Among the themed days are tributes to aviation pioneers and legends Burt Rutan and Robert A. “Bob” Hoover, as well as a “Navy Day” as part of the week-long Centennial of Naval Aviation festivities. EAA AirVenture 2011 has been classified a Tier 1 event by the U.S. Navy as the service celebrates 100 years of naval aviation.

Additionally, several attractions and events in 2011 will commemorate the 100th anniversary of air mail service. Progress is also continuing on a number of other top-level attractions and programs for 2011, including the World Symposium on Electric Aircraft on featuring influential industry leaders discussing this emerging era.

“AirVenture has always been known as the place to experience all aviation has to offer, and 2011 will be no exception,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA and AirVenture chairman. “We are delighted to not only partner with the U.S. Navy on its naval aviation celebration but also honor the legacies of two extraordinary individuals who epitomize what EAA and AirVenture are all about. Each day is shaping up to be an event in itself.”

Daily highlights at AirVenture 2011 are as follows:

• Monday, July 25 – Opening Day: For the sixth consecutive year, AirVenture will get off to a rockin’ start thanks to a marquee musical act to be announced performing in the Opening Day Concert, courtesy of the Ford Motor Company. The concert, free of charge to all AirVenture attendees that day, will be held on the West Ramp following the afternoon air show.
   
• Tuesday, July 26 – Bob Hoover Tribute: Considered by many to be one of the founding fathers of modern aerobatics, Hoover enjoyed a legendary air show and air racing career after flying 59 missions in World War II and escaping a POW camp by commandeering a German Focke-Wulf 190. The afternoon air show will feature many of the legendary aircraft flown by Hoover over the years, in addition to programs chronicling his experiences and achievements.
   
• Wednesday, July 27 – Navy Day: As part of the week-long Centennial of Naval Aviation celebration, Navy Day will feature a variety of legendary naval aircraft spanning the past 100 years, showcased in the afternoon air show and featured on the West Ramp throughout the week.
   
• Thursday, July 28 – Burt Rutan Tribute: Many of the unique, innovative airplane designs from Rutan, who recently announced his upcoming retirement, will be featured in the afternoon air show. AirVenture attendees with Rutan-designed aircraft are encouraged to take part in a major gathering, including a special parking area for them on the flightline. Well-known Rutan aircraft designs will also be on prominent display on the West Ramp and serve as a backdrop for various presentations during the week. AirVenture 2011 programming will also celebrate the 25th anniversary of Rutan’s Voyager aircraft around the world flight.
   
• Friday, July 29 – Salute to Veterans: The service and sacrificed those who defend freedom throughout the world will be honored through a Parade of Veterans, prior to an expanded afternoon air show that will include warbirds from various eras. The day will also feature several premier top-level attractions and forums, including evening programming and entertainment.
   
• Saturday, July 30 – Return of the Night Air Show and Daher-Socata Fireworks: After a widely popular debut in 2010, the Night Air Show returns with an all-star cast of air show performers putting on a stunning display of precision aerobatics accompanied by pyrotechnics. Fireworks, sponsored by Daher-Socata, will again close out the evening.
   
• Sunday, July 31 – Military Scramble: Prior to the afternoon air show on AirVenture’s final day, dozens of military aircraft will leave Oshkosh with an organized departure that gives attendees one final look at seeing these majestic aircraft in flight.

Advance purchase admission tickets and camping for AirVenture 2011 are now available at a discounted rate at www.airventure.org/tickets.