Celebrating the Christen Eagle’s 40th at AirVenture

July 22, 2017 - The Christen Eagle II was introduced to the aviation world at EAA Oshkosh 1977. At AirVenture 2017, we’re celebrating the 40th anniversary of this award-winning aerobatic biplane. Designer Frank Christensen, EAA Lifetime 36663 and president of Christen Industries, set the standard for kitbuilt aircraft with the precision and attention to detail that became the hallmark of the Eagle. Three purpose-built single-seat versions were flown by Charlie Hillard, Gene Soucy, and Tom Poberezny during their lengthy tenure as the Eagles Aerobatic Team.

For the anniversary celebration, the International Aerobatic Club will highlight the history and the development of the Eagle in its pavilion on the AirVenture grounds. Six exhibit panels will tell the story of this iconic aerobatic and sport aircraft and the pilots who flew it. A forum on the Eagle will be held at the IAC pavilion on Tuesday, July 25, from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. Speakers will be Mark Ciagla and Lynn Ojala, owners and pilots of Eagle aircraft. Both are bringing their Eagles to AirVenture, and Lynn’s is being displayed at the Aviat exhibit.

The IAC is also proud to announce that Frank Christensen has agreed to attend AirVenture and will be on-site at the end of the week. He will also be a guest at IAC’s gathering of members in the Nature Center on Friday, July 28, at 6:30 p.m.