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.
