 The
color, excitement and history of The World’s Greatest Aviation
Celebration is already taking shape for 2008, as less than three months
remain until the start of the 56th annual EAA AirVenture fly-in
convention, coming July 28-August 3 at Wittman Regional Airport in
Oshkosh.
EAA AirVenture annually draws participants
from more than 60 nations and in excess of 10,000 airplanes, including
more than 2,500 showplanes. The event includes 800 exhibitors with the
latest aviation innovations; nearly 1,000 forums, workshops and seminars
covering every aspect of the world of flight; daily afternoon air shows
featuring the world’s finest aerobatic performers; up-close and personal
sessions with top aviation personalities; and the gathering of aviation
enthusiasts from around the globe coming home to “aviation’s family
reunion.”
“Over the next three months, through the
spring and into the summer, the excitement will build as we prepare to
welcome the world to Oshkosh once again,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA
president and AirVenture chairman. “While the aircraft lineup already
committed to AirVenture is outstanding, over the next few months
announcements of other airplanes and personalities will round out the
event’s lineup to make it truly ‘The World’s Greatest Aviation
Celebration.’”
From the AirVenture Cup race and mass
fly-ins prior to the event, to the final air show and aircraft and vehicle
drawings on Sunday, August 3, EAA AirVenture is filled with so many events
that a visitor can make the experience as wide or focused as one desires.
 Among
the highlights already confirmed for AirVenture 2008:
- The amazing aerial abilities of the U.S.
Air Force’s F-22 “Raptors” return, contrasting with the smooth
flight of the renowned Goodyear blimp in the sky over Oshkosh;
- The speed and thrills of flight with the
inaugural Rocket Racing League exhibition races, the Nemesis NXT “Speed
Blast” world-record attempt, and much more;
- Thrilling warbirds shows with dozens of
airplanes, pyrotechnics, and fly-bys, plus a full slate of “Warbirds
in Review” programs with historic aircraft and personalities;
- Commemoration of NASA’s 60th
anniversary, with aircraft on display and special presentations
throughout the week; and recognition of the 30,000th homebuilt
aircraft in America;
- Discover your own way into the sky at
the “Learn to Fly Center” and the new “Affordable Flying Center”;
- Foreigner rockin’ the runway on Monday
evening, July 28, in an opening-day concert presented by Ford Motor
Company, plus additional entertainment with comedian/ventriloquist
Jeff Dunham (July 30) and actor Gary Sinise’s “Lt. Dan Band”
(August 1);
- More than 2,500 “showplanes” from
vintage models to ultralights, including nearly 1,000 homebuilt
aircraft built and flown by their owners;
- The newest innovations in aviation, with
800 exhibitors offering everything to fulfill an aviation enthusiast’s
dreams, and plenty of new aircraft and avionics unveilings.
 More
than 30,000 people annually camp each year adjacent to the flight line,
either setting up camp next to their airplanes or driving in to spacious
Camp Scholler, where aviation enthusiasts fully experience everything that
EAA AirVenture has to offer. Many aviators also are welcomed during their
journeys by airport businesses that support EAA AirVenture through
aviation fuel discounts and other amenities, available by searching www.airventure.org/fueldiscounts.
“For more than 50 years, the airplanes
bring us together, but the spirit of the people keep us coming back,”
Poberezny said. “Pilots know that Oshkosh is a highlight for any
aviator, which is why many make the trip every year. EAA AirVenture is a
unforgettable week filled with excitement and unmatched experiences.”
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