Presenters Finalized for Airbus Fly-In Theater

July 18, 2019 - From old favorites to recent blockbusters, the lineup of films at this year's Airbus Fly-In Theater will take visitors on a diverse journey through aviation history. In addition, we've added a screening on the Saturday before opening day, and we're introducing short-form programming on Wednesday and Saturday nights to reduce conflicts with the night air shows.

Every night beginning Saturday, July 20, through Saturday, July 28, moviegoers can bring lawn chairs and blankets to the Fly-In Theater and enjoy programming projected on a five-story screen. And the popcorn's free, too!

Located adjacent to Camp Scholler, the Fly-In Theater is reminiscent of the drive-in theaters of the past. Each evening the show begins at approximately 8:30 p.m. (approximately 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday to follow the night air shows). Each full-length screening is preceded by an entertaining and informative introduction featuring a mix of aviation notables, filmmakers, historians, and others who can provide insight and context to each film.

This year's presenters include:

Saturday, July 20 – 8:30 p.m. Top Gun – Lt. Cmdr. Meagan Flannigan
Lt. Cmdr. Flannigan saw Top Gun when she was 10 years old and knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life. About a dozen years later, she was one of the four last naval aviators selected to fly the F-14 Tomcat.

Sunday, July 21 – 8:30 p.m. Captain Marvel – Brig. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt
Brig. Gen. Leavitt made history as the first female fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force when she trained on the F-15E in 1993. She also consulted with the filmmakers, offering insights into the titular character's arc, which includes serving as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot in the 1990s.

Monday, July 22 – 8:30 p.m. Mission: Impossible – Fallout – Airbus Helicopters Representative
Star and avid pilot Tom Cruise trained extensively for months to get his helicopter add-on and develop proficiency in the Airbus AS350 B3 to perform a spectacular stunt sequence in the film. A representative from Airbus Helicopters will talk about Cruise's efforts, his training program, etc.

Tuesday, July 23 – 8:30 p.m. Planes: Fire and Rescue – Stephen Johnson
Johnson is the global sales director for Fire Boss, the company behind the real Dusty Crophopper. Johnson will talk about what it takes to produce the prolific single-engine attack fire bomber, and how these airplanes are saving lives and property around the world.

Wednesday, July 24 – 9:30 p.m. AirVenture Film Fest
Presented without introduction, Wednesday's short-form programming will consist of a series of short films, episodes of classic TV shows and movie serials, and more, all with an aviation theme.

Thursday, July 25 – 8:30 p.m. The Lafayette Escadrille – Darroch Greer, Paul Glenshaw, and Dan Patterson
This feature-length documentary about the famed all-volunteer World War I squadron has been a several-year labor of love for filmmakers Paul Glenshaw, Darroch Greer, and Dan Patterson. This special full-length preview offers a rare chance for AirVenture visitors to get a look at the nearly finished film.

Friday, July 26 – 8:30 p.m. First Man – Bill Barry
Barry, NASA's chief historian, returns to educate and entertain AirVenture visitors with his insightful look at the film's portrayal of Neil Armstrong and the events leading up to the history-making lunar landing 50 years ago.

Saturday, July 27 – 9:30 p.m. AirVenture Film Fest
Presented without introduction, Saturday's short-form programming will consist of a series of short films, episodes of classic TV shows and movie serials, and more, all with an aviation theme.

Admission to all movies at the Airbus Fly-In Theater is included with your AirVenture wristband.