In just two years, aviation movies under the stars have become a favored tradition at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Those feature films will be returning in 2008 as Ford Motor Company and Eclipse Aviation bring back the popular “Fly-In Theater” on the AirVenture grounds. The 56th annual EAA fly-in convention is July 28-August 3 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

The outdoor theater, located adjacent to EAA’s Camp Scholler camping area, will be open each evening (weather permitting) from Sunday, July 27 through Saturday, August 2. The walk-in theater is reminiscent of the famous drive-in theaters of the past, complete with open-air seating and popcorn! There is no admission charge for the theater, which is open to all AirVenture guests. Each evening’s show begins at approximately 8:30 p.m., with an introduction by a celebrity presenter, followed by a classic aviation film, shown on a projection screen measuring five stories high.

“It’s impressive to see just how popular the aviation films at the Fly-In Theater have become in such a short period of time at EAA AirVenture,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. “We appreciate the support of Ford Motor Company and Eclipse Aviation to bring this popular feature back to Oshkosh in 2008. Join us during the week for these great aviation films and have the entire family enjoy a superb way to top off a full day at Oshkosh!”

The Fly-In Theater will once again be located on the north side of Camp Scholler, at the end of Doolittle Drive, right behind the Camp Store. The exact schedule of movies and presenters will be announced as it is finalized prior to EAA AirVenture 2008. As in 2007, it’s anticipated that EAA website users will help select the movies that will be shown on the five-story-high screen. More details on that process will be forthcoming.

“The nightly attendance at the Fly-In Theater at EAA AirVenture 2007 was fantastic! We are thrilled that AirVenture attendees have made this an essential part of their Oshkosh experience, and we’re excited to be bringing it back next summer,” said Kevin Keling, Corporate Event Manager, Ford Motor Company. “Ford is very proud to be a part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and be to able to co-host this unique evening event.”

Eclipse Aviation president and CEO Vern Raburn, who has participated in the film introductions in previous years, is also looking forward to the return of Fly-In Theater.

“It doesn’t get much better than watching flying movies outside on a summer night with thousands of other aviation enthusiasts at Oshkosh,” Raburn said. “AirVenture is truly becoming a destination spot for entire families and Eclipse is proud to again join Ford Motor Company in hosting the Fly-In Theater at EAA AirVenture.”