The 47th annual edition of the world's largest recreational aviation event, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, will be held July 28-August 3 at Wittman Regional Airport.

In 1998, more than 12,000 airplanes were flown into the event, which had an estimated attendance of 855,000. EAA AirVenture '98 was highlighted by more than 500 educational forums, seminars and workshops; more than 700 exhibitors; more than 2,700 show planes in 11 categories; daily air shows with the world's finest civilian performers; and a wide variety of informational and entertaining programs.

The event is the annual convention for the 170,000 members of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). EAA's divisions also have permanent sites on the AirVenture grounds, with programs throughout the week-long event.

"EAA AirVenture has become aviation's annual family reunion", AirVenture Chairman Tom Poberezny said. "Top aviation policymakers and aviation enthusiasts from around the world have an opportunity to meet and discuss aviation issues. There are also activities for every age and interest within the world of flight".

Jeppesen, the Denver-based international aviation services company, and Air BP, a worldwide petroleum exploration, refining and distribution company, have announced a cooperative agreement that will combine the extensive services and experience of both companies into a single source for international flight operationas support. Now, corporate flight departments that use Jeppesen trip planning services will also receive refinery-fresh fuel without the expense of the middleman.

"We have been looking for an international fueling partner that shares our goals of making our customers' trips worry-free", said Bob Overby, director of corporate flight services at Jeppesen. "Air BP continues to build on one of the largest distribution networks in the world and they are also a refiner, which ensures that the fuel our customers receive is only the best".

Since all of the services that support its flight planning department are in-house, Jeppesen offers the industry's only true One Source for international trip planning. Corporate flight departments can choose to receive any combination of Jeppesen's many services, including worldwide instrument charts and flight to weather and NOTAM information.

"We believe our partnership with Jeppesen is a natural fit", said David Linford, International Sterling Card Manager for Air BP. "Both companies offer extensive worldwide services backed by years of professional experience. Our services compliment each other perfectly and offer flight departments the professional assistance they deserve".

Jeppesen, a subsidiary of The Times Mirror Company, is recognized as the world's leading supplier of flight information, supported by flight planning services, aviation weather services, maintenance information and pilot training systems. Times Mirror is a Los Angeles-based news and information company, which publishes the Los Angeles Times, Newsday, The Baltimore Sun and other newspapers, a wide array of professional information for the legal and health sciences markets, and consumer magazines.

For additional information about "One Source" or other corporate flight services, contact Jack Hezlep, manager of corporate flight services at Jeppesen, telephone : (303) 784-4208. Jeppesen corporate and product information is available via Jeppesen's home page at www.jeppesen.com.

Jeppesen, the Denver-based international aviation services company, announces that Aviation Methods Inc (AMI), a US-based aircraft management/charter company and subsidiary of TAG Aviation Holding, SA, has signed a multi-year contract for flight planning, aviation weather, instrument charts, and international trip planning services for their entire fleet of aircraft. Under this single, one source contract, Jeppesen will satisfy all of AMI's Corporate Flight Service requirements.

"Jeppesen will help us to bring better control and cost efficiencies to our operation", said Chuck Mcleran, vice president of operations and standards for Aviation methods. "We felt we needed to work with one company with a proven track record that could provide all of the flight services that our wide-ranging fleet required". AMI manages a fleet of over 60 aircraft worldwide.

"The AMI contract demonstrates the value and confidence that corporate America is realizing through Jeppesen's One Source Corporate Flight Services", said Jack hezlep, marketing manager, corporate flight services.

Jeppesen, a subsidiary of The Times Mirror Company, is recognized as the world's leading supplier of flight information, supported by flight planning services, aviation weather services, maintenance information and pilot training systems. Times Mirror is a Los Angeles-based news and information company, which publishes the Los Angeles Times, Newsday, The Baltimore Sun and other newspapers, a wide array of professional information for the legal and health sciences markets, and consumer magazines.

Thirteen people who contributed greatly to the world of flight were honored as the newest members of Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)-affiliated Halls of Fame. The group was inducted on Friday, Oct. 23, during a program at the EAA Aviation Center at Oshkosh, Wis.

Curtis Pitts, Burt Rutan and Bill Warwick were inducted into the EAA Homebuilders' Hall of Fame. Rodney Jocelyn and Tom Poberezny, as well as posthumous inductees Harold Neumann, Tex Rankin and Bill Barber, became the newest members of the International Aerobatic Club (IAC) Hall of Fame. Two people - John Ellis and Randy Sohn - joined those in the EAA Warbirds of America Hall of Fame. Finally, Bill Kershner, Marvin Easter and the late Joe Vorbeck were honored as inductees into the Flight Instructor Hall of Fame.

"I am honored to join these 12 other men who have contributed so much to the world of flight," said EAA President Tom Poberezny. "Each has carved a unique niche in aviation history. They represent the best that sport aviation has to offer and serve as an example for everyone involved in flying."

