Tag Archives: warbirds

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.

Tickets now on sale for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

Posted on by

Tickets now on sale for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 – ‘The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration’

Experimental Aircraft Association’s 73rd annual fly-in convention is July 20-26

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (December 5, 2025) — Advance tickets are now on sale for the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in convention, which will be held July 20-26, 2026. The 73rd edition of “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” hosted by the Experimental Aircraft Association takes place at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

“As the excitement builds for the world of flight returning to Oshkosh in 2026, we wanted to ensure that advance tickets are available for those who enjoy giving AirVenture tickets as holiday gifts,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “Even at this time of year, aviation enthusiasts around the world are planning for their own AirVenture experience and sharing photos, videos, and memories of past trips to Oshkosh.”

EAA AirVenture 2026 programming plans are already underway, with more details on specific aircraft, events, and personalities will be announced as they are confirmed. EAA officials will also be present at this month’s International Council of Air Shows convention to solidify the air show lineup for 2026.

Along with AirVenture admissions, other items available for advance purchase include camping credentials, auto parking passes, and Aviator Club tickets (both North and South locations), as well as B-25 and Ford Tri-Motor flights. A special “Oshkosh Bound” T-shirt is also available for those already planning their journeys to AirVenture, as well as a unique way to gift wrap those holiday AirVenture passes. All advance purchase items are available at EAA.org/Tickets.

In 2025, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh saw a record attendance of 704,000 from 94 nations.

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.

Approval of MOSAIC at EAA AirVenture 2025

Posted on by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Approval of MOSAIC rule highlights decade-long EAA leadership effort for modernized aircraft and pilot certification

U.S. Secretary of Transportation delivers news at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (July 22, 2025) — A decade-long effort by the Experimental Aircraft Association, in association with the Federal Aviation Administration and other entities, became reality on July 22 with the announcement that the MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) rule has been finalized and signed. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy made the announcement during the second day of the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in convention.

“This is one of most significant rule packages for general aviation in the past 75 years,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board, who joined Secretary Duffy for the announcement. “This creates what can be called Sport Pilot 2.0, as it builds on the safety and momentum established by that rule two decades ago and opens tremendous possibilities for current and future pilots, flight schools, manufacturers, and many others. It is fitting that this major modernization was announced at Oshkosh, where the nation’s aviators gather each year.”

The announcement of the MOSAIC signing and its publishing in the Federal Register allow EAA and other organizations to review the new rule in-depth and create programming to meet the possibilities now available. Among the potential benefits of the new rule are:

  • Expansion of the aircraft fleet available to be flown by sport pilot certificate holders and those exercising sport pilot privileges, to as much 70 percent of the current GA fleet;
  • Availability of most of the current flight training fleet for sport pilot training, reducing costs for new pilots;
  • Potential to include a much broader base of flight instructors available to teach students;
  • Ability for GA flight schools to use their current fleet for a wider spectrum of students;
  • Opportunities for aircraft manufacturers to introduce new designs unencumbered by former weight limits.

“I can’t think of a better place than at the largest general aviation airshow in the U.S. to announce that we’re unleashing American ingenuity with a new rule to promote new designs, safer materials, and upgraded technology in the recreational aviation sector,” Secretary Duffy said. “Our recreational pilots and plane manufacturers have correctly noted outdated regulations were inhibiting innovation and safety. Let’s bring this industry into a new age!”

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is hosting numerous forums and seminars during its event to update the entire general aviation community of the potential within MOSAIC. More resources are also available at the EAA website, and additional webinars and updates will be scheduled in the coming weeks.

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.