EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014 Airshows: The 4CE (The Force)!

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo

The Aero Experience returns to our coverage of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014, sponsored by Air Associates of Missouri and Air Associates of Kansas, by reliving the summer airshows!  The EAA AirVenture Oshkosh events provide the highest caliber of civilian (and when available military) performers, and you can always expect something new along with our favorites.  This year's airshow series included top-tier solo aerobatic acts, warbirds, jets and the USAF Thunderbirds.  The daily afternoon airshows were a gathering place for a sea of humanity enjoying the annual aviation ritual, and we will do our best to maintain a warm feeling for airshows as winter closes in on much of the nation.

Our first stop is at the Vicki Cruse Educational Pavilion, dedicated in 2010 in honor of U.S. National Aerobatic Champion Vicki Cruse who perished in an accident during the World Aerobatic Championships in Silverstone, England in 2009.   A variety of aerobatic aircraft were on display around the building throughout the week, and that area of the grounds became the waymark on the path to a great observation point for the airshows.  

The first featured aerobatic performers from EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014 is The 4CE (The Force), a four-member formation team.  The team members are all top-tier performers who fly as one in the air:  Matt Chapman, Jack Knutson, Rob Holland and Bill Stein.  Each pilot performs solo and The 4CE shows throughput the season, and Rob Holland is currently a member of the U.S. Unlimited Aerobatic Team.  The gracefulness of the multicolor formation speaks for itself, and our photo essay will give an idea of the precision and beauty of the team's performance.