Annual Migration To Wisconsin Is Less Than 90 Days Away

Wittman Regional Airport will soon hold the title of world’s busiest airport – at least for one week. From July 23-29, more than 10,000 aircraft and a half a million flight enthusiasts will descend for the annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018.

Known to many simply as “Oshkosh,” this year’s event will again feature the One Week Wonder project. Over a seven-day period, volunteers and attendees will build a complete Van’s RV-12. Piece by piece, visitors will assemble the aircraft and sign the builders’ logbook, while discovering the methods and skills that go into building a safe, fun personal aircraft. Construction will begin at 8 a.m. on Monday, July 23 – AirVenture’s opening day – with a goal for completion by the end of the afternoon air show on Sunday, July 29.

“The overwhelming response to our 2014 One Week Wonder build led us to bring back the project in 2018,” said Dick Knapinski, EAA’s director of communications. “AirVenture is all about community, and this collective project captures that theme perfectly.”

AirVenture will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force. Known for its heroism in the Battle of Britain, the RAF will feature an array of World War I and World War II aircraft, early fighter jets, and modern RAF aircraft on display in Boeing Plaza and in the air during the shows. EAA’s Theatre in the Woods will also feature programming on Monday, July 23, while an additional centennial event is planned for Tuesday, July 24.

On Wednesday, July 25, the grounds will host WomenVenture, a national initiative to close the gender gap in aviation. Highlights will include a “Power Lunch” with remarks by director of Air Force Aviation Training Systems for Lockheed Martin, Heather Penney, as well as the annual WomenVenture photo featuring more than 1,000 women aviators in Boeing Plaza.

In honor of its 70th anniversary, the Air Force Reserve Command will bring its impressive fleet of military refueling aircraft as part of AirVenture’s “Year of the Tanker.” Other major performances and experiences include Oracle pilot Sean D. Tucker’s final performance flights; the F-16 Viper Demonstration Team; an expanded Twilight Flight Fest show; and a variety of plane and aviation product introductions from the more than 800 exhibitors.

AirVenture also includes learning centers for children and aircraft enthusiasts; aircraft of nearly every size, shape and era to view (including more than 300 warbirds, homebuilts and vintage craft); nightly activities, like a “fly-in” theater and concerts; and flight experiences on a B-17, Ford Tri-Motor and Bell 47 Helicopter. The EAA Aviation Museum is also open for tours during the week of AirVenture.

(Source: EAA news release. Images from file)

FMI: www.eaa.org