EAA AirVenture fly-in is scheduled for July 22-28, 2024 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. [FLYING Archive]
OSHKOSH, Wisconsin—During opening remarks Monday at EAA AirVenture, organization CEO Jack Pelton addressed key aviation industry talking points, including unleaded fuel, MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) and FAA reauthorization.
Pelton also said the EAA was stronger than ever with more than 300,000 members and touted the growth of its Young Eagles program, which has flown some 60,000 kids per year. He also applauded the pilots flying for the program, noting that there were 1,200 new ones that joined the initiative.
Pelton said 2024 AirVenture attendance numbers are comparable to last year, while presale numbers were 4 percent higher than 2023. However, Pelton said aircraft arrivals are down slightly from last year. According to the EAA, there were 1,700 aircraft arrivals at AirVenture Monday morning, with several parking areas 80 percent full.
This year marks the 71st installment of AirVenture, which runs through Sunday at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH).
Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.
Photo Gallery
Tuesday morning at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was soggy and muggy. The North American P-51s in the Warbirds area were still wearing their cockpit covers and waiting to be wiped down, but that doesn't lessen their appeal as the most popular warbird on the ramp. [Courtesy: Meg Godlewski]
Rows and rows of Van's RV aircraft sit parked facing east on Tuesday morning. The early morning clouds looked ominous but were headed north away from the field. [Courtesy: Meg Godlewski]
For those camped with their aircraft, Tuesday started early with a warning on their smartphones about heavy rain and possible hail on the way. For many, the day would begin with an inspection of their aircraft to make sure the door and window seals did their job and kept the moisture out. You know you are at Oshkosh when instead of a rooster waking you up, it is a Ford Trimotor giving rides. [Courtesy: Meg Godlewski]
Big orange tarps are used as ground markers to help pilots stay in the pattern in the ultralight area. The markers are secured to the ground and weatherproof. The contrast between the international orange and the green grass is easy to see from the air. [Courtesy: Meg Godlewski]
Aviation and advertising have had a close relationship since the beginning of aviation. The 1939 Stinson S-7B Reliant was a flying billboard for Pepsi-Cola back in the day. The bumped cowl, art-deco wheel pants, and permanent chrome step harken back to a time when aviation was glamorous and adventurous. The airplane parked on display in the vintage area is still an attention getter. [Courtesy: Meg Godlewski]
There is a bit more color on the EAA warbird jet ramp as the ‘The Pink Jet’ Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatros made the show scene. The jet is operated by Aerial Angels, a nonprofit breast cancer support and awareness organization. In addition to adding a splash of color to the ramp, the jet is supported by an all-woman crew: Heather ‘Lucky’ Penney, Vicky Benzing, and Stephanie Goetz. For more information: ThePinkJet.org. [Courtesy: Meg Godlewski]
It would not be Oshkosh without rows and rows of aircraft organized by type club. One of the more prominent groups is the Cessna 195 contingency. There are rows upon rows of the post- World War II Cessna taildraggers with their distinctive bumped cowl and art-deco style wheel pants. When the aircraft was introduced in the 1940s, it was the ‘businessman's airplane’ as it was advertised as a means to make the most of business travel. In more recent years it has become a flying woody station wagon of sorts—big enough to haul the family with a particular sense of class and style. [Courtesy: Meg Godlewski]
If there is an airplane that moves between the civilian and military world the best, it's the Douglas DC-3. Certified in the 1930s, it was the first airliner that was pressed into service. Many were drawn in for military use during World War II, redesignated as C-47s and flown in every theater. They are still hauling people and cargo today. [Courtesy: Meg Godlewski]
Amelia Walsh is a private pilot who enjoys flying her family’s Columbia 350. She is based in Colorado and loves all things outdoors including skiing, hiking, and camping.
