Redbird Flight and EAA Warbirds of America Partner on Two, Additional Warbird Simulators for AirVenture Oshkosh 2019

The organizations aim to garner youth interest in aviation through the bold history of WWII planes.

Redbird Flight Simulations and EAA Warbirds of America believe in promoting and recounting aviation’s past to set the hook for the aviators of the future. In that spirit, the organizations have partnered again to bring two, additional warbird simulators to attendees of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019.

The new simulators, modeled after the P-51D Mustang “Sizzlin' Liz” and the F4U Corsair “Korean War Hero”, will join two more custom Redbird simulators—a P-51D Mustang modeled after World War II Triple ace Col. C.E. “Bud” Anderson’s “Old Crow” and an F4U Corsair modeled after CAPT. Thomas J. Hudner's aircraft—in the Warbird Youth Education Center.

“What we hope to do with the simulators is spark some interest in younger generations interested in flying and hopefully fuel their desire to become a pilot someday,” said EAA Warbirds of America Executive Director Bill Fischer.

“We’re excited to contribute to the Warbird Youth Education Center again at AirVenture,” added Redbird President and COO Charlie Gregoire. “Every year that we build these custom warbird simulators, the team at Redbird becomes fully immersed in the aircraft and the stories they honor. If they can garner that type of interest from longtime aviators, then we can’t wait to see how the next generation responds as EAA Warbirds of America continues to grow its fantastic simulator program.”

Anyone who has ever attended AirVenture knows that it is truly a family event, and an estimated 70,000 kids are expected to attend this year. Through the immersive and educational experiences that the full-motion warbird simulators provide, the organizations aim to encourage the many returning attendees to continue pursuing their interest in aviation, but also to inspire first-time visitors to consider getting their wings.

“Many of the kids that are here for the whole week are with aviation families,” said Fischer. “They might be camping underneath the wing of an airplane or staying in one of our many campsites that are available here. Other kids are here just for the day and may not have that much experience in aviation, but those are the kids we especially like to reach. It’s really fun to watch as they gain some experience and confidence and then start flying quite well.”

All four warbird simulators are available for attendees to fly throughout the week at AirVenture. To experience them for yourself, and to learn more about the youth outreach initiatives of EAA Warbirds of America, visit the Warbirds Youth Education Center in Warbird Alley.