RAF FRIENDS GATHER AT OSH AIRVENTURE

The RAF had a great week at EAA’s Oshkosh AirVenture 2024, and we appreciate meeting and re-connecting with our fantastic supporters along the way. The energy around the RAF mission was apparent throughout the event grounds, with spontaneous happy reunions happening among supporters who easily recognized one another in their “RAF orange” attire. Attendance was enthusiastic at the RAF’s planned events as well.

Throughout the week the impressive RAF-branded Husky was on display in the Redbird Flight Simulators booth where RAF volunteers helped answer questions about Simuvation’s RAF-branded sim on display. Attendees were encouraged to board the sim and try their hand “flying” the RAF-branded Husky into a selection of RAF-supported recreational airstrips. “That was fun!” was heard on more than one occasion after folks tried their skills landing virtually at Ryan Field (2MT1) and other turf strips.

True to an RAF annual tradition, supporters enjoyed the donuts and coffee social on Hartzell’s rooftop Tuesday morning. RAF Directors Pete Bunce and Jeff Russell expressed appreciation to the standing-room-only crowd. At the conclusion of the event, Bunce and Russell led the group on a walkabout to take “family” photos at the displays of various industry partners.

Throughout the week at the Brown Arch, visitors found a spot of shade and viewed the growing list of RAF volunteer names etched in stone. This tribute to RAF volunteerism was made possible thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. 

The RAF thanks Hartzell Propeller, Redbird Flight Simulators, Aviat Aircraft, and Daher-Kodiak  for their support at OSH; and thanks all the volunteers who made our donuts and coffee social, and Redbird booth participation so successful.

We look forward to another fun-filled week in Wisconsin in 2025!

Submitted July 31, 2024