Preserving Warbird Heritage & Safety at AirVenture 2025 | Mark Shilobrit

For aviation enthusiasts, few sights stir the imagination quite like the thunder of restored warbirds filling the skies at AirVenture. What began in 1964 as a small group of former military pilots salvaging surplus aircraft has grown into one of the most celebrated showcases of flying history, preserving the legacy of WWII and Korean-era aviation. Yet this heritage comes with responsibility: maintaining safety, ensuring smooth operations, and bridging the gap between pilots and the public. That’s where reliable communication becomes critical.

Organizations like Warbirds of America have long relied on Icom radios not just for flight coordination, but for managing emergencies, weather challenges, and even lost children on the field.  To explore how tradition meets technology in preserving this living history, we turn to Mark Shilobrit of Warbirds ATC – CIC, who brings firsthand insight into the vital role of communication at AirVenture 2025.

Recent Episodes

At the heart of EAA AirVenture 2025, the Seaplane Base offers a unique glimpse into aviation’s most delicate dance—where water and air meet. Unlike traditional runways, this floating airfield demands a constant balance of precision, coordination, and communication. Here, pilots don’t just rely on their own skill; they depend on an entire team of volunteers…

Every summer, Oshkosh becomes more than just a destination—it transforms into the center of the aviation universe, where passion, history, and innovation collide. At EAA AirVenture, the world’s largest aviation gathering, the magic isn’t only in the sky but also in the unseen coordination on the ground. With hundreds of thousands of attendees and thousands…

For one week each summer, the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh transforms a quiet stretch of private shoreline into the bustling Seaplane Base—a hidden gem where aviation meets water. Unlike the high-energy pace of the main airport grounds, the base offers a more relaxed, up-close experience with pilots and their aircraft, creating a unique connection between visitors…