Monday, July 25, opening day at EAA AirVenture, is just around the corner, so flight plans are being finalized, camp sites already are filling up, and aviators from around the world are on their way to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. EAA is promising an event overflowing with “spectacular attractions,” including tributes to Bob Hoover and Burt Rutan, a celebration of naval aviation, a salute to veterans, a night airshow on Saturday with fireworks and a “wall of fire,” musical performers, film nights, and of course thousands of airplanes, exhibits, forums, and workshops to explore all week long. AVweb staffers will be there every day to provide you with daily news reports, podcasts, and videos.
Some of the showcase aircraft expected at Oshkosh include at least 100 Burt Rutan designs, including Boomerang, an asymmetrical five-place twin; a Boeing 787, on Friday only; a wide selection of electric-powered aircraft; and dozens of military aircraft celebrating the 100th anniversary of naval aviation. The major aircraft manufacturers and all kinds of gear suppliers will be there to introduce their newest products. Teachers Day on Tuesday provides classroom teachers with ideas about how to use aviation to motivate students to learn about science; this year’s special guest is Jeff Skiles. And every afternoon, the world’s best airshow performers put on their best shows, for the best crowds. AVweb’s Mary Grady spoke with aerobatic pilot Mike Goulian this week about what it’s like to fly at Oshkosh, “the Super Bowl of airshows”; click here for that podcast.
