Gotta Get to Oshkosh! EAA AirVenture 2007 Brings Together Entire Flight Community

Oshkosh 2007? Can't come soon enough for the ANN crew... nor, as it appears, for the staff of EAA, who has to be JUST recovering as we speak, from the most recent rendition of that august event.

Just one week of celebration takes a whole year of preparation, and those preparations are under way for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration. EAA’s 55th annual fly-in convention will be held at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh on July 23-29, 2007.

Each year, more than 10,000 airplanes migrate to the Oshkosh area to participate in the event. Whether these aviation enthusiasts fly their own airplanes and camp along the flight line, or pitch a tent in the adjacent Camp Scholler, or find their own accommodations in area hotels, dormitories or private housing, they come to AirVenture to share the pure joy and excitement of flight unmatched anywhere in the world.

“For every SpaceShipOne, Concorde, Global Flyer and others that make the big splash along the EAA AirVenture flight line, there are 100 or 1,000 unique stories of individuals who have built, restored or obtained an aircraft that becomes their reason to be part of this event,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. “This is the true magic of AirVenture: All the spirit, innovation and dreams of aviation come together in one place, for one week. Whether we come from the pilot community, industry or government, we are brought together by our passion for flight.”

In 2006, EAA AirVenture included more than 2,300 showplanes, 800 exhibitors, and 500 forums and seminars. It also featured the introduction of dozens of new aviation products, including new aircraft. Oshkosh is also a one-of-a-kind locale for government aviation officials to meet and hear their constituents, whose input at Oshkosh helps shape national aviation policy.

Just like EAA AirVenture, the event’s website will continue to grow as the excitement for the 2007 fly-in builds. Over the next nine months, look for many special features to be added, including video and audio presentations, interactive sections, plus essential updates such as admission rates, housing, forum presenters, special attractions, and more that will help make AirVenture 2007 an unforgettable visitor experience.

“EAA AirVenture is one of aviation’s most important events for business, government and education,” Poberezny said. “What makes this event unique, however, is the fact that it is also aviation’s annual family reunion. If you’re asked to explain what EAA AirVenture is, there’s only one good answer - ‘You’ve gotta be there!’”

The schedule of events and confirmed lineup of aircraft will be announced as those items are finalized. EAA members enjoy the lowest AirVenture admission rates for themselves, their families and their guests, as well as access to camping in aircraft areas and in Camp Scholler adjacent to the flight line.

FMI: www.eaa.org, www.airventure.org