EAA To Honor 50 Years Of Cherokees

A formation flight of 50 Piper Cherokees will celebrate the make's 50th anniversary at Oshkosh this year.

The four-place, low-wing airplane has been a staple at general aviation airports since its introduction in 1960. At AirVenture 2010, a mass arrival of 50 aircraft will kick off the golden anniversary event, with other activities and programs included for Cherokee owners and enthusiasts throughout the week, a spokesman said.

“All Piper Cherokee clubs and owners groups are invited to participate in the activities,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman.

More than 30,000 Cherokees and their direct descendants, the Piper Warrior, Archer, Dakota and Arrow, have been built over the past 50 years.

The only current models are the retractable Arrow and the Warrior III. Although the 180 hp Archer was discontinued in 2009, new Piper owners Imprimis say it will be revived this year.

More than 250,000 young people have been flown in Cherokees as part of EAAÕs Young Eagles program, he noted.

“With that superb legacy, we are eager to give all the Cherokee aircraft and enthusiasts a warm welcome at Oshkosh next summer,” Poberezny said.

The historic mass arrival of Cherokees on Friday, July 23, just before AirVentureÕs opening day, is being organized by the Cherokees owners group and has already filled its maximum of 50 aircraft. All Cherokee owners and pilots are welcome to arrive at Oshkosh independently, however, and participate in all the other festivities, he said.

More information on the group and other activities is available at the group's website at www.cherokees2osh.com.

“There’s no better place to bring together the greatest number of Cherokees for the airplanes’ 50th anniversary than Oshkosh,” said Terry Hocking of Nashwauk, Minn., who is a lead organizer of the celebration. “The Cherokee has been an important part of the aviation community for the past 50 years, so we’re looking forward a great reunion of aircraft and people at AirVenture in 2010.”

Any additional highlights and activities during the Cherokee 50th anniversary party will be announced as they are finalized by EAA.