Showing posts with label aviation monuments. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aviation monuments. Show all posts

Thursday, August 13, 2015

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015: Monuments to the Dream of Flight and Flyers

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo
http://www.airassociatesmo.com/tae/The Aero Experience continues our coverage of our arrival at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015 with a look at the unique monuments to flight and flyers found on the main grounds (those found in other areas will be covered separately).  After passing the propellers and T-33 jet at the main gate and going on to the "Brown Arch" and the memorials, one easily concludes that aviation is more than a hobby or vocation.  It is woven into the fabric of those who have dedicated their lives to passing on the gift of flight to the succeeding generations, and there is plenty of room for many more to join the aviation community.

The entrance sculpture, featuring two Pratt & Whitney 1830 Twin Wasp radial engines with propellers, was dedicated in 2009.  The 1951 T-33 Shooting Star jet trainer is located just outside of the fence.




The "Brown Arch" has been a symbol of EAA's promotion of flight since AirVenture arrived at Oshkosh in 1970.  In 2009, it received an update to include memorial bricks.
 















Thursday, May 30, 2013

The Aero Experience Road Trip: Illinois Aviation Monuments Feature Military Aircraft

By Carmelo Turdo
Today's Midwest Aviation road trip takes us to Metro East Illinois, just across the river from St. Louis.  Three monuments featuring retired military aircraft were on the itinerary, and we have included several photos of each below.  The Aero Experience is a strong supporter of our military service members, and we are gratified to find and illustrate public monuments that represent the gratitude shown to them by our Midwest communities. Today, Edwardsville, East Alton and Granite City Illinois are featured in this monumental photo essay.

Robert C. Stille Edwardsville Township Community Park: 
LTV A-7E Corsair II s/n 159303
















    





St. Louis Regional Airport, East Alton: F-4C Phantom II s/n 63-0491



















Wilson Park, Granite City: Republic/GM F-84F Thunderstreak s/n 51-9451