Photo by Frederick A. Johnsen Curtiss P-40 Warhawk

August 1, 2009 - Oshkosh, Wisconsin  - By Friday AirVenture 2009 boasted 340 registered warbirds in the Warbirds area.

That’s horseshoe-close to the 350 registrants that Bill Fischer, Warbirds of America executive director, predicted when the week began. And there may well be more to come.

“We’ll get a couple more in today— weekend warriors” he said.

Fischer said attendance is high in the Warbirds area, with merchandise sales up. The Warbirds camp area has been full since Sunday, earlier than usual, he said.

World War II re-enactors report good interaction with AirVenture visitors, Fischer reported.

If the tally of warbird arrivals is down from record years in the 400s, Fischer says this year’s variety and quality make up for the shortfall.

Several Curtiss P-40 Warhawk E- and N-models are on static display, depicting diverse camouflage and markings schemes from around the world.

Safe flying has been enhanced by advanced formation training that many warbird pilots received in the days leading up to AirVenture. Enthusiastic audience participation in the week-long Warbirds in Review sessions reflects the level of interest that fliers and their warplanes kindle.