July 28, 2008: Oshkosh, Day One
We intended to arrive before noon on Sunday, but my work started piling up late Friday afternoon—my clients suddenly realized that I was leaving town for a week. The work is great (I’m not about to complain, especially with today’s economy), but the exhaustion is taking a bit of a toll. I think I’ had about eight hours of sleep since Wednesday…
We ended up rolling into our hotel in Neenah at about 2:15 am, charged up with caffeine and the excitement of being at another AirVenture. I think I finally shut ’em at about 4:00 this morning.
Despite the short sleep, waking up for the first day of the Convention is never a problem! We slept in a bit, making it to Red Lot shortly after 10:30 (after a brief stop at the museum so I could check out the book sale—too late for the best stuff, even by 10:00). Then, we walked through the Warbirds area to meet up the crew at Timeless Voices, our volunteer detail for the week.
While enroute, we saw the new Explorers building, marveling at the great porch, the running water, and best of all, air conditioning! Our compliments to Ken Sack and the other volunteers who helped put this together. Terrific job!
Moving further into the grounds, it looks like even more warbirds are anticipated than usual; the usual corner display of the museum jets has moved to a narrow stretch of grass along the road.
The reason for the extra space was soon obvious: the massive influx of Nanchang CJ-6 trainers (see picture at left). There are approximately 12,979 CJ-6s here (actually, around 30 or so), sporting red stars, colorful paint schemes, and those overgrown M-14P-inspired 285 HP Hosai radials.
The Nanchang CJ-6 was among the first homegrown designs in the People’s Republic of China. The CJ-6 evolved from the license-built Yak-18 (called the CJ-5 in its Chinese incarnation), featuring aerodynamic mods, drag cleanup, a more robust structure, substantially more power, and tricyle landing gear. The result was an essentially new design that answered a number of shortcomings in the original Yakolev trainer.
The plane has a few eccentricities. For example, a number of systems are powered using pneumatics rather than the more common hydraulic or electrics. The result is a sweet-flying, tough-as-nails trainer that is still popular with air forces around the world fifty years later. Additionally, the CJ-6 has earned a large civilian pilot following for its unique personality and forgiving nature.
Later in the day, the CJ-6s made several formation passes. Absolutely cool.
We walked through the Liason and Observation section of the Warbirds, pausing to admire the nose art on this particular Stinson L-5, aka the “Flying Jeep”.
After a walk through the re-enactors camp (full of nostalgic smells of canvas), we then passed a number of Mustangs, P-40s, and even a P-38 before arriving for duty.
Throughout the day, the crowds were steady and seemed quite large for the first day out. The Warbirds in Review showcase talks were jammed! The series was also lead off by hizzoner Paul Poberezny bright and early.
Because of lack of sleep, we cut the first day short, leaving a bit after 4:00.
I did manage to skim through part of the homebuilts, pausing for a moment to answer some questions about a Dyke Delta from a group of pleasant engineering students who felt this was pretty much the coolest plane on the entire field. They were suprised to find out the design was almost as old as I am, which only increased their enthusiasm. Be great to see someone else tackle one of these!
Tomorrow, I’m going to check out the sexy Sopwith Pup replica at the Rotec Radial booth, geek out on some Rutan stuff, and more. But for now, it’s late, and I need to rest up for a full day of airplanes, airplanes, airplanes!
Stop by the Timeless Voices tent to say hello, or even better, do an interview. We’re in a small tent with a red-and-white striped top just across from the Zaugs stand in Warbirds.
Other pics:
Still unidentified RAF trainer
Bent-wing bird
Steady stream into Warbirds
More to follow (and hopefully better!)
CANCELLED: July 24-27, 2008: Historic B-17 to Visit EAA 838
LATE BREAKING NEWS (July 18, 2008): We have just received word that “Aluminum Overcast” will not be able to make the scheduled visit to Chapter 838 next weekend. Safety is of paramount importance in aviation, especially with a historic aircraft of this rarity. The “Overcast” crew identified an issue with one of the engines, and will need to spend the next few days replacing the ailing engine in preparation for a busy week of flying at AirVenture 2008.
The B-17 will make a one-day stop at Chapter 838 on September 29th and will be providing rides for those people who registered for the July visit. Additionally, we are happy to report “Aluminum Overcast” will definitely return for a longer stay next summer. We wish the ground crew the best as they tackle this project on a tight deadline, and look forward to seeing her in the skies over Oshkosh!
The Boeing B-17
First flown in 1935, the original Boeing Model 299 (later to be known as the B-17) was one of three designs competing for a USAAC (United States Army Air Corps) contract for a heavy bomber. On its maiden flight, a Seattle Times reporter commented that the shiny new Model 299 was a veritable “Flying Fortress”; the name stuck.
The Model 299 (pictured at left) exceeded specifications, setting speed and distance records. In an era where bombers were usually described as “lumbering” and “slow”, the Model 299 could keep pace with the frontline pursuit planes. The sleek, streamlined airframe included in-flight access to the four engines within the wing, and multiple machine guns for defense. The Model 299 clearly outshone the prototypes from Douglas and Martin (both two engined designs).
Despite this, however, the Model 299 lost the competition.
In October of 1935, the Model 299 crashed as a result of human error. Entering a steep climb, the crew discovered a gust lock was still on. A gust lock is a piece designed to keep control surfaces from moving when planes are parked on the ground, especially during windy conditions. With this lock in place, the controls would not respond. The plane stalled out and crashed. Even though the plane was not at fault, the contract went to the Douglas entry, known as the B-18.
