Pilots, flying enthusiasts, aviation experts and those with a general love of flight descended on EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014 to attend The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration. As predicted, this year's attendance soared to record-breaking heights, with crowds including young and old fueling the contagious enthusiasm at the annual aviation mecca.
Also in attendance was Phillips 66® Aviation, filling the daily, action-packed AirVenture schedule with educational seminars and radio interviews led by esteemed experts; meet-and-greets with the always popular Aerostars aerobatic team; and, of course, amazing prizes.
One of the highlights of this year's event was the prescreening of the PBS film Jenny, a documentary that commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Curtiss Jenny – a golden icon among antique airplanes. The film, which is underwritten by Phillips 66, was well received during multiple showings at Oshkosh's Theater in the Woods.
Clear skies and sun-filled days made Phillips 66 Aviation's tent a popular hangout during the daily free-popsicle happy hour. Along with the sweet treat, attendees walked away with great giveaways, including yoyo balls and lapel pins. Big-ticket prizes awarded to Young Eagles pilots included flights with the Aerostars, three pre-loaded 85,000 WingPoints® Cards and $25 WingPoints Cards.
A custom Fender guitar was presented to the lucky drawing winner, pilot Mike Rosman. While it's unclear if Rosman serenaded the crowd at AirVenture 2014, it is clear that he was thrilled with the rock n' roll-ready instrument. This was the first of two Fender guitars that Phillips 66 will give away this summer to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Phillips 66 Lubricants X/C Aviation Oil. For your chance to win the second Fender, fill out a brief survey on the Phillips 66 Aviation Oils Facebook Page.
If the actual heart-stopping air-obatic stunts and inverted maneuvers performed by the Aerostars weren't in your flight repertoire, flight simulators were on hand in the Phillips 66 tent, allowing visitors to try their hand at virtual aerial ballet, all from the safety of the ground.
AirVenture is a great time for pilots to stock up on cases of discounted Phillips 66 Aviation lubricants, which is exactly what many did. Phillips 66 lube experts were on hand to answer questions, direct visitors to the best products and provide information on the latest research and technology. Visitors also heard about Phillips 66's support of American Jobs for America's Heroes (AJAH), a national campaign aimed at connecting unemployed National Guard members with employers.
Another program close to Phillip 66's heart is the EAA's Young Eagles, a group committed to helping youth discover their wings and kindle their love of general aviation. Since the Young Eagles' inception, Phillips 66 has provided a fuel rebate program that encourages pilots to join the Young Eagles volunteer program and take young aviation enthusiasts up, up and away.
At this year's Young Eagles Banquet, Greg Anderson was presented with the Phillips 66 Aviation Leadership Award by Greg Hart, Phillips 66 general aviation manager. Hart touted Anderson's sacrifices and his dedication to inspiring young people to pursue aviation. You can read more details about Anderson here.
During the banquet, Hart also announced that Phillips 66 will double the Young Eagles Rebate, a $2-per-gallon rebate for flights between September 1, 2014, through December 31, 2014, making flying that much more rewarding for participating pilots.
For many, attending AirVenture is an annual tradition. Phillips 66 is proud to be a part of this yearly pilgrimage, which unites flying fanatics from around the globe. Is it too early to start counting down to AirVenture 2015? We think not. See you next year.