EAA: AirVenture A Record-Breaker

This year's EAA AirVenture was "about as close as one could imagine" to perfect, EAA Chairman Jack Pelton said this week, in a news release summarizing this year's data from the show. Attendance set a new record, EAA said, with about 601,000 visitors, nearly 2 percent more than last year's record crowd. Pelton credited "the combination of outstanding programs, aircraft variety, a robust economy and good weather," plus the efforts of EAA staff and 5,000 volunteers, who created a show that was upbeat and exciting. More than 10,000 aircraft flew in to local airports for the show, and Wittman Field's intrepid controllers managed 19,588 aircraft operations over the 11 days from July 20 to 30, for an average of about 134 takeoffs or landings per hour.

Planning is already underway for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019, which will run from July 22 to 28."We are celebrating our 50th consecutive year in Oshkosh during 2019," Pelton said. The show originated in Rockford, Illinois, but moved to Oshkosh in 1970. "We'll be looking back on a half-century of unforgettable highlights at Wittman Regional Airport," Pelton said, "and planning activities that involve EAA's hometown and its unique place in aviation history. While 2018 is barely in the record books, we're talking to many groups and individuals with intriguing new ideas for aircraft, innovations, exhibits and events. We're looking forward to announcing features and attractions very soon."