If this is your first time in Oshkosh for AirVenture, welcome. If you’re a returning guest, welcome back. Regardless, welcome home. Whether it’s your first or your 50th, we have a lot of great things for you to see and do this year.
We’re excited for the return of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the Avro Lancaster to help us celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The USAF Materiel Command is bringing a variety of modern hardware, and even the Italian air force is getting in on the action thanks to a special appearance by its demonstration team, the Frecce Tricolori. Legendary designer and longtime friend of EAA Burt Rutan is returning this year, celebrating 50 years of the VariEze, and we’re expecting a huge number of Aeroncas to join us as we honor 80 years of the Champ. And that list just barely scratches the surface.
Our afternoon and night air shows have spectacular lineups, featuring some new faces and old favorites. In addition to thousands of aircraft to check out both in the air and on the ground, you’ll find forums and workshops where you can learn about everything from aviation history to welding. There are hundreds of exhibitors and plenty of places to shop, a variety of food options, and evening programming at the Theater in the Woods and the Fly-In Theater.
In addition to being the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration, AirVenture is also known as aviation’s family reunion. You’ll reconnect with old friends, make a lot of new ones, and your aviation family will get bigger and closer. Speaking of families, we’re especially proud to be able to continue to offer free youth admission, supported in part by Boeing. It’s so important that we keep bringing more people into the world of aviation, and AirVenture Oshkosh is the one opportunity they have to see it all in one place.
So, as you wander the grounds, remember the Oshkosh rules, one of our oldest traditions: Be kind, respect the aircraft, pick up trash if you see any, and, perhaps most importantly, thank the volunteers. We absolutely couldn’t do it without them.
Welcome to Oshkosh!