Accident aside, the performance of the prototype was stunning. Almost immediately, the Army-Air Corps ordered a short run of 13 pre-production prototypes, officially designating the plane the YB-17 (the “Y” indicated an experimental version). The YB-17s would be instrumental in developing both the theory and practice of strategic bombing. Additionally, the YB-17s would be useful as the Army-Air Corps developed the concept of the preflight checklist to prevent future accidents like the one that brought down the Model 299…the preflight checklist is now part of every pilot’s flight training.
By 1939, the bugs were well worked out, and the USAAC took delivery of the first operational B-17A (shown at right). By the time of the Pearl Harbor attack, nearly 200 B-17Bs and B-17Cs were flying.
During the war, the B-17 would play key roles in the European theater, as well as a more minor role in the Pacific theater. In both theaters, Axis pilots were locked in a constant arms race with the B-17. As soon as one weakness would be discovered, a new version of the B-17 would appear. Over time, the B-17 added “chin” turrets, belly ball turrets, tail gunners, and more, eventually carrying 13 machine guns.
The B-17 dropped more munitions than any other bomber during the war, flying missions in all conditions imaginable. Crews flew home with incredible amounts of battle damage, tails shot off, three of four engines gone, and more. The image at the left shows the tail of a B-17. The fin and rudder were sliced off in a mid-air collision, yet the plane flew home. Amazingly, the tail gunner had no idea the accident had happened until landing!
The B-17 carried aloft famous pilots and crew, from Jimmy Stewart (who instructed in B-17s before transferring to B-24s), Gene Roddenberry of Star Trek fame, master mechanic and Popular Mechanics columnist, Smokey Yunick, General Paul Tibbets, later pilot of the Enola Gay, Clark Gable, Jimmy Doolittle, and many others.
From the Model 299’s first flight in 1935 through December 7th, 1941, Boeing produced nearly 200 B-17s. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, however, production increased tremendously. In the four years after the U.S. entered the war saw the creation of 98% of all B-17s ever made in that short span of time.
The B-17 was produced first by Boeing, then Boeing and old rival Douglas, and then even Lockheed devoted a division to the Flying Fortress before the end of the war. The picture at the right shows only a tiny section of the huge assembly line at the Boeing Seattle plant, here full of shiny new B-17E fuselages. By the time the last B-17G was finished, the total was over 12,750 aircraft.
Of these thousands of planes, only around 45 are left today, scattered in various museums around the world. Of those, even fewer are flyable. In fact, less than a dozen Flying Fortresses still take to the skies over 60 years later, making Aluminum Overcast a rare bird indeed.
Come on out and see history up close and personal. Talk to the people who flew these planes into Hell and back. You’ll never forget the experience.
EAA Air Academy Offers 25 Scholarships!
Up to 25 scholarships valued at $900 each are available for current high school sophomores, juniors and seniors to attend “Spread Your Wings”, a special camp session at the EAA Air Academy resident camp in Oshkosh, August 11-15, 2008. Participants will spend four nights at the Air Academy Lodge immersed in hands-on aviation activities, including real flight experiences. All high school sophomores, juniors and seniors in the Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Racine, and Washington counties are eligible to apply.
Thousands of young people have attended EAA’s summer camps since 1984. For many it became an important stepping-stone in both their personal development and their appreciation for aviation. These scholarships have been provided by people who wish to make aviation opportunities available to deserving youth in the Milwaukee area. Do you know a young person who could benefit? Call 888-322-3229, or e-mail airacademy@eaa.org to obtain an application.
January 1, 2008: Remember to Renew that Membership!
Did you forget something recently?
Maybe it’s because of the holidays. Or the bitter cold. Or sudden warm spells. It could be that you were excited by the prospect of winning the Publisher’s Clearing House Sweepstakes (not me, my envelope clearly stated “You may have already lost!”…thank you, Ed McMahon).
Whatever your perfectly rational reason, it seems that a number of folks still need to renew their 838 membership! And hey, if you’re thinking of joining, there’s few things better to do in this weather than get in out of the cold and hangar fly with a bunch of plane crazy folk. Fill out our membership form (76 K PDF; Acrobat Reader) and send it in with your dues.
Get A Student into Aviation through the Explorers!
If you know of a high school student with an interest in aviation, please print out this letter and pass it along. After all, the best advertisement is word-of-mouth!
As an Explorer, these students will be joining an outstanding program. We give the leadership experience to plan and follow through on their schedule with adult assistance. This is the next step in leadership from Scout Troops where the adult leadership still runs the program. The Explorers welcome young men and women and offer the chance to become truly outstanding young adults.
A number of our Explorers go on to Military Academies (such as the Air Force Academy, Annapolis, and West Point). Explorer member Jim Baker just graduated this year, and we more Explorers in the pipeline! Many others go to colleges and universities across the country, often benefiting from our scholarship opportunities. One example is Justin Horvath, a regular Young Eagles volunteer, who won a $3,000 scholarship this past summer (more details on this program will be in the next issue of Contact, the 838 newsletter).
Explorers have unique volunteer opportunities at the annual Airventure Fly-in and Convention in Oshkosh. Whether it’s the experience of having adults rely on their judgement…or simply being there to give Harrison Ford a hand after he lands, Explorers will find these priceless experiences.
If you’re an adult interested in working with the Explorer Post, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Ken Sack, Carolyn Heifner, and Marla Smith
Ongoing: 838 Cell Phone Drive
Chapter 838 is holding a cell phone collection drive to raise funds to purchase new projector for the classroom. We ask your help, but there’s no products to sell or doors to knock on. Just bring in any old cellphones you have at home (most people have a couple!). If you know of any businesses distributing cellphones to their employees, see if they have old cellphones they could donate as well. We have a box set up at the chapter house for donations…and yes, it’s tax deductible. See the May 2006 newsletter for more information.
Personal Email Accounts
Get your own eaa838.org email address! We have personal email accounts available for an annual $5.00 donation. This is for members and their families only.
