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| AirVenture | |
|---|---|
| Name | AirVenture |
| Genre | Air show and aviation exposition |
| Venue | Wittman Regional Airport |
| Location | Oshkosh, Wisconsin |
| Country | United States |
| First | 1953 |
| Organizer | Experimental Aircraft Association |
| Attendance | 600,000–800,000 (annual typical) |
| Website | Official site |
AirVenture
AirVenture is an annual air show and aviation exposition held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, organized by the Experimental Aircraft Association. The event gathers pilots, manufacturers, restorers, and enthusiasts from across the United States and internationally for flight demonstrations, trade exhibits, educational forums, and large-scale aircraft gatherings. AirVenture is notable for its concentration of vintage, experimental, military, and homebuilt aircraft alongside industry manufacturers and regulatory bodies.
AirVenture serves as a focal event connecting institutions such as the Experimental Aircraft Association, manufacturers like Boeing, Airbus, and Lockheed Martin, regulatory organizations including the Federal Aviation Administration, Transport Canada, and the Civil Aviation Authority (United Kingdom), and advocacy groups such as the National Business Aviation Association and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. The venue at Wittman Regional Airport becomes a temporary hub for companies like Cirrus Aircraft, Piper Aircraft, Cessna, Beechcraft, and General Aviation Manufacturers Association exhibitors, alongside museums such as the National Air and Space Museum and the EAA Aviation Museum. Attendees range from members of associations like the AOPA Foundation to representatives from military services including the United States Air Force, United States Navy, and Royal Canadian Air Force.
The event was founded by members of the Experimental Aircraft Association and held its first gathering in 1953 near Milwaukee before moving to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Early years featured pioneers from organizations such as the Civil Air Patrol and companies like Curtiss-Wright and Ryan Aeronautical Company. Across decades, AirVenture has hosted historic aircraft tied to events such as the Battle of Britain commemorations and displays associated with restorations from institutions like the Commemorative Air Force and the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Notable participants over time have included figures and teams connected to Charles Lindbergh retrospectives, Amelia Earhart memorials, and demonstrations involving pilots from the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds.
AirVenture features daily airshows that include demonstration teams such as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, and civilian performers linked to organizations like the Red Bull Air Race alumni. Forums and workshops are run by representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Electronics Association, and manufacturers including Garmin and Lycoming Engines. Special attractions have included fly-ins coordinated with chapters of the Experimental Aircraft Association, warbird formations organized by the Commemorative Air Force, and seminars with authors and historians tied to the Smithsonian Institution and the Air Force Historical Research Agency.
Exhibits span vintage types from companies such as Grumman, North American Aviation, and Douglas Aircraft Company to modern designs by Embraer, Bombardier Aerospace, and Pilatus Aircraft. Homebuilt and experimental aircraft communities display models associated with designers like Rutan Aircraft Factory and kit manufacturers including Van's Aircraft and Zenith Aircraft Company. Military heritage displays have showcased aircraft from collections like the National Museum of the United States Air Force and private operators affiliated with the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum.
Attendance routinely attracts visitors comparable to major gatherings such as Sun 'n Fun and large-scale fairs in cities like Daytona Beach and Seafair in Seattle. Economic analyses by regional bodies and chambers, including the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and the Winnebago County Economic Development Corporation, have documented impacts on lodging, retail, and aviation services, with participation by vendors from trade groups such as the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and financial institutions like the U.S. Small Business Administration supporting exhibitors.
Operations at Wittman involve coordination among agencies and services including the Federal Aviation Administration, Wittman Regional Airport management, the Oshkosh Police Department, and the Winnebago County Medical Center. Safety briefings and NOTAMs are issued in cooperation with entities such as the Air Traffic Control System Command Center and industry standards from organizations like the Aviation Safety Network contributors and the Flight Safety Foundation. Airshow routines and performer certifications often reference training programs by institutions such as the National Test Pilot School and maintenance practices guided by the Aircraft Electronics Association and manufacturers like Pratt & Whitney.
AirVenture has been covered by outlets and programs including Aviation Week & Space Technology, Flying (magazine), and broadcasts by NPR and regional affiliates of PBS. The event has influenced popular culture through appearances in documentaries connected to the Smithsonian Channel and collaborations with preservation groups like the Commemorative Air Force and the Collings Foundation. Aviation authors, historians, and personalities associated with the National Aviation Hall of Fame frequently present at the event, contributing to scholarship and public history initiatives with partners such as the Library of Congress and the National Archives and Records Administration.
Category:Aviation airshows