Tag Archives: Airventure

America’s 250th anniversary is commemorated at Oshkosh 2026

Posted on by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

America’s 250th anniversary to be commemorated during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

‘Celebrating the Freedom of Flight’ part of weeklong activities

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (February 26, 2026) — The heritage, innovation, and technological advances of aviation in the United States over the past century will be part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, the Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual fly-in convention, on July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

“’Celebrating the Freedom of Flight’ will focus on the unique role aviation has played in America’s progress since that first flight of the Wright brothers in 1903,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “Be it innovations by individuals or colossal accomplishments by the nation’s companies and our military, America’s leadership role in the progress of flight has been a remarkable part of our nation’s history that we’ll celebrate at Oshkosh.”

That focus at Air Venture will cover the more than 120 years since the first flights at Kitty Hawk, starting with the “Pioneers of Flight” exhibits and program covering powered aviation’s first 25 years, to the latest fighter jets, unmanned aircraft, and spaceflights that showcase cutting-edge technology. That theme will be represented on the main Boeing Plaza ramp and during the daily air shows, as well as in evening programming at Theater in the Woods and at the Fly-In Theater.

In addition, individual areas at EAA AirVenture will feature unique aspects of America’s preeminent role in aviation. That includes the remarkable civilian aviation progress represented by the “Class of ‘46” general aviation aircraft in the Vintage area and red, white, and blue paint schemes on amateur-built aircraft on the grounds.

“We see this theme evolving over the next several months as the showcase of American ingenuity through the decades comes together at Oshkosh,” Larsen said. “While the EAA fly-in convention has always been the gathering place for every segment of aviation, 2026 promises to be an unforgettable display of what aviation has meant to our nation and to the world at large.”

Further details on aircraft and activities in support of this theme will be announced as they are finalized.

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.

U.S. Pacific Air Forces to highlight aircraft, personnel AirVenture 2026

Posted on by

U.S. Pacific Air Forces to highlight aircraft, personnel at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

PACAF and its Airmen are at the forefront of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (February 19, 2026) — U.S. Pacific Air Forces will take center stage as the featured service component at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, the 73rd Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention, coming July 20-26, 2026, at Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

“As we aim to highlight a specific Air Force command every year at Oshkosh, the incredible work of Pacific Air Forces’ mission is more critical than ever, and its strategic location makes it the center of gravity for security in the Indo-Pacific,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “This command will add a distinct highlight to the activities at AirVenture 2026, as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.”

Headquartered at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, PACAF and its Commander, Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, lead the charge in strengthening alliances and deterring aggression across half the globe. The command’s mission includes everything from large-scale joint exercises with partners throughout the Indo-Pacific region and bomber task force missions, to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

“It’s an honor to share the story of Pacific Air Forces with the Oshkosh community. In the Indo-Pacific, a region vital to global stability, PACAF stands as a steadfast and lethal force, ready to defend the United States and our allies,” Gen. Schneider said. “Our strength lies not only in our advanced aircraft and skilled Airmen but also in our deep and abiding partnerships. We are committed to our Homeland Defense and deterrence,’ working seamlessly with our joint force and international partners to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“We are focused on readiness, innovation, and the lethality of our force to deter aggression, and are excited to share that legacy and commitment with Oshkosh. Events like this are a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the advanced capabilities and professionalism that our Airmen bring. It is this readiness and cutting-edge airpower that allows us to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies and partners, reinforcing our shared commitment to a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region.”

Pacific Air Forces is a major command of the U.S. Air Force and the air component of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. PACAF’s primary mission is to provide ready air power to promote U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Honoring more than 80 years of history and spanning 36 nations, PACAF’s area of responsibility covers more than 100 million square miles. Its airmen are on the front lines of defending American interests. Immediate news is available on the official PACAF website and social media channels.

“The display of airpower scheduled for this summer will be a powerful showcase of the professionalism, lethality, and readiness of the aviators, maintainers and support staff who secure our nation at home and abroad,” Schneider said.

To commemorate 20 years of “Global Reach in the Pacific,” the command will also showcase a C-17 Globemaster III static display from the Hawaii Air National Guard. A symbol of Total Force Integration and readiness between the 15th Airlift Wing and the 154th Wing, 2026 marks 20 years since the C-17’s arrival in Hawaii, transforming air mobility for the state and the Indo-Pacific. Two decades later, the C-17 continues to deliver global mobility, humanitarian support and joint operational excellence across 14 time zones — a lasting legacy of service, partnership and aloha.

The C-17 and additional aircraft will be based on AirVenture’s showcase Boeing Plaza. Additional details on aircraft and programming at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh will be announced as it is finalized.

-30-

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.

Pioneers of Flight brings unique early aircraft to EAA AirVenture

Posted on by

Pioneers of Flight brings unique early aircraft to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 flightline

First 25 years of powered aviation the focus of gathering

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (February 5, 2026) — A collection of early aircraft that showcase the inaugural years of powered aviation will be a special attraction at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, as the 73rd Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention comes to Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh on July 20-26.

The “Pioneers of Flight” collection features original and reproduction aircraft from the first 25 years of flight that followed the Wright brothers’ initial success at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in December 1903. The group that will be based in AirVenture’s vintage aircraft area represents innovations by American and international designers.

“The earliest designs were conceived by individuals and appear fragile by today’s standards, but they accomplished many of the first milestones in flight,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “The pace of innovations during aviation’s first quarter century is astonishing as one looks at where it started to where it was by the late 1920s.”

Among the original aircraft, reproductions, and replicas initially confirmed for the display are:

  • 1907 Demoiselle – Alberto Santos-Dumont design, replica built by Club Aéro des Garrigues in France
  • 1909 Blériot XI – First aircraft design to successfully fly the English Channel
  • 1915 Morane-Saulnier Type L – Replica WWI fighter built by Daher and Moraine-Saulnier employees
  • 1916 J-1 Standard – restored to flying condition by EAA volunteers in 2013-14
  • 1927 Swallow biplane – Early air mail biplane that still flies passengers at EAA’s Pioneer Airport
  • 1927 Spirit of St. Louis reproduction – Built by EAA to flying condition to honor Charles Lindbergh

Other vintage aircraft are expected to join this lineup in the coming months. Activities planned include forums hosted by EAA’s Vintage Aircraft Association, evening programs about aircraft of the era, engine run-ups, and select aircraft demonstrations during the afternoon air shows. A complete schedule of events will be released as it is finalized.

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.