Category: Aviation Landmarks

We attended EAA AirVenture 2017 in Oshkosh Wisconsin

In July 2017, we flew our plane to the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh Wisconsin. Many years had past since I had last attended. It was good to be back and EAA AirVenture did not disappoint. The weather was just perfect. Here are my brief highlights:

EAA AirVenture 2017, P51 Mustang and two pilots discussing flight tactics, photo credit wikiWings
EAA AirVenture 2017, P51 Mustang and two pilots discussing flight tactics, photo credit wikiWings

Warbirds were in full array. The quality and quantity of restored military aircraft was impressive. I’ve never seen so many. I believe Baby Boomers are spending their retirement dollars on warbirds and enjoying every minute of doing so.

The world famous Blue Angels provided a spectacular physics defying aerial presentation every day we were there. And, each afternoon special aviators took to the sky to display their airplanes and flying skills.

The EAA Aviation Museum was an impressive pause from the activities outside. I had not previously been to the museum. They have a collection of more than 200 historic airplanes and many world-class galleries. I found the documentation of EAA members that have been leaders in innovation a compelling story. We need that passion in the next generation of pilots. Continue reading “We attended EAA AirVenture 2017 in Oshkosh Wisconsin” →

Bowman Field Airport Terminal in Louisville, Kentucky

What historic events are noted to have occurred at Louisville Bowman Field? Bowman Field is the birthplace of Louisville’s aviation.  It was established in 1919 and opened in 1920 as Louisville’s first airfield. Bowman is one of the longest continuously operating general aviation airports in the United States.

Bowman Field Airport Terminal Louisville, KY (photo credit: WikiWings)
Bowman Field Airport Terminal Louisville, KY (photo credit: WikiWings)

On August 8th, 1927,  Charles Lindbergh landed the “Spirit of Saint Louis” at Bowman Field to a crowd of 10,000 spectators and was welcomed with much fanfare. A parade followed from the airport to downtown. The visit was part of Charles Lindbergh’s U.S. tour following his historic solo flight on May 20-21, 1927 from Roosevelt Field across the Atlantic Ocean to Le Bourget Field in Paris, France.

Commercial airline service began at Bowman in 1928 and continued until November 1947 when they were moved to Standiford Field. Bowman Field is said to have been the busiest airport in the country during World War II and Continue reading “Bowman Field Airport Terminal in Louisville, Kentucky” →