SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2026
Celebrating the Freedom of Flight
Only in Oshkosh
BY JACK J. PELTON
AIRVENTURE IS HERE! After months of preparation and e ort by sta and volunteers, all the moving parts have come together. Our overall theme of celebrating the freedom of flight coincides with our nation’s 250th anniversary, and that’s given us an opportunity to reflect on the milestones of aviation history.
One of the cornerstones of that e ort is our vintage aircraft area, which is celebrating both the pioneer era and the postwar general aviation boom. We’re excited to see Goodyear returning with an airship, Southwest Airlines’ patriotic Independence One 737, and a rare visit from Austria’s Flying Bulls’ beautifully restored P-38 Lightning and Douglas DC-6.
NASA is back celebrating the recent Artemis II mission, with Administrator Jared Isaacman expected to attend. One of the biggest additions to our air shows is the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, who are making their first appearance in Oshkosh, flying on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
We’re again highlighting public benefit flying on Boeing Plaza, with several groups represented, so you can see these organizations firsthand and learn about how to get involved. Speaking of getting involved, I hope you’ll take the time to attend some of our hundreds of forums and
Our overall theme of celebrating the freedom of flight coincides with our nation’s 250th anniversary, and that’s given us an opportunity to reflect on the milestones of aviation history.
workshops, where you can learn everything from detailed slices of aviation history to learning how to weld.
We’re grateful to Boeing for helping underwrite admission costs so that anyone age 18 and under can attend for free. It’s important to us to help support families, and this is a big step in helping relieve the burden of them bringing their kids to AirVenture. This year also finds us celebrating the remarkable milestone of having flown 2.5 million Young Eagles, thanks to the e orts of EAA chapters and a huge network of volunteer pilots and ground crews.
I want to thank the Wisconsin National Guard, which provides fire and rescue equipment, along with security and other personnel that enables us to host current military aircraft, and, of course, our 6,000 volunteers who work nonstop to make our convention a safe, happy, and successful one.
Welcome to Oshkosh!
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY CHILSEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONNOR MADISON
Red Arrows to Oshkosh!
The Clean Standard
Red Arrows to Oshkosh!
THE ROYAL AIR FORCE AEROBATIC TEAM, best known as the Red Arrows, will for the first time bring its world-renowned for mation flying excellence to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The team will par ticipate during the 73rd edition of EAA’s 2026 fly-in convention on July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
The Red Arrows will perform as part of the afternoon air shows on July 24-26. It is part of the team’s extended U.S. tour in 2026 to honor America’s 250th anniversary.
“The Red Arrows have long been on the list of teams that aviation enthusi asts have wanted to see at Oshkosh,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member pro grams, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “The team’s extended U.S. tour schedule fortunately allowed them to include AirVenture on their itinerary, so they can be added to the legendary flight teams that have flown at Oshkosh. We welcome them to our event and eagerly anticipate their extraordinary aerial performances.”
Now in their 62nd season, the Red Arrows represent the speed, agility, and precision of the Royal Air Force. They assist in recruiting, act as ambassadors for the United Kingdom at home and overseas, and promote the best of British military aviation.
“The whole Red Arrows team are greatly looking forward to visiting the United States — the tour is a fantastic
opportunity to display the best of British, at significant events and occasions marking the 250th anniversary, alongside friends, allies, and international
PUBLISHER: Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO & Chairman of the Board
VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLICATIONS, MEMBERSHIP SERVICES, RETAIL, SAFETY AND SECURITY, AND EDITOR IN CHIEF: Jim Busha
MANAGING EDITOR: Hal Bryan
SENIOR EDITOR: Sam Oleson
EDITORIAL STAFF: Robbie Culver, Emme Hornung, Jim Roberts, Angela Satterlee, Barbara A. Schmitz
SENIOR COPY EDITOR: Colleen Walsh
COPY EDITOR: Jennifer Knaack
counterparts. The tour will celebrate and underline the enduring relationship between the United Kingdom and our closest security partner,” said Wing
PRODUCTION TEAM LEAD/GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Marie Rayome-Gill
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Amber Fabian, Brandon Wheeler
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: Holly Chilsen
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR: Michael Sullivan
SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN: Madeline Wooten
SENIOR SALES AND ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE: Sue Anderson
Commander Sasha Nash, o cer commanding of the Royal Air Force
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN DIBBS
PAGE 3 / CONTINUED FROM
Aerobatic Team. “The power to inspire through aviation is something felt by air show crowds on both sides of the Atlantic, and we’re hoping to meet countless individuals and families at these locations, as well as during a busy programme of ground engagement that forms an important element of the tour.
“An enormous amount of work continues to go into the planning for the visit, by teams in the U.K. and U.S., and we’re excited and honoured to bring our signature display of red, white, and blue to some of the biggest, most well-known air shows and events this summer.”
With a spectacular combination of close formations and precision flying, the Red Arrows have been displaying since 1965. The team — which uses the Britishbuilt Hawk T1 fast-jet — has flown nearly 5,000 displays in 57 countries, with pilots who have flown operationally in frontline aircraft such as the advanced Typhoon. The team’s home base is at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, and the pilots are augmented by engineers and essential support sta with frontline, operational experience.
The Red Arrows team members will also participate in numerous public appearances and events on the grounds during AirVenture week. That exact schedule will be announced as it is finalized.
Red Arrows Crowd Line — Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 24-26
Attendees, volunteers, and pilots should be aware that the Red Arrows performances require a larger aerobatic box, necessitating a slight move of the crowd line to the west during the afternoon air shows on those days. Only essential, authorized air show personnel are permitted inside the box during the Red Arrows performance.
The Red Arrows crowd line will run the entire length of the flightline from Ultralights through Warbirds, in line with the existing speaker poles, about 120 feet west of the regular crowd burn line. This line will be clearly marked.
For air show spectators
Visitors will have access to the regular crowd line area until 1:15 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and until noon on Sunday. At those times, visitors must move back to behind the Red Arrows crowd line. AirVenture guests will not be allowed to leave chairs, blankets, coolers, or other items past the Red Arrows crowd line at any time on those days. Friday through Sunday, Wittman Road will be closed to all vehicular traffic, providing additional space for air show viewing. For pilots and crew of aircraft parked on the flightline
After 1:15 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and noon on Sunday, pilots or crew of aircraft parked between the two crowd lines will be allowed in the area for a short time with a security escort to perform urgent, essential tasks. Everyone will need to be out of this area by 4:45 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 3:15 p.m. on Sunday.
Full access will be restored after the completion of the Red Arrows performance on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Look for extensive signage on the grounds further explaining the areas and times covered by these necessary rules and guidelines.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN DIBBS
Douglas World Cruiser
Some assembly required
BY JIM CUNNINGHAM, EAA 594611
ANYONE WHO HAS built or restored an airplane is familiar with the process of attaching the wings. A couple of friends hold the wing, maneuver it into position to line up the attachment fittings on the fuselage, and slide in a bolt or two. The whole process takes just a few minutes. Easy.
Attaching the wings on a Douglas World Cruiser reproduction is a little … di erent. Instead of a couple of friends, it took a team of EAA sta and volunteers — and a forklift — to lift the 15-foot wing 12 feet into the air and then wrestle it into place. Then there were three more to attach.
When we think of vintage biplanes, we set the scale to those we are most familiar with, such as Wacos, Stinsons, and their contemporaries. The World Cruiser, however, is in a league of its own. It’s 35 feet long, has a wingspan of 50 feet, and has a maximum gross weight of 7,800 pounds on floats. Nothing about the airplane or its components is small or easy to handle. Nothing.
In April 1924, four Douglas World Cruisers of the United States Army Air Service — Seattle, Chicago, Boston, and New Orleans — departed Seattle, Washington, attempting to make the first flight around the world. Success would demonstrate aviation’s potential while bringing prestige to both the United States and the fledgling Army Air Service. To support the e ort, the U.S. Army and Navy established a vast logistical network of fuel and maintenance stops in more than 20 countries and positioned ships along the route to assist the aircraft.
