Warbirds Scavenger Hunt Returns Better Than Ever

July 21, 2019 - There are many things to look forward to this week, and one of the many improved attractions is the second annual Warbirds Scavenger Hunt.

By participating in the hunt, AirVenture 2019 attendees will have fun exploring flightlines while learning about warbirds along the way.

The goal of the hunt is to correctly identify the aircraft according to the depicted silhouette on a chart, obtained as part of the Warbirds Adventure Tram Tour. Once you track down the aircraft, you will have the opportunity to get to know the pilots and crew of that aircraft.

Participants can have them sign off on their chart for a chance to win Warbirds prizes.

Warbirds Marketing Director Vic Krause, EAA 292930, launched the scavenger hunt during last year's AirVenture as a way to further use the aircraft recognition chart he came up with back in 2015.

"That chart has always been used as a giveaway item that we stuffed into the gift bags given to all our guests riding the Warbirds Adventure Tram Tour," Vic said. "The charts were always popular but underutilized. It occurred to me after AirVenture 2017 that wrapping a scavenger-hunt-type contest around this ID chart would create a great incentive to increase its usage and do multiple positive things at the same time."

Anyone can participate in the scavenger hunt. There is no age limit, and AirVenture attendees do not have to be a Warbirds of America member to pick up a free identification chart at the Warbirds Adventure Tram Tour Headquarters.

There are 12 aircraft to find during the hunt: North American P-51 Mustang, Chance-Vought F4U Corsair, Grumman F6F Hellcat, Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, North American Aviation SNJ AT-6, North American B-25 Mitchell bomber, Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Grumman F4F Wildcat, North American T-28 Trojan, Beech T-34 Mentor, and a Yak-52.

Vic said that participants in this scavenger hunt will be energizing the warbird community in a variety of ways.

"You will learn a lot about warbirds and warbird people," he said. "You will develop communication skills, create value where it did not exist by crafting your own personal keepsakes, make friends, and stir up daily excitement for everyone on the flightline."

Charts can be presented anytime Monday through Saturday at the Redemption Desk in the Warbirds Tram Membership Center at Zone 1 to receive a prize if either six or all 12 aircraft have been identified. In addition to a chance to raise awareness and win prizes, Vic said the scavenger hunt is all about fun.

"First, it's a lot of fun," he said. "Second, it's a lot of fun. Third, it's a lot of fun. Did I mention that this hunt is a lot of fun for everyone?"