CAF, EAA To Host Heavy Bombers Weekend 2016 In Wisconsin

In a fourth annual gathering of aircraft from the World War II and Vietnam War eras, the CAF and EAA are joining forces for a Heavy Bombers Weekend 2016 in Janesville, Wisconsin the weekend before EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016.

In a fourth annual gathering of aircraft from the World War II and Vietnam War eras, the CAF and EAA are joining forces for a Heavy Bombers Weekend 2016 in Janesville, Wisconsin the weekend before EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016. The event starts Friday, July 22, 2016 and will feature the world's only airworthy B-29 Superfortress FIFI; the B-17 Aluminum Overcast; the B-25 Yellow Rose; the AC-47 Gunship Spooky; and Grumman C1-A Trader.

Other attending aircraft include two P-51 Mustangs, a C-45 Expeditor, two TBM Avengers, PT-13 Stearman, AT-6 Texan, two SNJ-5s, PT-26, KC-135 fuel tanker from the 128th Air Refueling Wing, and an L-29 jet. Many of the airplanes will be available for ground tours and rides. A Bell 47 Helicopter will also be offering rides. Additional ground tour aircraft include a Vietnam- era Huey helicopter and the Rockford REACT helicopter.

"We are excited to bring the AirPower History Tour to Janesville, Wisconsin," said Gerald Oliver, a member of the CAF B-29 Squadron. "The people of southern Wisconsin offered strong support for the 2013 through 2015 events so we are bringing yet another unique show in 2016 for the Janesville, Beloit, Rockford, and Madison area communities to enjoy."

Sean Elliott, EAA vice president of advocacy and safety said, "This is a historic opportunity for the public to view, touch, photograph, climb-through, and even fly in these aircraft at one location. The Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport in Janesville offers an ideal venue for a three-day show on their way to EAA AirVenture the following week."

The event's main entrance will be in the brand-new terminal building at the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport, 1716 W Airport Rd., Janesville, WI 53546. Admission for a three-day ground tour ticket is $15 per person or $25 for families with children under 18. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, July 22 through 24.

Jeff Skiles, resident of Oregon, Wisconsin and first officer from 'Miracle on the Hudson' US Airways Flight 1549 will be an acting flight crew member during the weekend piloting the CAF aircraft. Famous Dave's barbecue, Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream - featuring Bombs Away ice cream flavor, Country Kettle Corn, local Boy Scout troop beverage sales, WWII re-enactors/vehicles, and CAF/EAA merchandise will be available daily. A fully restored 1942 Chevy Troop Hauler truck manufactured at the GM plant in Janesville will be on display. Vets Roll organization of Beloit is hosting a Veterans in the Spotlight event on the tarmac daily from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Veterans will tell stories from their war time service under the wings of the warbirds.

Ride reservations are recommended in advance and can be made at http://www.heavybombersweekend.splashthat.com/. Or, call EAA reservations at (800) 359-6217 or CAF reservations at (432) 413-4100.

Sponsorship of Heavy Bombers Weekend is provided by - Gold Level: ABC Supply Co. Inc.; Silver Level: SC Aviation, Inc.; Bronze Level: Singlewire Software, LLC; Vets Roll, Inc.; The Shoe Box; Helicopter Specialties, Inc.; Charter Communications, Inc.; and Zimbrick GMC West.

The Boeing B-29 Superfortress, first flown in 1942, began active service in 1944 and is perhaps best known as the aircraft whose missions over Japan helped bring about the end of World War II. It was designed as a replacement for the older B-17s and B-24s, with longer range and greater bomb loads. The B-29 was also used in the Korean War in the early 1950s and was a staple of the U.S. Air Force until the late 1950s.

Since EAA began tours of the B-17 in 1994, tens of thousands of people have experienced this unique airplane through its flights and ground tours. Known as the Flying Fortress, the B-17 bomber is considered one of the greatest military airplanes ever built and one of the best-known aircraft types of the World War II era.

About the CAF AirPower History Tour:

The B-29 Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force brings together the aircraft, pilots, and crews from more than 63 CAF units across the country to create the AirPower Squadron - an ever changing assortment of military aircraft touring together to bring the sights, smells, and sounds of World War II aviation history to audiences across the United States.

About the CAF's B-29 Superfortress, FIFI:

FIFI was acquired by the CAF in the early 1970s when a group of CAF members found it at the U.S. Navy Proving Ground at China Lake, California where it was being used as a missile target. The airplane was rescued and restored and flew for more than 30 years until 2006 when the chief pilot made the decision to ground it pending a complete power plant re-fit. What followed was an extensive four-year restoration that included replacing all four engines with new custom-built hybrid engines. FIFI returned to the sky in 2010 and since that time has traveled coast to coast attracting large crowds at every tour stop. Learn more about FIFI and its tour schedule at http://www.AirPowerTour.org.

About the Commemorative Air Force:

Collecting, restoring, and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition, and remembrance. A nonprofit educational association, the CAF has more than 12,000 members and a fleet of more than 160 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 63 units located in 27 states for care and operation. The mission of the Commemorative Air Force is to honor the men and women who built, maintained, and flew in these airplanes during World War II. The organization believes that mission is best accomplished by maintaining the airplanes in flying condition and taking the airplanes to the people allowing them to experience the sight and sound of the aircraft in flight. For more information, visit http://www.commemorativeairforce.org.

About the EAA's B-17, Aluminum Overcast:

EAA's Aluminum Overcast was built in 1945, but was delivered to the Army Air Corps too late to see active service in World War II. The B-17 was donated to the EAA Aviation Foundation in 1981 with the provision the aircraft be maintained in airworthy condition. After being displayed at the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for a decade, the airplane made its national tour debut in the spring of 1994. EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world's most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA's 177,000 members and 1,000 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building, and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564- 6322) or go to www.eaa.org. For continual news updates, connect with www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.