Category Archives: aircraft

EAA statement on confirmation of Bryan Bedford as FAA Administrator

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EAA statement on confirmation of Bryan Bedford as FAA Administrator

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (July 9, 2025) — Statement from Jack J. Pelton, Experimental Aircraft Association CEO and Chairman of the Board, on the confirmation of Bryan Bedford as the new Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration:

“We congratulate Bryan Bedford on his confirmation as the new Administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration. There is a long list of challenges as we seek to maintain America’s aviation infrastructure and air traffic system as the finest in the world, and preserve the freedom of flight for individuals who want to be involved in any facet of aviation.

“We look forward to working with Administrator Bedford and the professionals at the FAA. We also welcome the Administrator and his team to join us this month for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, to see the entire spectrum of aviation on display as well as the latest innovations.”

About EAA

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 300,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org.

Textron Aviation to bring largest lineup of industry-leading products to 2025 EAA AirVenture

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Textron Aviation to bring largest lineup of industry-leading products to 2025 EAA AirVenture

Wichita, Kan. (June 30, 2025) – Textron Aviation today announced that it is bringing a comprehensive lineup of its industry-leading products to the 2025 Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture fly-in in Oshkosh, Wisconsin from Monday, July 21 to Sunday, July 27. The static display at Whitman Regional Airport will be the largest the company has ever included at EAA, and the largest static display of any original equipment manufacturer (OEM) at this year’s show.

One of the aircraft on display, a Cessna Grand Caravan EX, will feature a special paint scheme celebrating its 40th year of flight. The full list of aircraft expected to be featured at the company’s static display (Booth #78) includes:

In addition, McCauley Propeller Systems, Textron eAviation, Bell and Lycoming are showcasing products in the booth, including:

Pratt & Whitney’s iconic 747SP at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025

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Pratt & Whitney’s iconic 747SP test bed to soar into EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025

American aerospace leader continues its centennial celebration with a special showcase during the world’s greatest aviation gathering

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (June 9, 2025) — EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 will feature a unique version of one of the world’s most popular airliners as RTX’s business Pratt & Whitney brings a Boeing 747SP test bed aircraft to Boeing Plaza during the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration. The 72nd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s fly-in convention is July 21-27 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

The aircraft’s appearance is part of Pratt & Whitney’s global centennial celebration, commemorating 100 years since its founding in 1925. The 747SP will arrive on Sunday, July 20, and depart on Thursday, July 24, offering attendees a rare opportunity to tour this iconic flying test bed up close.

“Pratt & Whitney has built a storied legacy in general, commercial, and military aviation,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “As a means of celebrating its 100 years of innovation, Pratt & Whitney is flying the 747SP to be displayed for the more than half-a-million aviation enthusiasts who will attend the show.”

Pratt & Whitney began operations in 1925 with the invention of the R-1340 Wasp engine, which revolutionized military and commercial aviation. The 1940s saw more innovation as the company powered several era-defining aircraft for the allies in World War II and began exploring jet propulsion.

“Pratt & Whitney has always pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in flight,” said Maria Della Posta, president at Pratt & Whitney Canada. “Bringing our 747SP to Oshkosh isn’t just about showcasing a unique aircraft — it represents how our legacy of innovation continues to shape the future of aviation. This aircraft has played a pivotal role in the testing and development of our advanced propulsion technologies — from the PW800 for business jets to our groundbreaking GTF engine for commercial fleets. As a proud EAA AirVenture exhibitor for more than 15 years, we’ve valued every opportunity to connect directly with pilots, operators, maintainers, aviation enthusiasts, and OEM partners who share our passion for flight.”

Canadian subsidiary Pratt & Whitney Canada, founded in 1928, has attended the annual EAA show for decades and is a major player in the general aviation space. Its legendary PT6 engine — celebrating over 60 years of flight — has logged more than 500 million flying hours and remains a benchmark for performance, reliability, and innovation in turboprop propulsion. PT6 engines continue to power thousands of aircraft around the globe, from bush planes to business aviation and beyond.

The Boeing 747SP (for special performance) is a shortened version of the 747 airliner that features a longer range than its full-sized counterpart and is powered by four Pratt & Whitney JT9D engines. Only 45 such aircraft were produced, with Pratt & Whitney owning the only two that are currently airworthy. The test bed variant features a fifth engine mount separate from the four main powerplants located below the wings. This extra engine configuration allows for testing engines in real-life weather conditions. Since 2001, Pratt & Whitney’s test beds have completed more than 1,400 ground runs and flight tests using 71 different experimental engines.

In addition, RTX’s booth located in Exhibit Hangar B will showcase Pratt & Whitney Canada’s iconic PT6 engine cutaways, as well as Collins Aerospace technologies throughout the week of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s membership convention. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at www.EAA.org/airventure. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or visit www.EAA.org.