Sean D. Tucker and Jessy Panzer in the team Oracle sponsored aircraft during their display. De Havilland Mosquito PZ474 made its first flight from Ardmore aerodrome, New Zealand on 13 January 2019 after having been rebuilt by Avspecs, New Zeeland. The latest airworthy Mosquito has been rebuilt for the Rod Lewis owned Lewis Air Legends collection. PZ474, is a FB.VI fighter-bomber, originally built for the RAF as PZ474, but it later became NZ2384 when it was sold to the RNZAF. The aircraft is now restored and test-flown as ZK-BCV, and is the third flying Mosquito in the world. Spitfire MK059, a combat veteran is part of the Texas Flying Legends Museum's collection. The aircraft started life with the Royal Air Force as serial MK959. Her first combat assignment was with 302 Squadron, one of the pair of Polish-manned fighter squadrons who served Britain so valiantly during WWII from the Battle of Britain onwards. The Mossie and Firefly during the afternoon's show. Designed by Douglas Aircraft Corporation's Ed Heinemann the first prototype Skyhawk took to the sky on the 22 June 1954. The Skyhawk had one of the longest production runs for a jet powered fighter, the last aircraft leaving the factory floor in 1979. By then 2,960 including 555 two-seat trainers were built. Jim Peitz in his Beechcraft F33C Bonanza never ceases to amaze. The F33C is one of only a handful of aerobatic capable Bonnies produced. A F-18 Hornet taxied past. And a Mig 17 took off Whilst a P-51 returned from a flight. The above is just a selection of photos of some of the afternoon's participants. Flights in the Tri-Motor at $77 and B-17 at $435 can be booked at the South East corner of Warbirds Alley. Bell Helicopter flights are $49 per person and can be booked behind the EAA's Museum. (2019 prices)

Events 2019 Oshkosh 2019

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