EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010
Jul 26, 2010 – Aug 1, 2010 .
EAA Aviation Center 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh WI 54902

A DC-3 sits majestically on the ramp at AirVenture. Photo credit: Steve Cukierski

Looking for a summer trip that’s loaded with oohs and aahs yet easier on the family budget? EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010, July 26-Aug. 1, is just a gas tank away to a week’s worth of unique family fun that takes the spirit of aviation and adventure to new heights!

The cab of the Wittman Regional Aircraft Tower captures the reflection of the U.S. flag on what turned out to be a sunny Saturday. Photo credit: Jim Koepnick

AirVenture continually adds value to the entire event with aviation’s most amazing sights and a variety of entertainment. Giving AirVenture a rockin’ flavor this year is the legendary band Chicago taking the stage on opening day at AeroShell Square, courtesy of Ford Motor Company. Actor Gary Sinise and his “Lt. Dan Band” return to AirVenture’s Theater in the Woods to highlight a weeklong Salute to Veterans. Every night the Ford Fly-In Theater also offers an outdoor movie experience on a five-story screen. All this entertainment and more are included in the admission price.

In a special tribute to the 75th anniversary of the B-17 Bomber, AirVenture will showcase four of these historic planes in honor of the brave young men and women who served our country  in World War II. Less than 15 of these majestic aircraft are currently flying today.

Over 35 DC-3/C-47’s are expected to arrive for a 75th anniversary celebration. The event is being organized under the theme “The Last Time…” as it likely will be the final time that more than 25 of these airplanes will be seen together, including formation flights. A mass arrival of 50 Piper Cherokee aircraft will also kick off a golden 50th anniversary event. The four-place, low-wing airplane has been a staple at general aviation airports since its introduction in 1960.

A crowd views the last flying DC-7 Photo credit: Cindy Luft

Second-generation air show standouts Matt Younkin and Kyle Franklin will be appearing at AirVenture, along with yearly favorites such as Chuck Aaron’s Red Bull aerobatic helicopter, the AeroShell Aerobatic Team, and The Collaborators featuring Sean D. Tucker. Spectacular Warbirds demonstrations are offered throughout the week, as well as the opportunity to see hundreds of homebuilt aircraft from around the world.

Hundreds of aviation enthusiasts from Australia and New Zealand will be making a joint pilgrimage, landing in a 747 jetliner at AirVenture. The Oshkosh Express charter flights from “Down Under” first took place more than 20 years ago, but the 2010 charter is the first in a 747 since 1998.

A line of planes arrives on the runway at AirVenture 2010. Photo credit: Phil Burmeister

Make a day of it or camp for the week and enjoy the sights and sounds of aviation that have made EAA AirVenture Oshkosh a worldwide treasure right here in the Upper Midwest’s backyard! For more information, visit www.airventure.org.