Experience Air Crew Briefings at World War II Training Command Area
The Air Crew Briefing was a critical part of every flight during World War II, just as it is today. Prior to any mission, be it training, search and rescue, or going into battle, the air crew would get a briefing to cover facts about the mission, weather, launch, recovery, and any other pertinent details. At EAA AirVenture’s new World War II Training Command display, you can take part in a simulated air crew briefing based on the EAA Warbirds of America air show on the days that they fly.
Head down to the area, located near the Warbirds in Review and the Warbird Café, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 1130 (11:30 a.m. for you civilians). Briefings begin promptly at that time (so don’t be late!) and run about 30 minutes. They’ll be conducted as if you were a pilot in one of the aircraft flown in the show.
Briefers will review the required items and qualifications that pilots must have to fly the mission (air show) that day. Learn about the timing, planning, and the dedication of the pilots, air boss, safety personal, ground personal, weather briefer, and the entire air show team necessary to put on a safe and successful air show. This is a unique opportunity to have an inside look at a military style air crew briefing.
“We’re inviting people to come in and get a flavor of what is was like to get a briefing during World War II,” said Bill Fischer, EAA Warbirds of America executive director. “It will give them an inside look at the air show operation.” Kids, their parents--anyone--are welcome to attend.
Later, when the performance begins, participants can watch and anticipate what to expect in the performance.
The World War II Training Command area is where you can talk with volunteers and pilots between 0900 (9:00am) and 1700 (5:00 pm). See actual training films from the WW II era in the WWII Training Command Tent demonstrating Primary, Basic, and Advance Training of our WWII Air Crews. Also see video on how many of these historic aircraft are used today.
