Page 14 - Demo

EAA AirVenture 2017
A look back at the world’s greatest air show
Iby Rebecca Groom Jacobs
f one event could be a direct testament to the health of general aviation, AirVenture 2017
demonstrated the industry is alive and well.
The show took place July 24-30 and saw record attendance with around 590,000 attendees, a five percent increase over last year. Throughout the week, more than 10,000 aircraft arrived at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh and surrounding area airports. Aircraft parking and campgrounds (more than 11,000 sites) either reached or were pushing capacity for the majority of the week.
Nevertheless, the 5,000 EAA volunteers rose to the challenge and ultimately put on a well- commended event. In a statement following the event, EAA Chairman, Jack Pelton claimed it was possibly the best AirVenture week he had ever seen.
“What in incredible year it was at Oshkosh...the combination of our features and attractions, along with great weather six of the seven days, made for an excellent week,” said Pelton. “It was a week filled with only-at-Oshkosh moments.”
Those moments included an Apollo reunion, historic bomber flights, WWII reenactments, Blue Angel performances and numerous product announcements (largely electronics-based).
Only at Oshkosh
One of the main events at AirVenture this year was the 50th anniversary celebration and reunion of the Apollo Program. Seven astronauts including Buzz Aldrin and Jim Lovell were in attendance along with other Apollo program affiliates from mission control and engineering. The audience heard firsthand stories and experiences, both good and bad, during
12 • TWIN & TURBINE
October 2017
PHOTO CREDIT: LAURIE GOOSSENS