Of the four aircraft that set out, two completed the journey (a third ship, a backup, joined the group in the last part of the voyage) and landed in triumph back in Seattle five months later.
Two of the aircraft survive today. Chicago is on display in the National Air and Space Museum, and New Orleans is owned by Museum of Flying in Santa Monica, California. Components from the other aircraft are in several other museums.
Nearly a century after the historic flight, two EAA members in Seattle, Bob, EAA 277264, and Diane Dempster, EAA 1308976, decided to build an airplane. That wasn’t unusual, as it’s what a lot of EAAers tend to do. What was unusual about their decision, however, is
what they decided to build. Most EAA members build two-seat airplanes built from kits that typically weigh in at about 2,000 pounds and measure about 30 feet wide and 6 feet tall. Bob and Diane had other ideas and
decided to scratchbuild a vintage airplane that was a little larger — a full-scale reproduction Douglas World Cruiser. Bob got the idea for the project around 2000
and spent several years gathering technical information, from studying plans at the National Air and Space Museum to visiting the Alaska crash site of the original Seattle. Construction began in 2005 in Bob and Diane’s co ee shop, and the airplane made its maiden flight in December 2014 on wheels and later on floats in 2016.
The airplane was recently shipped, disassembled, to EAA’s Pioneer Airport to be displayed for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026. Bob and Diane supervised a group of EAA sta and volunteers unloading the airplane from trucks and then undertaking the daunting task of reassembling it. Visitors to Pioneer Airport walking past the hangar often did a double take, coming inside and asking, “What is that?” Those who know the history of the World Cruisers were astonished to see one in Oshkosh.
The stories of the original World Cruisers, as well as the amazing people who built this reproduction, will be the subjects of two presentations at AirVenture 2026.
• Wednesday, July 22, 2:30 p.m., Forum Stage 8: “The History of the First World Flight of 1924”
• Thursday, July 23, 2:30 p.m., Forum Stage 8: “Building the Seattle World Cruiser”
The airplane will be on display in the Vintage Aircraft Association area all week and will be on display at the EAA Aviation Museum afterward. The Liberty engine used to power the airplane will also be on display as part of Vintage in Review and will be started and run for demonstrations.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JIM CUNNINGHAM
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See our full schedule of daily seminars, meet-and-greet events and more.
Goodyear? No, a Great Year!
THE GOODYEAR TIRE & Rubber Company will return to Oshkosh with its iconic blimp, Wingfoot One, scheduled to arrive Thursday, July 23.
Built on a legacy of innovation, Goodyear continues to advance tire technology. From advanced tire designs and intelligent systems to dynamic simulation capabilities, Goodyear’s cutting-edge science helps enable higher performance, enhanced safety, and more e cient mobility in virtually every driving environment. The Goodyear blimp serves as one of the most visible expressions of this legacy, bringing the company’s spirit of innovation to the skies and offering an exciting, highimpact way to showcase the breadth of Goodyear’s brand to audiences around the world.
Wingfoot One plans to fly at various times throughout the week of the 73rd edition of AirVenture, marking 55 years since the Goodyear blimp America made its initial appearance at the EAA fly-in in 1971. Since then, Goodyear has remained a regular participant at EAA events, with the last appearance in 2025 when it brought two blimps to Oshkosh to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Goodyear’s first branded blimp, Pilgrim.
“The Goodyear blimp is unmatched in both its pedigree and in the excitement that it generates among attendees arriving to AirVenture. Whether soaring through the sky or parked at Pioneer Airport, it is one of the first things visitors see when they arrive,” said Rick Larsen, vice president of communities and member programs for EAA, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “Goodyear has been a fixture at the event over the past 50-plus years, and its presence in 2026 proves EAA AirVenture is a truly ‘blimp-worthy’ event.”
Goodyear’s exhibitor display (No. 489 in Main Aircraft Display) will also showcase the company’s comprehensive
aviation portfolio, which for more than a century has advanced high-performance design, materials, and engineering for operators across commercial, military, and private aviation worldwide. In addition, the exhibit will highlight Goodyear’s extensive consumer product portfolio, feature engaging marketing initiatives, and o er exclusive Goodyear-branded merchandise for purchase.
“AirVenture gives us an unmatched opportunity to engage with aviation enthusiasts on the world’s stage,” said Joe Burke, vice president, global aviation, Goodyear. “Whether they are seeing the Goodyear blimp overhead or engaging with our aviation team on the ground,
events like this allow us to bring our story to life, showcasing both the legacy of our iconic blimp and the innovative aviation solutions that support pilots and operators every day.”
For more than 100 years, Goodyear has been on the leading edge of aviation tire innovation and building airships for commercial and military use, including hundreds of blimps for the U.S. Navy during WWII. In 1955, Goodyear pioneered the first live aerial coverage of a nationally televised event, which boomed into a worldwide phenomenon making Goodyear blimp synonymous with the biggest events in sports and culture.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW ZABACK
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AROUND THE GROUNDS
Happy Anniversary!
A variety of aircraft are celebrating at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026
BY HAL BRYAN AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF
EVERY YEAR, EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH becomes home to thousands of aircraft. Some of them are here to be displayed or perform in one of the air shows, while others form the centerpieces of thousands of campsites. In some cases, though, there’s another reason, one that’s cause for specific celebration — the anniversary of an aircraft type’s first flight or introduction. At the time of this writing, we know of several types that are here to celebrate this year. So, as you walk the convention grounds, if you happen to see one of these aircraft, be sure to stop and wish it a happy birthday.
100 Years
Ford 4-AT Tri-Motor
Ford’s Tri-Motor series revolutionized airline travel by normalizing it. It wasn’t the first airliner, but it was the one that brought air travel to the masses. Although
only 199 were built, several examples remain in flying condition to this day, including EAA’s own 1927 4-AT, NC8407.
CONTINUED TO / PAGE 13
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONNOR MADISON
FROM
80 Years
Postwar General Aviation Boom
We’re celebrating a wide range of aircraft from Aeroncas to Taylorcrafts under this banner, not necessarily because they made the first flights in 1946, but because they were part of the “boom” that was predicted for general aviation immediately after World War II. There were more than 500,000 pilots in the United States at war’s end, and it seemed certain that all of them would buy airplanes. Sadly, they didn’t.
de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk
The DHC-1 Chipmunk was designed and built by de Havilland Canada as a replacement for the long-serving DH.82 Tiger Moth. The low-wing, two-seat taildragger was a huge success, serving the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Royal Air Force, and the Portuguese air force for decades. A ectionally nicknamed the “poor
AirVenture 2026
Monday
10:00am Engine Leaning Made Simple
TUESDAY
8:00am Ring Gap and Cylinder Life
10:00am Compression Testing
WEDNESDAY
10:00am Engine at TBO Options
THURSDAY
10:00am Proactive Approach to Aircraft Engine
Maintenance
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
10:00am Choosing the Right Aviation Mechanic
man’s Spitfire,” Chipmunks are prized by private owners today, either as restored warbirds or highly-modified Super Chipmunks used for aerobatics.
70 Years
Piper PA-24 Comanche
Piper’s PA-24 Comanche first flew in May 1956, at the company’s home base in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. The Comanche is a low-wing, all metal monoplane with retractable tricycle gear, and Piper promised that it would deliver “the best
CONTINUED TO / PAGE 14
10:00am Oil Changes as a Diagnostic of Engine Health
STOP BY for a free copy of Engine Management 101
Hosted by Bill Ross, A&P I/A 2023 GAA National Aviation Technician of the Year Award Winner!
*Each seminar qualifies for 1 hour of IA Renewal Crdit & FAA Wings Credit
- join us on
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM BUSHA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHIL HIGH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONNOR MADISON
combination of all the features you want in a high-performance business plane.” Those features included comfort, payload, performance, beauty, economy, and safety. For an in-depth look at the airplane and its history, see the March/April 2026 issue of EAA’s Vintage Airplane magazine.
