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EAA AirVenture 2018:
Bigger & Better
Near-perfect weather and a robust economy helped annual airshow set new attendance record.
by Dianne White
From ideal weather to record-setting attendance, AirVenture 2018 was as close to perfect as it could be. The annual Oshkosh, WI airshow, held July 23 through 29, attracted 601,000 attendees, nearly two percent above of 2017’s record total.
“EAA members and aviation enthusiasts attended in large numbers, even without the presence of a military jet team as we had in 2017. Our efforts to create unique attractions and aviation highlights across the grounds were incredibly successful. Attendance on opening day was the best in our his- tory, as the vast majority of our guests came to Oshkosh early and stayed throughout the week,” said Jack Pelton, EAA Chairman.
More than 10,000 aircraft arrived at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) and other airports in east-central Wisconsin. At Wittman alone, there were 19,588 aircraft operations in the 11-day period from July 20-30, which is an average of approximately 134 takeoffs/landings per hour. In addition, there were 2,979 show planes (second straight year over 2,900): 1,160 homebuilt aircraft, 1,094 vintage airplanes, 377 warbirds (7 percent increase), 185 ultralights and light-sport aircraft, 75 seaplanes, 22 rotorcraft, 52 aerobatic aircraft and 14 hot air balloons.
Fans of modern military air power weren’t disappointed as nearly every airframe in the current U.S. Air Force inventory either flew or was on static display throughout AirVenture 2018. Dubbed the “Year of the Tanker,” a number of military refueling aircraft, including a KC-10, KC-135 and HC- 130P/N, were featured. Among other aircraft highlights were: B-29 “Doc” fly-bys, B-1 bomber on display, RAF 100th anniversary, tours of Air Force C-5M Super Galaxy, a wide assortment of rare historic military aircraft, and a surprise fly-by of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels while on their way to an airshow in North Dakota. AirVenture attendees also witnessed the Oshkosh debut of the innovative Yak-110,
TWIN & TURBINE • 9
PHOTO COURTESY OF CONNOR MADISON