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Once again, Oshkosh, Wisconsin was the center of the aviation universe during EAA AirVenture 2018. AirVenture is always an exciting week as the world’s largest gathering of aviation enthusiasts and professionals came together to celebrate aviation innovation, history, and education. As we reflect on another successful and inspiring week, we’re looking back on some of our favorite moments of EAA AirVenture 2018.

Introducing Hartzell’s new high-performance propeller

AirVenture is the place to see the latest exciting innovations in aviation, and this year’s event was no exception. This year, Hartzell Propeller introduced a new high-performance propeller known as “The Talon.” The specially designed performance propeller made its first public appearance when Mike Goulian and the Goulian Aerosports team performed with the three-blade prop installed on their Extra 330SC aircraft.

The new 3-bladed prop represents the next generation of enhanced aerodynamic prop manufactured with Hartzell’s patented ASC-II™ resin transfer carbon fiber process. Goulian wowed thousands of air show audience members in his daring aerobatic performances on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday of AirVenture 2018.

Exhibiting a patriotic Van’s RV-10

This year at the Hartzell Propeller exhibit, we had the pleasure of showcasing Rodney Jarrell’s patriotic Van’s RV-10, named Liberty, which salutes veterans from all the U.S. military services. Jarrell, who was just getting out of high school when the Vietnam War was winding down, says the airplane is his way of thanking all veterans for their service and sacrifices. Jarrell awarded special Liberty challenge coins to two of Hartzell Propeller’s Air Force veterans, Gary Chafin,  Vice President, Global Sales & Product Support, and Kristin Bendickson, Account Manager OEM Sales.

Tech talks hosted by propeller experts

Hartzell’s propeller experts hosted a series of educational and informative Tech Talks to inform and educate pilots about Hartzell’s next generation propellers. The Tech Talks covered topics based on some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about propeller repair and maintenance, conversions, and performance. If you missed one of the Tech Talks, we encourage you to check out our helpful video series on propeller care and maintenance or contact us with your specific questions.

Pilot Proficiency Center

Among the most popular attractions at this year’s AirVenture was the Pilot Proficiency Center (PPC), where thousands of student pilots and experienced aviators had the chance to explore proficiency tools and resources available to improve aviation abilities and promote safer flying. This year, the PPC housed 14 Redbird LD flight simulators with over 30 scenario missions and exercises for IFR and VFR proficiency as well as a Redbird Xwind crosswind landing trainer. Pilots had opportunities to work with Certified Flight Instructors who provided a comprehensive flight evaluation and debriefing to help them identify areas for improvement and recommend future training.

Catching up with Hartzell fans from around the world

One of our favorite parts of AirVenture is meeting pilots from around the world, many of whom fly with a Hartzell propeller. We had the chance to see hundreds of homebuilt, experimental, and vintage aircraft at this year’s event and catch up with pilots who choose Hartzell Propeller for their airplanes. Here’s pilot Travis Almuti and his homebuilt Lancair Legacy with a 3-blade Hartzell Scimitar-shaped aluminum alloy propeller.

What was your favorite part of AirVenture 2018? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.