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EAA’s AirVenture 2023 To Celebrate 70 Years, Vietnam Vets, Other Highlights

Jeremy Kariuki July 19, 2023

Credit: Molly McMillinThe Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is celebrating its 70th anniversary and commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of direct U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War during AirVenture 2023, which returns July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.Often called “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” AirVenture is expected to draw more than 600,000 attendees. Advance ticket sales have been tracking ahead of those a year ago, which was a record year, organizers say. In 2022, it drew 640,000 attendees. 

The more than 850 exhibit spaces sold out in May, up from 615 a year ago. 

“We feel really good that it’s going to be a big year,” says Jack Pelton, EAA chairman and CEO. 

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the end of direct U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, AirVenture is bringing together land and carrier-based aircraft from the era. 

“The Vietnam era was a remarkable time for aviation innovation and development,” says Rick Larsen, EAA vice president of communities and member programs. “It was a bridge from the early jet age to the aircraft that are still a foundational part of our armed forces. More important, this is an opportunity to recognize those who served, many of whom did not receive a grateful welcome when they returned from their service.”

Additionally, 100 Vietnam veterans will have the chance to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Honor Flights—flying veterans from Oshkosh to Washington, D.C. to tour war memorials in the nation’s capital. The free flights and tours are operated by volunteer American Airlines pilots and cabin attendants.

EAA’s 70th Anniversary 

EAA is marking its 70th anniversary as an association during the event. The organization was founded by Paul Poberezny, an aircraft designer and aircraft military veteran, in the basement of his home in 1953. It has grown from a handful of aviation enthusiasts to more than 150 chapters across the country and internationally. 

“We’re trying to make sure that we tell the story that we’re more than an airshow,” Pelton says. EAA began with a primary focus on amateur home-built aircraft, then expanded to general sport aviation.

EAA helps aircraft builders maneuver their way through an understanding of how to build and fly their own recreational aircraft. The segment has grown significantly, says Pelton, a pilot who is no stranger to building a recreational aircraft himself. More homebuilt aircraft are registered annually with the FAA than those built by manufacturers, such as Textron Aviation, Cirrus and Piper Aircraft combined.

“It’s getting to be one of the biggest segments of new airplanes produced on an annual basis,” Pelton says. “It’s become far more sophisticated because the kits are well engineered and much easier. Rather than trying to follow plans and procure parts yourself, they all come complete.” 

Companies, such as Van’s Aircraft and Sonex Aircraft, have designed well-engineered and well-performing aircraft kits at about half the cost of a new factory-built aircraft, he says.  

Aircraft Debuts And Launches 

Textron Aviation is making AirVenture debut if the Beechcraft Denali—its newest single-engine turboprop aircraft. Alongside the Denali, a variety of Textron aircraft will be on display including the Cessna Citation CJ3+, the Beechcraft King Air 360, the Cessna Grand Caravan EX and many more.

Wisk Aero, an Advanced Air Mobility developer, will debut its 6th generation air taxi—currently under ongoing FAA certification. The electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is designed to serve as the first autonomous and passenger-carrying air taxi for commercial use. The eVTOL will be on display at Wisk Aero’s booth during and throughout the event and will participate in AirVenture’s airshows. 

At the same time, Tecnam plans to launch its P-Mentor trainer to the U.S. market, an IFR-certified two-seat aircraft, during a ceremony on July 26. It also will announce the launch customers that will be operating the aircraft. 

Air Shows

Airshow performers will take to the skies during the world’s largest gathering of aviators to demonstrate the feats of flight.

Aircraft such as the MiG 17, Corsair F4U and the P-51 will take flight during the event. In addition to nearly 30 individual pilots, the AeroShell Aerobatic Team and Red Bull Air Force will be performing. The airshows will take place each afternoon. Additionally, night air shows will be held at 8:00 pm CT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Activities And Education

AirVenture will feature dozens of workshops for hands-on aircraft restoration and construction sessions along with a host of various educational sessions, with industry leaders, authors, experts and others sharing their knowledge. 

The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) will induct Lt. Col. Herbert W. “Bill” Powley, USAF (Ret.) to the Flight Instructor Hall of Fame during its membership breakfast on Thursday, July 27. NAFI Hall of Fame inductees represent Certified Flight Instructors that have made “significant contributions to aviation education and flight instruction.”

Throughout the week, EAA’s Learn-to-Fly Center will be the source of information and inspiration for aspiring pilots. Using Redbird flight simulators, attendees can take an introductory flight lesson with CFIs. The center will also host daily forums, with a plethora of resources for novice aviators. The center will be open Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT.

On July 29, EAA AirVenture will host its annual Runway 5K run, with proceeds going to charity organizations. Registration is open to first-time and experienced runners.

EAA AirVenture’s Fly-In Theater will be open each evening to all attendees starting at 8:30 p.m., showing movies such as Top Gun, Top Gun: Maverick, Devotion and Amelia. Located near Camp Scholler, attendees can enjoy free popcorn and watch the five-story-high screen. 

“We’re very excited, and we’re ready to go,” Pelton says. “We’ve got everything in place for the Oshkosh AirVenture 2023 to be another great celebration of aviation.”

—With Molly McMillin