Welcome to AirVenture Oshkosh 2016

July 23, 2016 - EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016 promises to be an amazing year with something for just about anyone, no matter what kind of aviation you’re into. Homebuilts, warbirds, ultralights, vintage and aerobatic aircraft, airliners, and modern military hardware will all be well-represented here on the grounds of aviation’s annual family reunion.

Top-Notch Air Shows

Our headliners this year are the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, returning to Oshkosh after a 33-year absence. The mighty Martin Mars, the largest operational flying boat water bomber, is also sure to be a sight to remember, as will our special commemorations of events like Operation Desert Storm, World War I, and the attack on Pearl Harbor. The air shows this year will also feature world-class aerobatic pilots from around the world, flying alone or in amazing wingtip-to-wingtip formations, not to mention some of the U.S. military’s top frontline fighters.

Airplanes You Build Yourself

Building your own airplane is at the core of what EAA is all about, and every year we welcome homebuilt aircraft by the thousands. This year, we’re especially excited to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the venerable Van’s RV-6, one of the most popular aircraft of its type. In addition, as you walk the grounds, you’ll see everything from the simplest ultralights to fast, sleek jets, all of which were built by individuals with a passion for flight.

Remembering History

We honor our veterans and the sacrifices they made by flying scores of ex-military aircraft known as warbirds. These airplanes, from the simple biplane trainers, to the heavy bombers and transports, and the fire-breathing piston- and jet-powered fighters aren’t museum exhibits; they’re living history, bringing the sights, sounds, and even smells of the past to life.

Celebrating the Golden Age

Aviation as we know it has changed drastically in its little-more-than 100-year lifespan. Vintage aircraft are a key part of AirVenture Oshkosh, letting visitors experience the romance of the early days of flight firsthand. One especially noteworthy aircraft is an original Curtiss Pusher that was manufactured way back in 1909.

Keeping It Simple

Ultralights and light-sport aircraft represent some of the simplest—and most inexpensive—ways to get into aviation. The ultralight area of AirVenture, known as the Fun Fly Zone, is home to all kinds of flying machines, including traditional aircraft designs, powered hang gliders, gyroplanes, helicopters, even parachutes that are powered by an engine you strap on your back.

Notable Anniversaries

In addition to the homebuilt RV-6, we’re celebrating a number of other birthdays this year, including the 100th for both United States Coast Guard aviation and the Boeing Company. Multiple other vintage and warbird types will be highlighted in those areas as well.

Evening Programming

The fun doesn’t stop as the sun goes down on Oshkosh. In addition to our two breathtaking night air shows on Wednesday and Saturday, we’ve got flying events scheduled every single evening, a first at AirVenture. Music will liven things up with live performances in multiple venues, including Third Eye Blind, presented by the Ford Motor Company on Monday night, Survivor, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, to name a few. And all-female big band, Ladies Must Swing, will headline a special program on Boeing Centennial Plaza on Wednesday as part of a live radio show that will whisk you back to December of 1941.

Whether you’re a lifelong pilot and builder or someone brand new to the world of aviation, you’ll feel right at home at AirVenture 2016. Welcome to Oshkosh! And to find out more with complete information about forums, presentations, and up-to-the minute schedules go to AirVenture.org.