Bell UH-1 “Huey” (XH-40 Prototype)
Bell Aircraft Corp., perhaps best known for the X-1, the first supersonic aircraft, started its helicopter division in 1941. Just as the company’s famed model 47 did in the Korean War, the iconic UH-1, which started life as a prototype designated XH-40 that first flew in 1956, revolutionized rotorcraft operations during the Vietnam War.
UH-1 variants still serve the United States Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps 70 years later.
50 Years
John Moody became known as the “father of modern ultralights” after modifying his Icarus II hang glider to a powered aircraft with the addition of a 12.5-hp McCullough go-kart engine and flying publicly at EAA Oshkosh 1976. While his first powered flight was a year earlier in a modified Easy Riser, it was the Icarus II, now fully restored and in EAA’s Aviation Museum collection, that got the world’s attention and created the ultralight movement.
WHEN THE AIR SHOW ENDS, THE RACING BEGINS.
John Moody’s Ultralight Flight at Oshkosh
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONNOR MADISON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEE FRAY
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NASA Astronauts, Memphis Belle Cast Headline Theater in the Woods
ATTENDEES OF EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
2026 are invited to a powerful week of evening programming at Theater in the Woods. From Sunday, July 19, to Saturday, July 25, a series of nightly events will gather noteworthy people from NASA astronauts to those involved with the 1990 war drama Memphis Belle.
“After a full day on the Oshkosh flightline, evenings at Theater in the Woods have been the perfect place to sit back and hear from aviation’s greats,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “This year’s programming again creates ‘only at Oshkosh’ moments with those involved in aviation history, cutting-edge technology, or the silver screen.”
Schedule of Events:
Sunday, July 19 — An Evening With Champions: The History of the USAF Heritage Flight (7-9 p.m.)
Kick o the week with some of aviation’s best as they talk about what it took to create the USAF Heritage Flight and how they keep it going.
Monday, July 20 — U.S. Air Force’s Salute to America’s 250th Birthday (7:30-9:15 p.m.)
The United States Air Force will lead a program featuring a swearing-in ceremony at 7:30 p.m., followed by country music star Tyler Hubbard taking the stage at 8 p.m.
Tuesday, July 21 — A Home in Space: From the Shuttle and Beyond (7-9 p.m.)
Celebrate 45 years of the space shuttle with a panel of NASA astronauts and
personnel, including Hoot Gibson, Charlie Precourt, Eileen Collins, and Jeanie Engle, moderated by the National Air and Space Museum’s Jennifer Levasseur, curator of the space shuttle and ISS exhibits.
Wednesday, July 22 — Concept to Cockpit (6:30-7:45 p.m.)
WomenVenture day will be capped o with a panel of women who have made an impact in aircraft design featuring Xyla Foxlin, Jessica Cox, Margaret Viola, and Kacy Anderson.
Thursday, July 23 — Memphis Belle: Telling the Story on the Big Screen (7-9 p.m.)
Hear from cast and crew members of the 1990 film as they recount what it was like to tell the story on the big screen.
Friday, July 24 — 9/11: A Look Back 25 Years Later (7-9 p.m.)
Honoring those who risked their lives at a time of tragedy, hear from a collection of brave individuals as they reflect on their firsthand experiences. Featuring members of the FDNY, NYPD, Air Force One, and NASA. Also, meet the RAF Red Arrows Team.
Saturday, July 25 – Mission Marge: The Discovery of Richard Bong’s Lightning (6:30-7:45 p.m.)
A mission to recover artifacts from America’s leading ace during World War II. Members of Richard Bong’s family, Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center, Pacific Wrecks, and the 128th Air Refueling Wing share the story of the mission.
Evening programs at Theater in the Woods are supported by M&M’S and included with AirVenture admission.
PHOTOGRAPHY FROM EAA ARCHIVES
AROUND THE GROUNDS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY CHILSEN
Fly-In Theater Brings Classic Aviation Films Back to the Big Screen
FOR NEARLY 20 YEARS, the Fly-In Theater has been a mainstay for those attending AirVenture. The theater is located right next to the Camp Scholler campground and provides the perfect opportunity to wind down after a long day of air shows, exhibits, and workshops. Every movie will be shown with state-of-the-art projection on a screen that stands about five stories tall, and popcorn is free for all attendees.
The Fly-In Theater screenings, presented by PenFed, are free for those who attend AirVenture. No movies will be shown on July 22 or July 25 due to the night air shows. The films are preceded by entertaining and informative introductions featuring special guests who bring their own insights and expertise. The regular showtime is at 8:30 p.m., except for July 20 and July 24, which start at 8:15.
After last night’s scheduled traditional screening of Top Gun , this year’s features include:
• Sunday, July 19 – Flying Misfits – In this feature-length pilot episode for the classic television series Baa Baa Black Sheep, U.S. Marine pilot Greg “Pappy” Boyington forms his own
fighter squadron from a group of misfits and delinquents to help the e ort in WWII, long after his time flying with the Flying Tigers in China. Stephen Chapis, author of a new book about the series, will be joining as a special guest.
• Monday, July 20 – “A Tribute to Jimmy Stewart” – The evening will begin with some very special guests o ering an exclusive look behind the scenes at the upcoming film Jimmy, a biopic celebrating the life and
accomplishments of Jimmy Stewart, a beloved actor and decorated military aviator. This will be followed by a screening of the 1955 classic Strategic Air Command, where Stewart plays an ex-pilot turned baseball player forced to return to the Air Force and aid his country in Cold War deterrence.
•Tuesday, July 21 –The Rescue – This documentary film chronicles B-25 owner and pilot Larry Kelly’s trip to China to explore the sites where the brave pilots of 1942’s Doolittle Raid
were forced to crash land and take shelter after their one-way mission to strike Japan in retaliation for the attack on Pearl Harbor.
• Thursday, July 23 – Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning –Ethan Hunt returns to combat his toughest enemy yet, a terrifying AI known simply as “the Entity” that has taken over intelligence networks across the globe, and only Hunt and his new allies with the IMF are able to try and stop it before it changes the world as we know it forever. Air show pilot Susan Dacy will join us to talk about high-performance Stearman flying.
• Friday, July 24 – Memphis Belle –Inspired by the true story of the Memphis Belle, a B-17 crew will soon be embarking on their 25th and final mission, having completed the previous 24 against the odds. Their last one is the toughest they’ve been given yet, flying deep into German territory. Special guests include producer Catherine Wyler, along with key cast and crew members.
PHOTOGRAPHY FROM EAA ARCHIVES
AEROBATICS
The Aerobatic World Is Coming to Iowa
Help us welcome the world to America’s Heartland
BY BRITT LINCOLN
IN AUGUST 2026, something special will happen in Mason City, Iowa. Approximately 40 of the world’s best aerobatic pilots, representing 14 nations, will converge on Mason City to compete in the World Aerobatic Championships — the pinnacle of international competition in aerobatics.
For more than 60 years, the World Aerobatic Championships has represented the highest level of international aerobatic competition. Pilots from around the globe gather to compete for individual and national team honors while demonstrating extraordinary precision, discipline, and aircraft control.
We are proud to welcome this storied championship to Mason City, and for the first time in more than a decade, to host
the world’s best aerobatic pilots on American soil.
As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, Team USA will have the rare privilege of competing for a world championship on home soil while welcoming the international aerobatic community to America and sharing the community, passion, hospitality, and volunteer spirit that define our aviation culture. But events like this don’t happen on their own.
The World Aerobatic Championships is being organized by a dedicated team of volunteers and supported by pilots, aviation enthusiasts, businesses, and members of the broader aviation community. Contributions help provide the infrastructure, communications, transportation, volunteer support, and operational
resources necessary to host a world-class international championship.
