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 2025
AirVenture 2025 shattered attendance records while delivering an unforgettable week of rare warbirds, historic formations, major aircraft debuts, and incredible air-to-air photo flights — a perfect reminder of why Oshkosh remains the world’s greatest aviation gathering.
Every year aviation fans from around the world make the trip to Oshkosh for the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration — and AirVenture 2025 set yet another high bar. 2025 became the largest AirVenture on record, with approximately 704,000 attendees, more than 10,000 arriving aircraft, and over 16,000 operations at Wittman Regional Airport alone. Nearly 40,000 campers filled the grounds, 962 exhibitors were on site, and visitors traveled from 94 countries to be part of it. For one week each summer, Wittman essentially becomes the busiest aviation hub on the planet — and it still somehow runs like clockwork thanks to the dedication and hard work of so many volunteers.
In 2025, there was no shortage of major hardware on the field either. Highlights for me included the Pratt & Whitney 747SP testbed, the attendance of SEVEN Grumman Wildcats, the public debut of the retro-styled Spirit SE-1, and another appearance by the PB4Y-2 Privateer — always a rare sight anywhere. We also witnessed the two remaining airworthy B-29 Superfortresses, Doc and Fifi, flying together again, and another fantastic Ezell Aviation restoration in the form of the P-38 Lightning "Jandina III." Several aircraft that have become familiar Oshkosh fixtures made their final appearances this year, including the Samaritan’s Purse DC-8, USMC AV-8B Harrier II jumpjets, U.S. Navy C-2 Greyhound, and the crowd-pleasing A-10 Warthogs of the Maryland ANG.
It goes without saying that the air-to-air flying was just as memorable. I was privileged to go up in another formation with the OV-10 Bronco and HU-16 Albatross — an incredibly unique pairing that never gets old — along with a remarkable World War II three-ship formation consisting of the rare German Me 262 Schwalbe and two of its former adversaries, the P-51D Mustangs. And to cap it off, a Douglas Skyraider three-ship that delivered exactly the kind of presence you’d expect from that much radial horsepower in one frame. Not bad for an already packed Oshkosh week!
A massive thanks to everyone who made this incredible event AND these photo flights happen — pilots, organizers, coordinators, controllers, and the many people working behind the scenes to safely pull it all together during one of the busiest weeks in aviation. There are a lot of photos in this set, so grab a drink and enjoy! As always, sharing is always appreciated and encouraged. Feel free to tag yourself or your friends if you see yourselves in any of these photos.
Can't wait to see what AirVenture 2026 has in store for us!
July 2025 - EAA AirVenture (Oshkosh, Wisconsin)
The 2022 Reklaw Flying M Ranch Fly-In and Campout
Ever heard of Reklaw, Texas? Most haven't, and that's okay. The 379 residents probably prefer it that way, but it would be a crime to not shine a light on their incredible annual fly-in.
Have you ever been to Reklaw? If not, you're missing out on one of the most exciting events in general aviation. The Reklaw fly-in takes place every Fall at the Flying M Ranch Airport (7TA7) owned by Dave and Marcia Mason of Reklaw, Texas. Reklaw is about 140 miles to the SE of the Dallas/Fort Worth area and 147 miles NNE of Houston meaning it's in a favorable location for aviators far and wide. For a few days each Fall, the private grass strip welcomes aircraft owners, pilots and other aviation enthusiasts to the ranch.
For those who have been to Reklaw or who have seen media from the fly-in, you'll know that Reklaw features plenty of "runway clearing" low passes, good food, award ceremonies, and best of all, great people - many of which participate in Oshkosh-style camping next to their aircraft. The fly-in is also known to feature an impressive variety of aircraft in various sizes. In past years, aircraft such as the Pilatus PC-12, Antonov AN-2, Twin Beech, and even a North American P-51D Mustang have either flown into or over the event.
The Flying M Ranch's grass strip measures 3,500 feet in length and features a heck of a gradient as you'll see in the photos and never mind the fact that it has some pretty sizeable pine trees on each approach end! As you can imagine, this makes for some pretty exciting operations both from a pilot and spectator perspective. In addition to the runway challenges, it's also an uncontrolled event meaning that's on the pilots to see and avoid even while the event is at its busiest, and boy does it get busy!
In summary, the Reklaw Fly-In is a must-attend event for aviation enthusiasts and the 2022 edition was no different. People driving up and down the flight line on riding lawn mowers, tying their shoes in the middle of the runway, and holding up signs to egg on the pilots - you'll see it all at Reklaw! I think it's fair to say it's a wonderful event and simultaneously not for the faint of heart.
Be sure to be patient and make it to the end of this large album. Turns out the heat gets turned up as the night goes on! The 2023 edition this coming October will be the 38th year of the Flying M Ranch Fly-In and Campout and we look to be in for another exciting event.
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.
From The Vault: EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2021
A look into the 2021 edition of the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration, the first since the start of the global pandemic!
In 2021, I was lucky enough to make the trip north to Oshkosh, Wisconsin for the year's edition of the World's Greatest Aviation Celebration - EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. This was my sixth AirVenture and despite the ongoing pandemic, I was very impressed with the turnout and adjustments made by the organizers to make this extraordinary event happen. Attendance numbered around 608,000 for the week and more than 10,000 aircraft arrived. According to the EAA, there were 16,378 aircraft operations in a 10-day period from July 22-31 which averages out to around 116 takeoffs/landings per hour. There's a reason why OSH tower is considered the "World's Busiest Control Tower" during the week of the show! If there was anything I could possibly complain about, it would be the constant smoky skies due to the terrible ongoing wildfires across North America that week, but of course, that is totally out of our control. The performers and themes at OSH21 quickly made everyone forget about the lack of blue skies. Themes of 2021's AirVenture included Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) which brought a staggering number of high profile assets to the show, the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII, and humanitarian aircraft such as the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital.
If all of that wasn't enough, did I mention I was lucky enough to hitch a ride on a Pilatus PC-12 up to Oshkosh? Pinch me!
This is a very large album that includes action from throughout the 7 days I was up there. Below are 297 images for your viewing pleasure. Please be patient as this album may take a bit of extra time to load.
