Voices of History: How Icom Radios Keep Warbirds Flying Safely at AirVenture 2025

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.