Aside from the airshows, airplanes and forums happening all around AirVenture on the event's second day, the biggest news was probably an EAA announcement made earlier in the day. Tom Poberezny, the chairman of both EAA and AirVenture, along with EAA executives, made the announcement that he will be retiring effective August 1st. Later in the afternoon, 'Fifi', the world's only flying B-29 Superfortress, made it's arrival to AirVenture and quickly became the most popular airplane on AirVenture grounds.
During his retirement announcement, Tom Poberezny stated 'I am so proud of what we have been able to accomplish during my tenure. From increased attendance at our convention to the expansion of our facilities and programs, I am pleased to have led the effort to set the stage for future growth.' Louie Andrew, vice president of the EAA Board and chairman of its Executive Committee, stated that 'Tom, like his father, has been a visible leader for EAA and a mentor to thousands of flight enthusiasts, especially the countless young people that he has helped understand and become involved in the wonder of flight and the importance of aviation to our society. We will miss his daily involvement and valuable input, but we are happy to know that he will continue to be a good friend and an informal adviser as we move into an exciting future.' Current EAA President and CEO will take over the duties of Chairman,
Around 2:30, 'Fifi' made her return to AirVenture for the first time since 1995. She is flying again after a 4 year renovation, in which her engines were overhauled for better reliability. She arrived at AirVenture after spending the weekend in the Chicago area at DuPage Airport's Community Days, which drew hundreds of people to visit her, including flights for a lucky few who could afford to purchase seats. 'Fifi' is the only B-29 Superfortress that is still in airworthy condition. She will remain on site for the remainder of the event and will participate in Friday's airshow. she is currently parked in the Conoco Phillips Plaza and will be joined on Friday for a few hours by the brand new, Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Finally prior to tonight's video event, Bob Hoover will be honored, whose flying career dates back to WWII. Bob is referred to as the 'Pilot's Pilot' and is best known for his airshow performances in a Shrike Commander and P-51 Mustang. He was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1988. As a tribute to Bob, his P-51, 'Ole Yeller' was present for the tribute along with a Commander Shrike. At 8 pm, a tribute was planned at the 'Theater in the Woods', hosted by former Good Morning America host David Hartman.
The Bob Hoover tribute at 'Theater in the Woods' was followed up by the premier of 'The Aviators' second season, and the Fly-In theater was scheduled to be showing 'True Grit.'
As the second day drew to a close, tomorrow event's were already gearing up to lead to another spectacular day. One of the highlights, in honor of US military veterans, a Southwest 737 will fly 80 veterens to Washington D.C. to tour the many military memorials. There will also be a 'welcome home' celebration upon their return to AirVenture in the evening.
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