Oshkosh 2012 Trip

AirVenture 2012 may still be months away, but it’s never too early to start looking ahead and planning for this annual weeklong event. The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) puts on the event for one week every summer, attracting more than half a million people to the Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. At least 10,000 of the attendees arrive directly at the airport in their own planes, making it one of the busiest airports in the world for the week. More than 60 countries are represented, including members of the association as well as non-member aviation fanatics from the world over. It is a special time for seasoned pilots and novices alike to meet, mingle, reunite with old friends and celebrate their love of flight.

Attractions to Look Forward to at AirVenture 2012

This June, Oshkosh, Wisconsin will again be home to the biggest celebration of all things aviation. The event is sure to have some unique new attractions and activities this year, as well as some time-tested favorites. There are special themes, displays and activities that make every year of AirVenture a new experience. Here is a taste of what attendees can expect this year:
• 50th anniversary of the Dyke Delta aircraft
• 60th anniversary of AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin
• 75th anniversary of the Piper Cub
• 100th anniversary of the flying boat
• 2,500 show planes and more than 10,000 aircraft, including homebuilt planes, ultra-light planes, vintage planes and war birds, many of which are one of a kind
• Cirrus’ annual special release of new plane features and aircraft models
• Competition for short landings and takeoffs
• Entertainment in the evenings
• Info about the advances in electric aircraft
• KidVenture and other family-friendly activities for all ages
• Learn-to-Fly activities
• Special appearance by George Lucas to introduce “Red Tails,” his film about the Tuskegee Airmen
• Tribute to Van’s Aircraft Founder Richard VanGrunsven
• World-class air shows every day

AirVenture is known as “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” for good reason. With such a sizeable level of international attendance and diverse range of events and attractions, many people look forward to it as the highlight of their year. Now that the weeklong event is celebrating its 60th anniversary, it is an especially good time to make this an annual tradition.
Hotels book up well in advance over the whole area, not just in Oshkosh. So be sure to start reserving your rooms by spring.