Curious on the backstory behind the photos? This is the place. You'll find not only write ups on local outings, but also reviews of major events I’ve attended.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023
Despite difficult weather and events, Oshkosh 2023 was another one for the books!
Every year, aviation enthusiasts from all over the world gather in Oshkosh, Wisconsin for the World's Greatest Aviation Celebration, where they get to experience some of the best aircraft displays and activities. This year, the event managed to break records despite less-than-ideal weather conditions.
With temperatures regularly in the 90s and wildfire smoke from the north hanging in the air, visitors had a difficult time walking around in the direct sunlight for eight days straight. However, according to the EAA, the event was attended by approximately 677,000 people and more than 10,000 aircraft arrived at Wittman Regional Airport and other airports in east-central Wisconsin. There were even more than 13,000 sites for camping, accounting for an estimated 40,000 visitors.
The event also featured 848 commercial exhibitors and received a significant number of international visitors, with 2,372 attendees registering at the International Visitors Tent from a record-tying 93 countries outside the U.S. The actual total of international visitors was much higher, considering that not all of them register at the tent upon arrival.
This year's themes included EAA's 70th anniversary, 50 years since direct US involvement in the Vietnam War ended, the Air Force Education & Training Command, a Corsair "reunion", and a tribute to Public Benefit Aviation such as the Wisconsin Air National Guard, United States Coast Guard, JAARS, Civil Air Patrol, and others. With the large amount of military highlights, both past and present, you'll notice these albums contain more warbirds than past as a result.
Despite the challenging weather conditions, this year's Oshkosh Aviation Celebration was yet another successful event that broke records and attracted aviation enthusiasts from around the world.
From The Vault: EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2022
Thought 2021 was a great week for Airventure? Between perfect weather and an incredible lineup, 2022 was an unforgettable year!
I was once again honored to receive media credentials for The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration in 2022. Oshkosh is often considered by many to be the best aviation event on the planet with just about every facet of aviation being present each year. 2022 was no different with over 10,000 aircraft arriving to the otherwise quiet Wisconsin town in late July. At Oshkosh's Wittman Regional Airport alone, there were over 18,684 aircraft movements between July 21-31 which comes out to an average rate of 121 take offs/landings per hour while the airport was open.
In the second year back since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold on the world, the 2022 edition of the World's Greatest Aviation Celebration was a record-breaking success with over 650,000 in attendance over the week-long event, a 7 percent increase over 2021’s visitor tally. The event was also very fortunate to receive beautiful weather over the entire week, a rarity as seasoned Oshkosh attendees would attest.
Some of the themes for the ‘22 show were the 75th anniversary of the United States Air Force, 50th anniversary of the Van's Aircraft RV series, and the 30th anniversary of the EAA - Young Eagles ride program. Airlines, eager to inspire and recruit a new generation of pilots, were also a strong presence with impressive flight demos by both United and Delta Air Lines. Despite the US Air Force being OSH22’s focal point, US Naval Aviation also showed up in strong numbers, bringing the F-35C Lightning II, EA-18G Growler, and E-2C Hawkeye demonstration teams. Another visitor, this one unexpectedly, was Delilah the "stowaway cat" who ended up sneaking into her parent's camper all the way from Maine and ended up spending the entire week at the show!
I hope the following photos can do this incredible event justice. Oshkosh is both a slice of aviation heaven while also getting to see both old and new friends each and every year. I can't wait to be back in 2023!
This is a very large album that includes action from throughout the week I was up there. Below are 341 images for your viewing pleasure. Please be patient as this album may take a bit of extra time to load.
