Yesterday, the EAA Aviation Center announced that this year's AirVenture Oshkosh festival would be a tribute to those who fought in the Vietnam War.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023
The Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture Oshkosh festival is one of the largest avgeek meetups in the world and takes place every July at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. This year marks 50 years since the Vietnam War ended, and this year's air show will pay tribute to all who fought.
The 50th anniversary of the war's end coincides with the 70th year of the airshow, a fly-in convention in which pilots from all over the country fly their aircraft to the airfield and often sleep in them overnight. For 2023, EAA is planning a unique program featuring activities and aircraft from every military branch that participated in the war.
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At this time, the lineup of aircraft has not been disclosed, but more information will become available as aircraft are confirmed. EAA has revealed that this year's show will include land and carrier-based aircraft and rotorcraft like the ones used in Vietnam.
"The Vietnam era was a remarkable time for aviation innovation and development. It was a bridge from the early jet age to the aircraft that are still a foundation part of our armed forces. More important, this is an opportunity to recognize those who served, many of whom did not receive a grateful welcome when they returned from their services."- Rick Larsen, Vice President of Communities and Member Programs, EAA
Who is the Experimental Aircraft Association?
The EAA was formed in 1953 by a group of aviation enthusiasts who today engage in several recreational activities like building their aircraft. When it was started 70 years ago, the founders did build their aircraft but also collected all kinds of aircraft like retired military aircraft, aerobatic, helicopters, and more. Today, the organization's focus is the storage of unique aircraft, recreational piloting, restoring and maintaining aircraft, and, as mentioned earlier, building aircraft.
Read the full story: Who Are The Experimental Aircraft Association & What Do They Do?
Today, EAA comprises 240,000 members worldwide who also engage in numerous community activities. Every year in July, more than half a million people from over 80 countries gather in Oshkosh.
For one week, Wittman Regional Airport becomes one of the world's busiest airports, with more than 10,000 aircraft landing at the small airfield for the meetup, averaging 127 takeoffs and landings per hour.
Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or an aviation novice, AirVenture has something for you. No matter what your age, you'll be entertained, informed, and thrilled by the countless activities available that reflect "The Spirit of Aviation" all around. - EAA Website
The meetup features daily air shows, including aerobatics and pyrotechnics, a fly-in theater, workshops, and more. There is a night air show on two nights, offering attendees opportunities to remain engaged from sunrise to sunset. This year's airshow will take place from July 24-30.