The inductees were nominated by members of EAA, EAA Divisions or the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI). The final selection was made by the Board of Directors of each group. Nominees were considered for their contributions to the history, development and growth of a particular facet of sport aviation. The IAC Hall of Fame was founded in 1987, while the Homebuilders' Hall of Fame was founded in 1993, the Warbirds of America Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Flight Instructor Hall of Fame in 1997.

Curtis Pitts is responsible for the development of several legendary airplanes, including the popular Pitts Special aerobatic airplanes. Burt Rutan is perhaps the best known homebuilt designer in the world, with such innovative designs such as the Long-EZ, VariEze, Quickie and, of course, the Voyager, which flew around the world non-stop on one tank of fuel in 1986. Bill Warwick, who died in 1994, was known for his Tiny Champ, Hot Canary racer and other designs affordable and simple enough for the average builder.

Among IAC Hall of Fame inductees, J.G. "Tex" Rankin was one of the first aerobatic legends, beginning his air show, competition and racing career immediately after World War I. He died in 1947. Rod Jocelyn changed exhibition aerobatics from fragmentary sequences to the flowing, tightly linked aerial ballet now used by competitors and performers alike. Harold Neumann, who died in 1995, was an Illinois farmboy who went on to win nearly every major air racing award in the 1930s and competed in Sportsman category aerobatic competition well into his 70s. Bill Barber was the first U.S. aerobatic team captain, introduced maneuvers such as the 16-point roll and paved the way for American participation in world competition before his death in 1987. Tom Poberezny, the current President of EAA, was the 1973 National Unlimited Aerobatics Champion and performed with the Eagles Aerobatic Team for 25 years.

The Warbirds of America honorees include John Ellis, a member and officer of the Warbirds organization for 25 years; and Randy Sohn, one of the world's foremost authorities on safe operation of World War II-era military aircraft.

The Flight Instructor Hall of Fame inductees are: Marvin Easter, who has taught student pilots at Ohio State University for more than 30 years; Bill Kershner, whose flight training manuals have become required reading for thousands of new pilots or those upgrading their skills; and the late Joe Vorbeck, who was known as "Mr. Instrument Flying," who co-founded NAFI and served as its first President. Vorbeck died in 1996.

• 1987: Jose Luis Aresti, Duane Cole, Curtis Pitts, Frank Price
• 1988: Marion Cole, Mike Murphy, Betty Skelton
• 1989: Robert L. Heuer, Beverly "Bevo" Howard, Harold Krier
• 1990: Lincoln Beachey, Bob Herendeen, Charlie Hillard, Art Scholl
• 1993: Neil Williams, Clint McHenry
• 1998: Bill Barber, Rodney Jocelyn, Harold Neumann, Tom Poberezny, Tex Rankin

• 1993: Paul Poberezny, S.J. "Steve" Wittman, George Bogardus
• 1994: Bernie Pietenpol, Bob Burbick, Ray Stits
• 1995: Tony Bingelis, Molt Taylor, John Thorp
• 1996: Sam Burgess, Nick D'Apuzzo, Ed Heath, Volmer Jensen
• 1997: Ladislao Pazmany, William Ghan, Harold Best-Devereux
• 1998: Curtis Pitts, Burt Rutan, Bill Warwick

• 1993: E.E. "Buck" Hilbert, George York
• 1995: Cole Palen, Kelly Viets, Joe Juptner
• 1997: Paul Poberezny, Ann Pellegreno, Jim Younkin, Harold Armstrong

• 1995: Paul Poberezny, Walt Ohlrich, John Baugh, Bill Harrison, Jerry Walbrun
• 1996: Dick Dieter, Charlie Nogle
• 1997: Sue Parish, Rudy Frasca, Jeff Ethell
• 1998: John Ellis, Randy Sohn

• 1997: Bernie Geier, Evelyn Bryan Johnson, James W. "Pete" Campbell
• 1998: Joe Vorbeck, Marvin Easter, Bill Kershner

Adults who want to discover and develop aviation building and restoration skills are invited to receive "hands-on" experience from some of aviation's best artisans during the EAA Wright School of Building and Restoration sessions. There are two sessions scheduled, Jan. 25-29 and Feb. 1-5, 1999.

The Wright School sessions, formerly known as the EAA Adult Air Academy, will be held at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh with residence at the Air Academy Lodge. Participants can explore the basic skills of aviation or concentrate on one or more airplane building and restoration topics during the first one-week session. Fabric covering will be the emphasis during the second week program.

"The Wright School of Building and Restoration sessions offer much more than a classroom experience," said EAA Aviation Foundation President Tom Poberezny. "It is an opportunity to share common interests with fellow aviation enthusiasts. Those who participate learn about the technologies and techniques of building and restoring airplanes. More importantly, the unique learning environment of the EAA Aviation Center creates experiences and friendships that last a lifetime."

Chuck Larsen, the Foundation's Executive Director of Education, explained that classroom and workshop activities are included for all participants in the program.

