Arissa Viering | 8/19/2020 | Goodday Mineral Wells | Mineral Wells Regional Airport Updates
MINERAL WELLS, TX – On August 19th, 2020, National Aviation Day, EPIC Fuels’ Brand Ambassador, Anthony Oshinuga, visited the Mineral Wells Airport to spread some goodwill and encourage pilots to get back into the air. Anthony Oshinuga and his Pitts S1-S aerobatic airplane were the highlight of the day at Mineral Wells Airport and the community is thankful to have the opportunity to welcome him! A small reception was held at the Mineral Wells Airport Terminal for Anthony and representatives from EPIC Fuels. His unique airplane was on display for invitees.
EPIC Fuels has been fueling airplanes since the 1940’s and is a true legacy to the air industry. Anthony Oshinuga, Brand Ambassador for EPIC Fuels, is touring the United States in his airplane with forty-four stops in total and several sponsors on his campaign called “Reach for the Sky – We’ve got the Ground.” The tour is 6,000 nautical miles and is dedicated to providing COVID relief packages including masks, hand sanitizer, and mugs at each stop to encourage pilots.
While in Texas, Anthony will only stop at airports in New Braunfels, Austin, Fort Worth, and Mineral Wells. Airport Manager, H. Wayne Sanderson states, “This is special for us, since we are one of only four stops in Texas and the smallest airport selected.”
While at the Mineral Wells Airport, Anthony Oshinuga spoke about his plane and his passion for flying. Anthony’s aerobatic airplane is a Pitts S1-S and was built in 1975. The plane weighs 850 lbs. empty and was raced at the Reno National Air Race.
“I just ‘pedal to the metal’ and just fly it fast.”
Anthony Oshinuga
“All I want to do is fly airplanes,” says the 32-year-old aerobatic
competitor, air racer, airshow performer and air tour operator. As the owner and chief pilot of Air Oshi, based in Temecula, California, Oshinuga offers aerial tours of the scenic southern California landscape and, for many, an introduction to general aviation in his vintage Cessna 170A. With his eyes set on becoming a Red Bull Air Race pilot, Anthony has so far proved that dedication, and countless hours of flying practice, is the best bet to getting him there. In 2014, Anthony placed fourth out of twenty-five in his category at the U.S. National Aerobatic Competition. In 2015, he made history at the Reno National Championship Air Race by becoming the first
African-American rookie pilot to hold a first place position after his 3rd heat. This outstanding achievement allowed him to place second in the overall competition!
“I’m really passionate about it.” Indeed, Anthony Oshinuga lives and breathes aviation. Since he first experience flying at the age of five, Oshinuga enjoys utilizing his plane and skills as a tool for inspiring younng children to think about aviation as a career choice.
“Flying is directly proportional to freedom. When I’m in the sky, I can do whatever I want . . . That sense of freedom brings enjoyment and fulfillment. I can get things that you just can’t get in a Ferrari or by riding a bicycle.”
Anthony Oshinuga
The Mineral Wells Airport certainly enjoyed meeting and speaking with Anthony Oshinuga. Mineral Wells wishes Oshinuga safe travels as he completes his campaign!
Former Co-Founder | June 2020-Nov 2020 | Graduate of Texas Christian University with a background in medical anthropology, psychology, and creative writing. Passionate about writing novels. Loved the Mineral Wells community and all that it had offered her and her family.