All the competitors representing the United States started exactly where so many EAA members did — at local airports, chapter meetings, fly-ins, and grassroots aviation events. Today, they wear the stars and stripes on the world stage. In 2026, they will have the opportunity to do so at home.
Whether you’re a pilot, aircraft owner, EAA chapter member, aviation business, or simply someone who believes in supporting aviation excellence, we invite you to be part of making this championship possible.
Your contribution helps welcome competitors from around the world, supports Team USA, and ensures that the United
States hosts a championship worthy of the pilots who have dedicated their lives to mastering the art of aerobatic flight. To learn more, volunteer, or make a taxdeductible contribution, contact support2026WAC@gmail.com or visit 2026WAC.com.
The world’s best pilots are coming to Iowa.
Let’s give them a championship they’ll never forget.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BRITT LINCOLN
Vintage in Review Highlights Antique and Classic Aircraft
THE VINTAGE IN REVIEW showcase is returning to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this year, featuring unique and iconic aircraft that were built and flown during the first halfcentury of aviation. The showcase will take place July 20-24 at the Interview Circle just east of the Vintage Red Barn.
“Vintage in Review gives a wonderful opportunity to see and learn about planes that can’t be seen anywhere else, with some of our featured aircraft being as old as 90 years,” explained Ray Johnson, Vintage in Review chairman. “It also gives a chance to get to know the owners and pilots, who are often the mechanics too, behind these vintage aircraft. It’s a great time to sit back, relax, and be regaled by
some great stories about the flights and upkeep of these planes, and learn a little about the time and e ort that are needed to keep these aircraft in the sky.”
This year’s showcase features an incredible range of diverse aircraft that represent 20 years of American civil aviation design. Each day at 10:30 a.m., pilots of these magnificent aircraft will be interviewed alongside their rare and unique antique and classic airplanes. They will be accompanied by the Ladies for Liberty, who will be performing World War II-era songs. There will also be an engine run of the iconic 1915 Curtiss OX-5 immediately following the performances from the Ladies for Liberty.
Monday, July 20
Mid America Flight Museum – 1934 Granville Brothers Gee Bee R-6 QED (Replica)
Tuesday, July 21
Shawn Honaker – 1946 Aeronca Champ Wednesday, July 22
Tim Talen – 1935 National Airplane and Motor Co. Bluebird LP-4
Thursday, July 23
Jan Johnson – 1944 Stinson L-5E Friday, July 24
Will Kientz – 1953 Temco T-35A Buckaroo
More Vintage in Review sessions will be added to the schedule as it is finalized. More information can be found at the Vintage Aircraft Area page of the EAA website.
Our principal sponsors:
WARBIRDS
THE TWICE-DAILY WARBIRDS in Review series
will take place July 20-24 on the Warbirds in Review aircraft ramp, located within the EAA Warbirds of America area on the AirVenture grounds. Open to all AirVenture attendees, these presentations o er a unique opportunity to experience aviation history firsthand through the stories of the people who flew, maintained, restored, and preserved some of the world’s most significant historic aircraft.
2026 Warbirds in Review Schedule
(Subject to change – see the EAA website or events app for the latest updates)
Monday, July 20
10 a.m.
Curtiss P-40K Warhawk
Honoring 2nd Lt. Curtis List
Aircraft Owner: Butch Schroeder Presenters: Jay Schroeder, Craig Davidson, Vicki List McIntosh (daughter of 2nd Lt. List)
1 p.m.
Chance-Vought F4U-4 Corsair Korean War Hero
Aircraft Owner: Jim Tobul
Presenter: Jim Tobul
Tuesday, July 21
10 a.m.
Lockheed P-38 Lightning and Lockheed
Martin F-35A Lightning II
Aircraft Owners: The Flying Bulls, 115th Fighter Wing, Wisconsin National Guard, Madison
Presenters: Eskil Amdal, pilot and CEO, The Flying Bulls; Raimund Riedmann, flight operations manager and chief pilot
fixed wing, The Flying Bulls; Col. Benjamin Gerds, 115th TFW commander
1 p.m.
Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina
Aircraft Owner: American Heritage Museum Presenter: Rob Collings
Wednesday, July 22
10 a.m.
North American P-51D Mustang
Jane VI
Honoring Lt. Col. Bert Marshall Jr.
Aircraft Owner: Sebastien Domine
Presenters: Sebastien Domine, Bill Marshall (son of Lt. Col. Marshall), Evan Fagen, and Brandon Deuel 1 p.m.
North American P-51B Mustang Shillelaugh 3
Honoring Capt. Kenneth H. Dahlberg
Aircraft Owner: Dakota Territory Air Museum
Presenters: Warren Pietsch, Eric Trueblood, and Bruce Eames Thursday, July 23
10 a.m.
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29UB Fulcrum and Northrop F-5 Tiger II
Aircraft Owner: Jared “Rook” Isaacman
Presenter: Jared “Rook” Isaacman
1 p.m.
F-51D Mustang Was That Too Fast and Douglas A-26 Invader Million Airess
Aircraft Owners: Steuart Walton, The Roost, and Million Air
Presenters: Retired Col. Joseph “Joe” A. Peterburs, John Kobasick, and Roger Woolsey
Friday, July 24
10 a.m.
Hiller UH-12B and Sikorsky UH-34D
Aircraft Owners: Mike Anderson, retired Lt. Col. USMC Nicholas Turner, and James Turner
Presenters: Mike Anderson, retired Lt. Col. USMC Nicholas Turner, George Kokendo er, Wes Sims, and Eric Johansen
1 p.m.
Veterans Tribute Parade
An EAA Success Story
BY MADELINE WOOTEN AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF
AMY WHELAN, EAA 1283566, is making strides in aviation while giving back to EAA, the organization that first sparked and supported her passion for flight.
With no family background in aviation, Amy relied on EAA’s Young Eagles program to help her discover a path into the industry. Since the program’s birth in 1992, the Young Eagles mission has remained the same — to introduce youths ages 8-17 to flight. It’s the only program of its kind that’s inspiring the next generation of aviators in such an impactful way.
Amy took her first Young Eagles flight at age 16, unaware of the opportunities that would follow.
“I didn’t think it was possible at that age. I thought it was something you’d do in college or after college. I didn’t have anyone in my family with a background in aviation, so I was figuring it all out myself. The program really helped me succeed by showing me how I wanted to do it and what I wanted to do,” she said.
“I knew it was going to be a life-changing experience. Every single time, it was amazing to feel the support from EAA and know they believed in my career and wanted to help me move forward at every stage.”
— Amy Whelan
After that first flight, Amy received scholarships from EAA Chapter 1541 in Lincoln, California, to attend ground school and the EAA Air Academy, a summer camp in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, that provides hands-on learning opportunities for those interested in aviation. The camp opened her eyes to the many career paths available to her.
As Amy continued her education and flight training, EAA remained a constant source of support. As a recipient of the EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship, she was able to get financial assistance to complete her flight training and earn her private pilot certificate. On top of that, the Jack Burnham scholarship, an EAA postsecondary scholarship, helped fund her Bachelor of Science in aeronautical science with a minor in airline operations at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
“I knew it was going to be a life-changing experience. Every single time, it was amazing to feel the support from EAA and know they believed in my career and wanted to help me move forward at every stage,” Amy said.
After graduating, Amy received the EAA Florence “Coffy” Gregory scholarship to complete her airline transport pilot certification training program (ATP-CTP).
“It’s been everything to me because it’s given me the experiences to get where I am today and made it possible to pursue this life in aviation,” Amy said. “Even now, I still attribute so much of what I’ve accomplished to EAA and my upbringing in aviation.”
Today, Amy monitors and manages autonomous small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) supporting commercial drone delivery operations for Wing. Over the next five years, she hopes to fly for a regional airline before eventually joining a major airline.
