Classic Revolution Spotlights 1945-1947

The Vintage Aircraft Association (VAA) annually welcomes a wide variety of some of the world’s most beautiful antique and classic aircraft to Oshkosh, and this year will be no different.

VAA is extending a special invitation to those aircraft built from 1945-1947 to participate in “Postwar Boom: the Classic Revolution,” celebrating the tremendous postwar production of air frames fueled by returning soldiers, sailors, and airmen who wanted to fly. The “Postwar Boom: the Classic Revolution,” celebrates this unprecedented production of airplanes at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014.

In the peak year 1946 alone, more than 30,000 light airplanes were built and sold. This included 7,780 Pipers, 7,555 Aeroncas, 3,959 Cessnas, 3,911 Taylorcrafts, 2,503 Ercoupes, 2,483 Luscombes, and 1,550 Globe/Temco models. VAA Director Emeritus Charlie Harris wrote about this boom period in the January/February 2014 issue of VAA’s Vintage Airplane.

VAA has communicated with several type clubs represented from that time frame, and also seeks any other aircraft owner with a suitable aircraft to participate in the special Vintage showcase. The types vary from Aeroncas and Cubs to Bonanzas and Cessna 120s and 140s, Ercoupes and Swifts to Stinsons and Taylorcrafts, and numerous others.

VAA sent invitations to the following type clubs whose manufacturers saw large postwar production spikes:

• International Cessna 120-140 Association
• International Cessna 170 Association
• Piper Cub Club
• Short Wing Piper Club
• National Aeronca Association
• Aeronca Aviators Club
• International Stinson Club
• Porterfield Airplane Club
• Ercoupe Owners Club
• American Bonanza Society
• Funk Aircraft Owners Association
• Luscombe Association
• International Ryan Club
• Taylorcraft Owners Club
• Taylorcraft Foundation

“We had a very successful turnout in 2012 in the Vintage area when we hosted more than 180 Piper J-3 Cubs to celebrate the Cub’s 75th anniversary,” said VAA President Geoff Robison. “Building on that success, VAA wishes to invite all owners and operators of aircraft manufactured from 1945 to 1947 to fly to Oshkosh and display their wonderful airplanes representing this boom in GA aircraft production.”

Organizers hope to attract several hundred postwar planes to AirVenture this year, along with the rest of the vintage aircraft planning to attend. Among the special incentives to eligible postwar aircraft, preferred parking will be provided. Several different makes and models will also be featured each day at the VAA Showcase in front of the VAA Red Barn. More details regarding the Classic Revolution will be announced as they are confirmed.

(Photo by Mike Steineke)

FMI: http://eaavintage.org/