More than 300,000 people and 10,000 planes will invade Oshkosh, Wisconsin this week for the Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual week long AirVenture fly-in. Not only is it massive–the largest of its kind in the world–but it’s also one of the most unique.
In a 10-minute walk on Sunday, we passed:
- Doc, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress–one of only two B29s still flying. The other, Fifi, is scheduled to arrive on Monday.
- Dick Rutan, an aviator who piloted the Voyager aircraft to a record-breaking, non-stop flight around the world. Rutan was on a stage, sharing his stories to a good-sized crowd!
- A costume party
- A maze of tents, some positioned directly under airplane wings for added shade
- and, a roadie crew setting up for the evening's concert
That took just 10 minutes; the AirVenture covers miles! EAA deems it “the world’s greatest aviation celebration” ... and it certainly lives up to the billing.
EAA AirVenture Fast Facts:
- EAA size: More than 200,000 members and nearly 1,000 chapters worldwide.
- EAA organized: 1953 in Milwaukee, WI
- First EAA fly-in at Oshkosh: 1970 (in Rockford, IL 1959-69)
- Aircraft: More than 10,000 (world’s busiest airport this week)
- Show planes: More than 2,800
- Commercial exhibitors: More than 800
- Forums and workshops: More than 1,000