Throughout her aviation journey, Amy has remained committed to giving back to the organization that helped launch her career. She volunteers as a Young Eagles pilot and Air Academy counselor, introducing young people, especially those without an aviation background, to the same opportunities that inspired her.
Her advice to aspiring pilots is simple: Network, ask questions, and listen.
“Go out there, put yourself out there, ask all the questions you have. But also sit and listen to other people’s experiences and learn from everyone else. Then, once you’re in a position where you have some knowledge, be willing to pass it on and share it with the next generation.”
Interested in pursuing flight or a career in aviation? Learn more about EAA scholarships at EAA.org/ Scholarships. Applications are open each year from October 1 through December 19.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF AMY WHELAN
NASA Brings Legendary Aircraft to Oshkosh for America 250
NASA ADMINISTRATOR JARED ISAACMAN and several NASA aircraft will be among the special guests on Boeing Plaza, in the Warbirds area, and during several air shows during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026.
Isaacman, EAA Lifetime 876775, will speak during a Warbirds in Review presentation on his personal MiG-29 and F-5 aircraft on Thursday, July 23, at 10 a.m. and during a Boeing Plaza presentation on Friday, July 24, at 10 a.m. Friday’s event will highlight the future vision for NASA, including its upcoming space missions and ongoing aeronautics innovations.
Highlighting the aircraft from NASA will be an F-15 Eagle and F/A-18 Hornet with special patriotic livery celebrating America 250, including navy blue-andwhite star covered fuselages and red-and-white striped wings. They are
based at Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, California. In addition, a NASA T-38 Talon, a legendary training jet for the astronaut corps, will be on display on Boeing Plaza. This Talon is based out of
the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
Rounding out the group will be four special livery F-5F Tiger IIs, with three of them decorated in special white and blue Freedom 250 paint schemes. The three “Freedom 250” F-5s will be on display in the Warbirds area throughout the week, apart from their participation in the July 23-24 air shows.
These iconic aircraft were featured during the July 4 flyover in Washington D.C., as a part of the America 250 celebrations. This will be the first time the aircraft will be available to be seen by the public on static display with their special liveries.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF NASA
Thunderbird 8 Making Weeklong Visit
AIRVENTURE WEEK IS a rare week o for the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Team, the Thunderbirds, this year, but at least one of them will still be in the public eye at Oshkosh! USAF Maj. Samuel “RaZZ” Larson returns to EAA AirVenture in 2026 with his “work vehicle,” the Thunderbirds No. 8 F-16 Fighting Falcon, for a weeklong stay at Oshkosh. That appearance is part of the Air Force’s involvement in the America 250 celebration at AirVenture this year.
RaZZ will be joined by Staff Sgt. Sovann Din, the dedicated crew chief for the No. 8 jet. The aircraft will be parked primarily on Boeing Plaza near the Air Force pavilion following its July 20 arrival, creating a great, up-close photo opportunity for AirVenture visitors all week.
As Thunderbird No. 8, RaZZ is in his first year as the advance pilot and narrator for the legendary team’s aerial
GirlVenture Camp
performances. He is no stranger to Oshkosh, however, having flown the F-22 Raptor during AirVenture air shows as
part of his three-year stint as the F-22 demo team pilot.
JULY 25–28, 2027
Presented by
The EAA® GirlVenture Camp is an aviation experience during EAA® AirVenture ® Oshkosh™ for young women in grades 9-12.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SENIOR AIRMAN BREANNA CHRISTOPHER VOLKMAR
Preserving the Legacy of the Berlin Candy Bomber
BY LT. COL. MARK HASARA USAF (RET.)
AS A RETIRED AIR FORCE tanker pilot, I have spent much of my life studying and flying air mobility missions. Every airlift operation I participated in, from humanitarian relief to combat support, can trace its heritage to one defining event: the Berlin airlift. That is why the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation means so much to me.
The foundation is far more than an organization that restores vintage aircraft. It preserves one of America’s greatest demonstrations of airpower in the first conflict of the Cold War with the Soviet Union. Its beautifully restored
Douglas C-54, Spirit of Freedom, serves as a flying museum, carrying the story of the 1948-49 Berlin airlift to communities across the nation. Every time the aircraft’s four Pratt & Whitney R-2000 Twin Wasp engines come to life, they remind us that history is meant to be experienced, not simply remembered.
When the Soviet Union blockaded West Berlin in June 1948, nearly 2 million people faced starvation and a bitter winter. Rather than abandon the city or risk another war, the United States, Great Britain, and their allies launched an around-the-clock airlift that became one
of history’s greatest humanitarian missions. Over 462 days, Allied aircrews flew 277,804 missions and delivered more than 2.3 million tons of food, coal, medicine, fuel, and other essential supplies to sustain the people of West Berlin. At its peak, transport aircraft landed at Berlin’s airports every 60-90 seconds, demonstrating that disciplined air mobility, innovative logistics, and determined aircrews could overcome seemingly impossible odds. The Berlin airlift proved that airpower could preserve freedom without firing a shot. No individual represents that achievement better than Col. Gail Halvorsen,
forever known as the Berlin Candy Bomber. While flying relief missions into Berlin, he noticed children gathered near Tempelhof Airport. Moved by their resilience, he began dropping candy tied to handkerchief parachutes from his C-54. His simple gesture inspired Operation Little Vittles, eventually delivering hundreds of thousands of candy parachutes and millions of pieces of gum and chocolate. More importantly, it reminded a generation of German children that compassion could arrive on the wings of an American airplane.
For me, Col. Halvorsen was never just a historical figure. While attending Brigham Young University in the mid-1980s as an Air Force ROTC cadet, he served as BYU’s assistant dean of student life. I saw him regularly on campus.
Although I knew he had flown in the Berlin airlift, I could never have imagined how profoundly his example would influence my own appreciation for military aviation. Looking back, I realize I was walking the same campus as one of America’s greatest ambassadors of goodwill.
Years later, after flying the KC-135 Stratotanker for 24 years through four wars, I came to understand Col. Halvorsen’s legacy even more deeply. Air mobility is about much more than moving fuel or cargo. It is about projecting hope, strengthening alliances, and demonstrating America’s commitment through professionalism, service, and compassion. Col. Halvorsen understood that better than anyone.
Today, the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation is carried forward by veterans from later generations — Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan, and countless humanitarian operations. None of us flew into Berlin in 1948, yet we recognize the same values that continue to define military air mobility: service before self, innovation under pressure, and compassion in the face of adversity. By preserving the Spirit of Freedom and sharing the story of the Berlin airlift, we honor not only those who flew the missions but also the ideals they represented.
The Berlin airlift was more than an aviation milestone. It proved that courage, logistics, and compassion could change
the course of history. Preserving that legacy ensures future generations understand what American airmen can accomplish when they choose to deliver hope instead of despair — and why Col. Gail Halvorsen’s example continues to inspire all who wear the uniform.
Sunday, July 19
Tonight’s Movie | 8:30 p.m. Flying Misfits
Presented by
Tomorrow’s Movie | 8:15 p.m. Jimmy Stewart Tribute / Strategic Air Command
Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Mark Hasara, a former KC-135 pilot, stands next to the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation’s C-54 Skymaster with Ms. Crystal Miskee, one of the “Candy Kids” of the Berlin Airlift.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MARK HASARA/BERLIN AIRLIFT HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
This plaque explains how the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation’s C-54 executes candy drops from the plane, just as Col. Gail Halvorsen, the Berlin Airlift Candy Bomber, did in 1948 and 1949 on approach to Tempelhof Airport in Berlin. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MARK HASARA/BERLIN AIRLIFT HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
FAA Accepts ASTM Standards for New Part 22 Aircraft
EXCERPT: THE FAA PUBLISHED a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register announcing its acceptance of ASTM International consensus standards as a means of compliance for manufacturers seeking to produce aircraft under the new Part 22 established by MOSAIC. Part 22 sets forth the requirements for certification of light-sport aircraft, expanding the size and scope of aircraft in the light-sport category.
