Skydiving Hall Of Fame Announces Plan For World Record Events At Oshkosh Airshow

The Skydiving Hall of Fame has been invited to conduct a series of skydiving world record jumps at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) 2015 Airshow in Oshkosh, Wisconsin July 22 and July 24.  The EAA’s annual exhibition is the largest of its kind with more than 10,000 aircraft participating.  The Hall of Fame’s 108-way skydiving team, known as the Eagles, will make three exhibition jumps in Oshkosh as part of an effort to set a new Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) skydiving world record.

James F. “Curt” Curtis III, President and CEO of the Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame notes, “It was only a few years ago that military jet display teams were first allowed to join the show.  This year, for the first time in its 64 year history, big-way skydiving exhibitions will be featured as one of the premier events at Oshkosh.”

“These seasoned skydivers – who have proved to be among the best in the world – face enormous challenges,” states Curtis.  “To achieve an FAI world record while performing a high-profile professional exhibition jump requires extraordinary skill, talent, and focus.”

Record attempts will occur at both the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh venue and Skydive Chicago in Ottawa, Illinois, the site of previous skydiving world records.  The schedule of events, to which media are invited, is as follows:

• Sunday, 19 July: Four rehearsal jumps at Skydive Chicago
• Monday, 20 July: Four 108-way world record attempts at Skydive Chicago
• Tuesday, 21 July: Four 108-way world record attempts at Skydive Chicago
• Wednesday, 22 July: One 108-way world record attempt at Skydive Chicago and Two record attempts & exhibition jumps in Oshkosh:  afternoon and early evening
• Thursday, 23 July: Three 108-way world record attempts at Skydive Chicago
• Friday, 24 July: Two 108-way world record attempts at Skydive Chicago and One record attempt & exhibition jump in Oshkosh; afternoon

The Eagles will rely on one Short SC.7 Skyvan and four deHavilland DHC-6 Twin Otters to carry them to a maximum altitude of 20,000 feet above the ground for as many as 17 world record attempts.

The exhibition world record attempts known as “Eagles Over Oshkosh” has been in development since early Fall 2014.

About EAA

EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts.  EAA’s 185,000 members and 1,000 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft.  For more information on EAA and its programs, go to http://eaa.org.

About the Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame

The purpose of the Skydiving Museum is to recognize and promote the sport of skydiving through public education and awareness; recognize the contribution to skydiving by its participants, suppliers and supporters; capture forever the history of the sport via its events, equipment, and personalities; and enhance aviation safety.  Established by the Museum in 2010, the Skydiving Hall of Fame recognizes and honors those who, through leadership, innovation and/or outstanding achievement have defined, promoted, inspired and advanced skydiving at the highest and sustained levels in the past, present, and for future generations of skydivers.  For more information on the Museum and its programs, go to https://skydivingmuseum.org.

For Further Information

Contact Jim McCormick, Director of Special Events, Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame, jmccormick@skydivingmuseum.org, tel: +1-970-577-8700.