"There is a wide range of activities that can be as detailed as the individual participant wants," Larsen said. "That includes techniques such as welding, fabric covering, woodworking, sheet metal work and composites. We offer participants an opportunity to learn under the watchful eyes of experienced instructors."

The first session will emphasize basic aircraft maintenance, building and restoration skills. Air Academy staff will share methods and skills required to successfully build, restore, and maintain aircraft. It also follows the Aircraft Builders Conference presented by Alexander Sportair Workshops on Jan. 23-24, 1999.

During the Feb. 1-5 session, participants will specialize in fabric covering, with a Wag-Aero Sport Trainer used as a project aircraft.

Luncheons will include EAA staff presentations describing highlights of EAA programs and activities. Four two-hour workshop sessions each day include a complete overview of basic aircraft building skills.

"In addition to the workshops, participants will have opportunities to explore the EAA Air Adventure Museum and EAA Aviation Center, as well as become familiar with many of the aircraft and resources available here," Larsen said. "The camaraderie developed between participants and staff will surely be the basis for many lasting friendships."

Registration for the EAA Wright School sessions are $800 per person per week. Registration includes accommodations (double occupancy) and meals, plus all instructional materials and supplies.

The EAA Aviation Foundation's Air Academy programs also offer resident aviation sessions for young people and a variety of internships for aviation students and professionals. For more information on any of the Air Academy programs, call toll free 888-EAA-EAA9 (888-322-3229) or 920-426-6815. You may also write to the EAA Aviation Foundation Education Office; P.O. Box 3065, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3065, or contact EAA's World Wide Web site at www.eaa.org. You may also e-mail the Education Office directly at education@eaa.org.

The Internet 'take-off' is announced today (20 Nov 1998) of the web site for Starflight Endeavour - The Greatest Flight on Earth

Spirit of Endeavour, a GlaStar kitbuild aircraft chosen for its versatile interchangeable landing gear and rugged construction, is being built by pilot Stephen Wood and a team of students at the aero engineering department of Cambridge Regional College, Cambridge, UK.

Wood, a long-standing member of EAA, AOPA, PFA and The Seaplane Pilots Association, plans to fly Spirit of Endeavour FOUR times around the globe as a tribute to the world's greatest navigator, and fellow Yorkshireman, Captain James Cook. The flight will also be a tribute to the other great global navigators, the crews of the space shuttle Endeavour.

"Starflight is my ten year Millennium challenge and nobody has ever flown a kitbuild aircraft more than twice solo around the world", Wood says as he assembles his Starflight Team which includes a number of experienced world flight pilots, one of whom is the double solo world flight record holder, Jon Johanson.

From the second world flight onwards, Wood has plans to fit amphibious floats to Spirit of Endeavour, as well as the first of a new breed of aero-diesel engines. "No one has ever flown an amphibious light aircraft around the world, and the diesel engine will herald a more environmentally friendly form of flying", says Wood as he describes how his detailed plans include aspects which will grab media attention in each major world city he visits.

Planning for Starflight started in 1993 following Wood's electrifying experience of avoiding thunder storms whilst qualifying as a pilot in the worst Californian winter weather of a decade. Wood flew from Montgomery Field, San Diego, flying circuits within sight of the fighters from the famous 'Top Gun' airbase at Miramar.

"Spirit of Endeavour will visit the 100th anniversary of flight celebrations at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, USA in December 2003, on the 10th anniversary of my flying challenge," as Wood outlines his world flight plans.

Having just celebrated his 'half century', Wood is now officially a 'senior' alongside his birth-year counterpart HRH The Prince of Wales.

"Age shouldn't be a barrier to great adventures, and my aim is to encourage young and old alike to look to aviation for inspiration in 21st century", Wood tells students over 30 years his junior, as together they build Spirit of Endeavour in the well equipped workshop at Cambridge.

A firm supporter of the international EAA Young Eagles flight programme, Wood has established GreenHawk Trust, a UK Registered Charity, which specialises in arranging free flights for disabled and life limited children through its Aviation in the Community initiative. Over 200 special needs children have taken to the air in the last 18 months in flights arranged by Wood himself.

"Kids will fly in Spirit of Endeavour at every world city I visit", says Wood as he plans his own special contribution to the Young Eagles programme. His ambition is to fly the very first Young Eagles flight of the 21st century BEFORE he too makes the last flight of the 20th century. The International Date Line, and the South Pacific islands of Tonga (the .to suffix of Starflight's web site address) and American Samoa feature in his plans. . .

Wood has exciting plans to create sponsorship links with world cities through a unique concept of PLANETPORT, a 'virtual' trade and travel port to promote trade and tourism to participating cities. "I've secured world rights to the PLANETPORT domain names", says Wood as he describes how each city will have its own special Internet web link, for example; New York will be linked through www.planetport.to/new york

PLANETPORT has yet to open its web runways but Wood is confident that when it does it will create a multi-media opportunity which will have world cities queuing up to 'take-off' as part of the Starflight world flight programme.

"Flying into the 21st century in Spirit of Endeavour is my special way of celebrating the new Millennium" says Wood.