The FAA’s acceptance of ASTM International’s standards for light-sport airplanes, gliders, gyroplanes, powered lift, and multicopters marks a significant milestone in the future of general aviation. The acceptance of these standards is the culmination of more than a year of work by the ASTM International’s F37 Light Sport Aircraft Committee and FAA sta . EAA would like to recognize and thank everyone involved
in the development of the MOSAIC rule and the consensus standards that make its implementation possible. The monumental e orts of the ASTM F37 Light Sport Aircraft Committee members and the FAA to revise, expand, develop, and accept these standards in the short time since the final rule was released last year made it possible for the final piece of MOSAIC to become e ective July 24 on schedule.
The FAA published a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register announcing its acceptance of ASTM International consensus standards as a means of compliance for manufacturers seeking to produce aircraft under the new Part 22 established by MOSAIC. Part 22 sets forth the requirements for certification of lightsport aircraft, expanding the size and scope of aircraft in the light-sport category.
The ASTM consensus standards serve as an accepted means of compliance manufacturers may use to satisfy the requirements of Part 22 and obtain a special airworthiness certificate for light-sport category aircraft (S-LSA) and light-sport category kit aircraft (E-LSA).
The publication represents one of the final major regulatory pieces needed before MOSAIC’s July 24 e ective date. Still anticipated is the publication of FAA Order 8130.2M, which will provide guidance to FAA personnel and designees responsible for issuing airworthiness certificates. That guidance will help ensure manufacturers can begin using the new certification pathways. Additionally, the ASTM standards necessary to certify powered parachute, weight-shift control, and helicopter LSA are in active development but remain forthcoming.
FREE YOUTH ADMISSION
Free youth admission ages 18 and under is supported in part by
AOPA exists to protect your freedom to fly. Every day, we’re working behind the scenes at our headquarters, airfields nationwide, and on Capitol Hill to defend and strengthen general aviation for everyone who depends on it.
AirVenture is where we get to do it face-to-face, and we can’t wait to welcome YOU.
MORNING BREW
Free coffee Monday-Friday 8:30-9:30AM. Members receive a commemorative cup.
AOPA SPECIALISTS
Ask your most important questions about membership, your medical, a legal matter, discuss a local airport issue, and more.
MEMBER BACKYARD
Take a break from the sun in our shaded retreat with seating, water and views of the airshow.
PROGRAM PAVILION
Hear from some of the most entertaining and knowledgeable experts in aviation. Stop by for a full schedule.
MEET AND GREETS
You know them from your feeds, your favorite training videos, and the airshow box – now meet them in person.
WE ARE HERE ALL WEEK TO SUPPORT YOU IN PERSON!
Land on the Dot … in Virginia!
Warrenton-Fauquier Airport encourages practice landings
BY EMME HORNUNG AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF
WITH THE PRESSURE of thousands of spectators watching as you land at the world’s busiest airport during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, making a few practice landings beforehand can make all the di erence — and the community at Warrenton-Fauquier Airport (KHWY) in Midland, Virginia, is making sure their pilots stick the landing with their very own green dot.
The idea first came in 2024 from Bob Hepp, EAA 175362, founder and chief flight instructor at Aviation Adventures. For years, the Aviation Adventures team has been bringing an Israeli pilot group from Virginia to Oshkosh for AirVenture (among other sightseeing stops along the way). But before they embark on their tour, the team checks out the pilots in U.S.-certified aircraft.
“But every year, I look at the dots on the runway, going, ‘That’s something that we haven’t checked people out in doing,’” Bob said. “Flying into AirVenture can get kind of wild and exciting sometimes, so this makes it as familiar as possible, for people to take one thing o their plate that they otherwise would be uncomfortable with.”
With FAA approval, Sean Jeans from Aviation Adventures used a bright green, temporary utility marking paint in the center of the 5,000-foot runway, giving pilots 2,500 feet of landing space “no matter which way the wind’s blowing,” according to Bob.
Sean did his research before painting the dot to maintain the same ratio of runway-to-dot width (KOSH’s is 150:50 feet), and his application method can easily be replicated. It’s as simple as a marking wand, a cord the length of the
radius, and a weighted pole — place the pole in the center of the dot with the cord tied to both the pole and wand, and walk in a circle to create an outline before filling it in to make a perfect homemade green dot.
The airport welcomes any and all AirVenture-goers in the area to come practice landing on the dot. Airport tenant Sarah Patten, EAA Lifetime 776986, has found it useful in her preconvention preparations.
“I’ve flown into Oshkosh a number of times, and I’ll start practicing spot landings a few months before. I’ve always just used thousand-foot markers at di erent airports, but that’s a pretty normal sight picture,” she said. “The cool thing about where they put the dot here at Warrenton, it’s further down the runway, which is more like some of the dot placements at Oshkosh. And this gives you the chance to practice that sight picture before you actually do it at Oshkosh, which I think is wonderful.”
Airport Manager Stacey Williams reports that the process of getting FAA approval for the runway marking was smooth and easy, and a special NOTAM is issued so pilots are aware the dot is only for training purposes. She looks forward to continuing the new tradition in the future, as it gets the whole community excited for AirVenture.
Who knows, maybe it will become your airport’s newest tradition, too, and we’ll start seeing more special green dot appearances around the country!
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEAN JEANS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRYAN HUSS
EAA® EXHIBITS
The Ultimate Aviation Marketplace
With more than 900 exhibitors on-site at EAA® AirVenture ® Oshkosh™ 2026, aviation innovation and inspiration is everywhere you turn. From cutting-edge technology to must-have gear, expert services to future opportunities — EAA exhibits support the industry and the lifestyle.
Whether you’re here for business, passion, or a little of both, you’ll find exactly what you need… and plenty you didn’t know you were looking for.
Make time to explore these exhibit destinations:
• Ultralight and Rotorcraft Display Area
•Fly Market Exhibit Area
•Main Aircraft Display Areas
•Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Exhibit Hangar A
•Aspen Avionics Exhibit Hangar B
•Elixir Aircraft Exhibit Hangar C
•DeltaHawk Engines Exhibit Hangar D
» International Federal Pavilion
•Aviation Gateway Park presented by Piper Aircraft Inc.
» EAA Vertical Lift Center in partnership with Robinson Helicopter Co. and Vertical Aviation International (VAI)
•EAA Seaplane Base presented by Wipaire
• EAA WomenVenture Center
And more around every corner!
» EAA Education and Career Center presented by Piedmont Airlines
AROUND THE GROUNDS
Valkyrie TBM a Tribute to Veterans
A UNIQUELY PAINTED TBM 900 aircraft known as Valkyrie is taking to the sky with a mission that reaches far beyond aviation. Finished in a striking warbirdinspired paint scheme, Valkyrie , which will be on display on Boeing Plaza this week, serves as a flying tribute to America’s veterans and as a powerful symbol of support for Veterans Airlift Command.
Owned by Mark Holt, EAA Lifetime 426333, a volunteer pilot for Veterans Airlift Command, Valkyrie was created to honor the courage, sacrifice, and service of wounded veterans and their families. Veterans Airlift Command provides free air transportation to combat-wounded veterans and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes.
The aircraft not only is used to transport wounded veterans, but also appears at air shows and events as a static display to help spread awareness of Veterans Airlift Command’s mission. Through these
Wherever it lands, the aircraft draws attention — and then redirects that attention toward the needs of wounded veterans and the opportunity for pilots to make a difference.
appearances, Holt and Valkyrie help connect with other pilots and aircraft owners, encouraging them to consider volunteering their aircraft and time to serve deserving men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country.
“The Valkyrie is more than an airplane,” Mark said. “It is a tribute, a conversation starter, and a way to honor our wounded veterans. Every flight and every static display is an opportunity to tell the story of
Veterans Airlift Command and invite others in the aviation community to get involved.”
