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Pioneers of Flight brings unique early aircraft to EAA AirVenture

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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.

Public benefit flying returns as feature at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

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Opportunities for pilots to discover ways to help others through aviation

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (January 28, 2026) — Organizations that provide humanitarian relief and more through aviation will return to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 as the popular Public Benefit Flying area will be part of the 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

The aircraft, crews, and organizations that supply aid to victims of natural disasters, war, famine, and other emergencies around the globe will be part of the presentations, along with aircraft on and near Boeing Plaza at the center of the AirVenture grounds. The display will also feature a pavilion that allows current pilots to explore volunteer possibilities and register to help any one of the many organizations represented.

“In 2025, more than 1,500  pilots registered at Oshkosh to become part of public benefit flying, whether that is bringing relief supplies to disaster-stricken areas, flying cancer patients to their appointments, or even moving rescue animals across the country,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “This groundswell showed the great spirit of the general aviation community to be there when needed in any possible way benefit those in need.”

The Air Care Alliance will again coordinate the participating organizations at Oshkosh, as it represents more than 50 groups dedicated to delivering impactful and inspiring service through aviation. It will again welcome all pilots to learn more about the nationwide opportunities available to serve others by using their aviation skills. Non-pilots are also welcome to visit during AirVenture to discover more about the multitude of ways that aviation uses local airports and benefits local communities.

More details on participating aircraft and organizations 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.

 

op air show performers commit to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

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Top air show performers commit to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

More performers to be added in coming weeks to initial all-star roster

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (January 8, 2026) — Some of the world’s top air show performers have made commitments to fly at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 – the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration – as part of the afternoon and night air show lineups.

Performers at the 73rd Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention, scheduled for July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport, include aerobatic champions and longtime Oshkosh favorites. The event features nine air shows over seven days, including night air shows on July 22 and 25. Daily afternoon air shows are presented by Daher, while the July 22 night air show is presented by Covington Aircraft and July 25 night air show is presented by Hartzell Propeller.

“Each year, we build the air show roster for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh based on welcoming some of the best air show performers in the world, along with suggestions from attendees that include past favorites and new performers emerging on the scene,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “This year the air shows will also be celebrating America’s 250th birthday and already feature the best of the best, with even more confirmations to come.”

Among the performers and aircraft already on the schedule include:

Randy Ball (MiG-17)

Vicky Benzing (P-51)

Jeff Boerboon (Extra 330SC)

Bob Carlton (Jetfox twin-engine sailplane)

The Chuters (skydiving)

Class of ’45 (Corsair/P-51)

Greg Colyer (2 T-33s)

Susan Dacy (Stearman)

Erik Edgren (Taylorcraft)

Kyle Fowler (Long-EZ)

Kyle Franklin (Super Cub)

Michael Goulian (Extra)

RJ Gritter (Decathlon)

Ed Hamill (Folds of Honor Pitts)

Jack Aces (3 P-51s)

Greg Koontz (Decathlon)

Nathan Hammond (Super Chipmunk)

International Aerobatic Club demo

Jerry Kerby (T-28)

Frank Kimmel (Corsair)

Tom Larkin (Sonex Mini Jet)

Britt Lincoln (Extra 330SC)

Jarrod Lindemann (Jet Waco)

David Martin (Aircraft TBD)

Northern Stars (Pitts Specials)

Jim Peitz (F-33 Bonanza)

Red Bull Air Force (Chambliss/Fitzgerald/Coleman)

Jeff Shetterly (T-6)

Skip Stewart (Prometheus 2)

Team Redline (RV-8s)

Tinstix of Dynamite (Stewart/Burns)

Titan Aerobatic Team (T-6s)

USAF F-16 Viper Demo

USAF F-22 Raptor Demo

U.S. Army Golden Knights (skydiving)

Bernie Vasquez (P-47 Thunderbolt)

Matt Younkin (Beech 18)

 

These early confirmations are in addition to the previously announced P-38 and DC-6 from The Flying Bulls from Austria. Many more performers will be announced, including some only-in-Oshkosh performers and aircraft. Exact days for each performer and complete daily air show lineups 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.