With its bold military-inspired livery, Valkyrie evokes the spirit of historic warbirds while representing a modern mission of service, gratitude, and action. Wherever it lands, the aircraft draws attention — and then redirects that attention toward the needs of wounded veterans and the opportunity for pilots to make a di erence.
Veterans Airlift Command relies on volunteer pilots, aircraft owners, and supporters across the country to help provide critical transportation for veterans and their families. Valkyrie’s mission is to help expand that network and inspire more members of the aviation community to answer the call.
Pilots and aircraft owners interested in volunteering can learn more by visiting VeteransAirlift.org.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK KRAUSE
Heritage Flight To Be Highlighted at Theater in the Woods
TONIGHT, EAA’S “AN Evening With Champions” will feature the United States Air Force Heritage Flight. For nearly three decades, military and civilian pilots have demonstrated USAF airpower projected during each of our nation’s conflicts through air show performances featuring mixed formations of current generation fighters and historic warbirds. “An Evening With Champions” will take place at the Theater in the Woods at 7 p.m. and will feature USAF Heritage Flight demo and civilian pilots, both past and present, along with air show industry leaders discussing the history, technical orchestration, and public impact of this immensely popular and patriotic program. In celebration of the nation’s
250th anniversary, the Heritage Flight Foundation will be giving the first 800 audience attendees special Heritage Flight swag.
We offer hot coffee, doughnuts, fresh fruit, salads, sandwiches, and much more. Red One Market has everything you need to make your stay more enjoyable.
Back to Basics
‘Pioneers of Flight’ at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026
BY HAL BRYAN
IN THE LATE 1800S, not all that long after the United States celebrated its first 100 years, scientists, engineers, inventors, tinkerers, and adventurers around the world spent time and other resources trying to solve what was then widely known as “the flying machine problem.” While some of the most impactful innovations in history, from antibiotics to the internet, weren’t necessarily widely anticipated, the idea of controlled, powered, manned flight was, for some, almost impatiently expected.
Yes, there were plenty of skeptics, notably including an editor at the New York Times who wrote in October 1903 that “… the flying machine which will really fly might be evolved by the
combined and continuous e orts of mathematicians and mechanicians in from one to ten million years.” By that time, though, people had been successfully flying gliders for more than 50 years, and rubber-powered model airplanes had been around since 1870. So, instead of a surprising innovation, the Wrights’ success, coming just two months after the Times’ pessimistic prediction, was seen (eventually, once word got around and people were convinced that it had happened) as a solution to a known problem. What nobody could have anticipated, however, was the impact of airplanes on civilization, nor the incredible rate of innovation that would take place. This year at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026,
we’re highlighting the first two dozen years of that innovation. Each day, we’ll highlight one of the aircraft on display as we celebrate the “Pioneers of Flight.”
Wright Model B
Of course, we begin with the Wright brothers. In addition to the static replica of their world-changing 1903 Flyer that you can see in the EAA Aviation Museum, we’re excited that the Wrights will be represented this year by a flying replica of their Model B Flyer. First flown in 1910, the Wright B was the brothers’ first
EAA ® WORKSHOPS
Go Hands-On
Homebuilding is the heart of EAA, and you can learn virtually every skill and gain the confidence you need to build an airplane while at EAA ® AirVenture ® Oshkosh™ Patterned after the highly successful EAA SportAir ® Workshops.
Presenting Sponsor Supporting Sponsors
LENGTH: 29 feet, 10 inches
WINGSPAN: 39 feet
HEIGHT: 9 feet
MAX SPEED: 44 mph
ENGINE: 35-hp
production aircraft, a practical two-seater for military and civilian use that grew out of a decade of experimentation. This example was built and is flown by Wright B Flyer Inc., fittingly based in Dayton, Ohio.
EAA AIRVENTURE FORUMS Learn from Experts
The very best from the aviation world come together for one week to share their knowledge with you, including hundreds of innovators, authors, experts, and legends.
Forums Plaza
What About These Other Airplanes?
A spotters’ guide to the EAA Aviation Museum aircraft around the grounds
BY HAL BRYAN
EVERY YEAR, MORE than 10,000 aircraft fly to Wisconsin for AirVenture. Of those, nearly 3,000 are showplanes — vintage aircraft, warbirds, homebuilts, aerobatic airplanes, etc. — that are displayed around the grounds. But some visitors may notice other airplanes parked here and there that didn’t fly in at all, because they’re part of the EAA Aviation Museum collection. Because our museum exhibits rotate, many of these aircraft are only viewable by the public during AirVenture, spending the rest of the year in long-term storage on the convention grounds. Here’s a guide to
some of these airplanes that you’ll see as you wander the neighborhoods of AirVenture.
Aircraft: 1944 Culver PQ-14B Kadet
We hear all about drones these days, but they’re nothing new. The PQ-14B was an optionally piloted target drone that could be flown remotely from the ground or from another airplane, following as many as 5 miles behind. Our example was used in testing midair wingtip coupling, an alternative means of towing aircraft by joining them to the wingtips of a larger aircraft. AROUND
Celebrating the Class of ’46
A spotter’s guide for AirVenture Oshkosh 2026
BY
AS WORLD WAR II came to an end, people of the free world looked ahead to an era that held the promise of unprecedented peace and prosperity. Rough estimates indicate that, at the start of the war in September 1939, there were approximately 30,000 pilots, both civilian and military, in the United States. By war’s end in August 1945, the estimated number had ballooned to more than half a million. It seemed patently obvious that the previous generation’s “chicken in every pot” would be supplanted in 1946
by “an airplane in every garage.” Manufacturers went to work, introducing new aircraft and updating (and more actively marketing) existing designs. Sadly, this was the boom that wasn’t. A lot of wartime pilots moved on from flying, and, while commercial air travel grew steadily, general and recreational aviation didn’t attain the hoped-for ubiquity.
Still, 1946 was a remarkable year for GA, and that optimism, however impractical, gave us so many classic aircraft that remain beloved today. You’ll note that, unlike most aircraft anniversaries, this one isn’t exactly hard and fast. We’re not strictly celebrating first flights or
AERONCA CHAMP (7AC)
FIRST FLIGHT: 1944
LENGTH: 21 feet, 6 inches
WINGSPAN: 35 feet
SEATS: 2
CRUISE SPEED: ~85 mph
introductions; rather, we’re looking back at the airplanes that were in production and on the market in that first full year of postwar peace. As you wander the Vintage neighborhood on the AirVenture grounds, you’ll likely see lovingly restored examples of many of the types
the Next Generation Inspire Young Eagles
AERONCA CHIEF (11AC)
FIRST FLIGHT: 1945
LENGTH: 20 feet, 10 inches
WINGSPAN: 36 feet, 1 inch
SEATS: 2
CRUISE SPEED: ~95 mph
pictured on the next several pages. When you do, try to imagine what it was like 80 years ago, with the horrors of war well and truly behind us, a world in love with aviation, and nothing but blue skies ahead. That’s the context to have in mind as we celebrate the Class of ’46.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM BUSHA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM BUSHA
HAL BRYAN AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF
EAA ® Four Corners
From first-time visitors to seasoned attendees, new EAA members to Lifetime, and aviation enthusiasts and pilots, the EAA Four Corners has something for everyone!
EAA Member Center
•Join, renew, or become an EAA Lifetime Member™
•Explore EAA’s many member programs and benefits
•Photo opportunities and airshow performer meet and greets
•Speak to an EAA Advocacy rep about Sport Pilot 2.0 (MOSAIC)
EAA Learn to Fly Center
•Enjoy daily “Learn to Fly” forums
•Take an introductory flight lesson on a Redbird flight simulator
•Apply for your student pilot certificate
•Ask our friendly volunteers all your “Learn to Fly” questions!
EAA Youth Welcome Center
•Learn about youth activities on the AirVenture ® grounds
•Delve into interactive aviation activities and rivet your own keychain
•Explore EAA’s youth education opportunities
EAA Merchandise
•Shop official AirVenture event merchandise
•Find event apparel, mini windsocks, aviation toys, and more
•EAA members receive 10% off •Each purchase helps support EAA programs
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY CHILSEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY CHILSEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY CHILSEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY CHILSEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY CHILSEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY CHILSEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY CHILSEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY CHILSEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY CHILSEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY CHILSEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY CHILSEN
AEROSPACE
We Understand the Lineage of Grassroots Aviation
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRANT BURG
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRANT BURG
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BERNIE KOSZEWA
EMERGENCY WEATHER SAFETY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BERNIE KOSZEWA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BERNIE KOSZEWA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BERNIE KOSZEWA
Today’s CROSSWORD
ACROSS
1. Originally the Precision Flying Division, now it’s simply ___.
5. A gentle maximum performance climbing turn.
6. At contests or air shows, maneuvers take place within a designated aerobatic ___.
7. You’ll see her in the air show, and later at the World Aerobatic Championships (two words).
8. Flying just the second half of an outside loop is an English ____.
9. Renowned aerobatic glider pilot _______ Radius.
10. The IAC was founded in 1970 by Bob _____.
DOWN
1. This year’s World Aerobatic Championships are in this U.S. state.
2. This year’s U.S. Unlimited Aerobatic Team captain is Jeff ________.
3. Pulling ______ g’s at the bottom of an inside loop.
4. Newcomers to loops and rolls might train in this Cessna 150/152 variant.
5. Two 5/8 loops and two half-rolls make up a _____ eight.
SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2026
WHERE PASSION TAKES FLIGHT
Loving your time at AirVenture® ?
Join EAA®, and take a piece of Oshkosh home with you! An EAA membership will give you year-round access to all things aviation.
Enjoy member benefits such as:
•Monthly issues of EAA Sport Aviation® magazine
•Discounts while you’re here at AirVenture ®
•Free access to nearly 400 museums and science & technology centers, including the EAA Aviation Museum™
SAVE $8 when you sign up with renewal!auto
EAA® AirVenture® Oshkosh™ could not happen without the outstanding support of our volunteers.
Help us in thanking them today!
Supported by
How well do you know EAA history?
Try your hand at these trivia questions and find out. The answers, along with a new question, will be in tomorrow’s paper.
Q: The U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) is the featured service component this summer at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026. Where is PACAF headquartered?
A Membership Worth a Lifetime.
An EAA ® Lifetime membership shows your commitment to aviation as a way of life, and it signals that you stand with EAA’s mission to grow participation in aviation by promoting The Spirit of Aviation ® !
As a thank you for your commitment to EAA, you will receive a $100 discount on your Lifetime membership during AirVenture ® 2026.
Visit EAA.org/Lifetime to learn more or upgrade your membership today!
Enjoy these high-flying songs while attending the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration. Watch this spot the rest of the week for playlists from your favorite air show performers!
Speed of Sound — Coldplay
Jet — Paul McCartney, Wings
Fly Me to the Moon — Frank Sinatra
The Zephyr Song — Red Hot Chili Peppers
Fly Away — Lenny Kravitz
SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2026
Pilot Proficiency Center
THE EAA® PILOT PROFICIENCY CENTER
is a skill-building and training facility for those with a desire to increase their knowledge and hone their abilities.
Redbird LD Advanced Aviation Training
Devices are available for solo flight training or with an EAA instructor pilot throughout the year.
@the_travelerswife27
#osh26 Oshkosh is almost here!! We are so excited for another year and this year being “The Year of the Comanche”. Our #pipertwincomanche will be making another appearance near Theatre in the Woods. However, she got a brand new paint job done by @woodlakeaircraftrefinishing
This upcoming year will look a bit different for me but I’m looking forward to being able to enjoy the days and the times that I can.
@henderach
Camp is set up. Just awaiting my arrival.#OSH26
@flywiththeguys
Good night Airventure. Happy to make it safe and sound. Excited to see you all again! #osh26 #airventure
@dallas_sfr
Tomorrow is the big day where we take 62 planes into Oshkosh in formation with the goal of getting them all safely on the ground in roughly 6 minutes or so. Tune into the #eaa live feed at about 10am central to see the arrival!
@mikemikeaviation
I am on my way to the World’s LARGEST airshow which is EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh Wisconsin! Today I am flying to West Virginia, on Friday my friend and I will be flying up to Madison Wisconsin where I will join SIXTY-NINE other Mooneys to brief and practice the Mass formation arrival into Oshkosh. Saturday is when the fun begins! That is when me and the 69 Mooneys will all fly together in FORMATION and fly into Oshkosh! We will land together, park together, and camp together. After the debrief, that is when the nonstop partying for the whole WEEK begins!
@a.naturalists.nature Spirit in the sky...#osh26 #airventure2026 #aviation #oshkosh #airshow
@Maryellyse @gandgwingworks
Just a girl and her favorite airshow #OSH26 here we come @gandgwingworks @eaa
@fairchildpilot
Welcome to EAA Oshkosh 2026!!!
Thank You, Supporters!
PLATINUM
GOLD
DeltaHawk Engines
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Honda Aircraft Company
Lightspeed Aviation
Lycoming
Mars Wrigley
PenFed
Phillips 66
Piper Aircraft, Inc.
Redbird Flight
Victor Sierra
SILVER
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
Aircraft Specialties Services
Aspen Avionics, an AIRO Group Company
Cirrus
Dynon
Epic Aircraft
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Icom America
Junkers Aircraft
Oshkosh AeroTech
PowerLift Hangar Doors
Riesterer & Schnell
RTX
Wipaire
BRONZE
AeroShell
Ballweg Implement Co, Inc
Blackhawk
Bose Aviation
Continental Aerospace Technologies
Covington Aircraft
CubCrafters
Delta Air Lines
Diamond Aircraft
Elixir Aircraft
GE Aerospace
Green Bay Austin Straubel Int.
Airport
Gulf Coast Avionics / Pacific Coast Avionics
Hangar 22 Coffee
Jani-King
Jeppesen ForeFlight
JP Instruments
magniX
NATCA
Pepsi
Piedmont Airlines
Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd.
Poly Fiber, Inc
Robinson Helicopter Company
Rotax iService and Training
Centres
SiriusXM Aviation
Southwest Airlines
Superior Air Parts, Inc.
SureFly Electronic Ignition
Tecnam
True Blue Power
uAvionix
United Airlines
Van’s Aircraft
VOLARE HANGARS
Whelen Aerospace Technologies
Williams International
Wing Aviation
Women in Aviation International (WAI)
Zenith Aircraft
COPPER
4imprint
Airbus
ASA (Aviation Supplies & Academics)
Avfuel
B & C Specialty Products Inc.
Barnstormer
Bristell Aircraft
CiES Incorporated
DATC
General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA)
Gridiron Air
Horizon Hobby
Lincoln Electric
PlaneWX
SOFTIE PARACHUTES by ParaPhernalia, Inc.
Starr Aviation
Teledyne Aerospace Electronics, Gill Aircraft Batteries
UND Aerospace
PATRON
Arena Americas
Banyan Group Ventures
Chicago Executive Airport
David Clark Company
Endeavor Air
EnerSys®
Flight Outfitters
Flite Test
GES
Global Aerospace
Gulfstream Aerospace
Honda Power Equipment
JSfirm.com
MATCO ALS
Metro Sales Inc.
Mountain Air Realty
Ninety-Nines, Inc (The)
Old School Model Works
Pilotsmith
PS Engineering Inc
SCHEELS
Scheme Designers, Inc
Sherwin-Williams Aerospace
Small Town EV
Target Oshkosh
The Yalanis Private Wealth
Management Group of Wells
Fargo Advisors
Walkabout Hats
WILCO
Zipline
BUSINESS OF FLIGHT
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