A detailed review of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023. Find highlights from the event, photos of featured aircraft, and analysis of the daily airshow performances.

EAA AirVenture 2023 The Premier Showcase of Modern and Classic Aircraft

To secure an unobstructed view of the afternoon aerial displays at the massive fly-in convention, position yourself near the Warbird Alley section of the flight line no later than 1:00 PM. This location provides superior sightlines for low passes and aerobatic maneuvers, especially during the heritage flight formations that were a centerpiece of the recent gathering.

This summer's main aviation meet heavily featured the 75th anniversary of the United States Air Force. The daily schedule included a formidable F-35 Lightning II demonstration and a poignant formation flight of a P-51 Mustang alongside an A-10 Thunderbolt II. Over 10,000 aircraft were present on the grounds, with a significant concentration of privately owned ex-military jets and historic bombers drawing large crowds to the static display areas.

Navigating the extensive grounds requires planning. Utilize the complimentary tram system, which operates on three distinct routes, to move between the main entrance, the seaplane base, and the ultralight field. For detailed technical presentations, consult the forum schedule posted at the Forums Plaza; sessions on engine maintenance and avionics upgrades were consistently filled to capacity, so arriving 15 minutes early is advised.

Oshkosh 2023

For optimal viewing of daily air performances, position yourself near the intersection of taxiways P1 and P2. This location provides an unobstructed view of the main show line without the dense crowds found directly at show center. The recent summer event drew a record attendance of approximately 677,000 visitors. Wittman Regional Airport accommodated over 10,000 aircraft arrivals, with 3,365 registered showplanes. The final tally included 1,497 vintage airplanes, 1,067 homebuilt aircraft, 400 warbirds, 194 ultralights, and 134 seaplanes.

The 70th anniversary of the Experimental Aircraft Association's annual gathering was a central theme. A major attraction was the static display of the "Darkstar" hypersonic jet mock-up from the film *Top Gun: Maverick*. Another significant presence was the Airbus A330-743L, known as the BelugaXL, which made its North American debut. This aircraft's visit highlighted international logistics and specialized air cargo capabilities, drawing large crowds to the main Boeing Plaza display area.

To maximize your time, download the official EAA AirVenture application before arriving. Use it to filter and save your preferred forums and workshops, as over 1,500 sessions occur during the week. Prioritize workshops at the Skyscape Theater for presentations by notable aviation figures. For  https://platincasino24.de -on activities, the workshops located at the south end of the flight line offer practical skill-building sessions that fill up quickly. Arrive at least 20 minutes before any scheduled forum to secure a seat.

The economic contribution to the surrounding five counties–Winnebago, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Brown–exceeded $170 million. The night air shows, held on Wednesday and Saturday, featured pyrotechnics and coordinated formation flying with LED lighting. The U.S. Air Force C-5M Super Galaxy and F-22 Raptor demonstration team were consistent highlights of the afternoon aerial displays. Planning for the subsequent fly-in, scheduled from July 22 to July 28, is already in progress.

Navigating Arrival Procedures and On-Site Camping Options

Print the entire EAA AirVenture NOTAM prior to departure; do not depend solely on a digital version in the cockpit. Study the VFR arrival procedures, particularly the Fisk approach, which requires maintaining 1,800 feet MSL and a speed of 90 knots for piston aircraft. Follow the railroad tracks from Ripon to Fisk and monitor the arrival ATIS on the designated frequency for airport information.

Upon reaching Fisk, listen for ATC instructions on the specified frequency and acknowledge them by rocking your wings. Do not transmit unless specifically instructed to do so. Controllers will use light gun signals to sequence aircraft and assign a runway. After passing Fisk, identify the large colored dot on the approach end of your assigned runway and aim to land precisely on it.

To secure a desirable aircraft camping spot, especially in the North 40, arrive no later than the Saturday before the convention's official start. Ground personnel will direct you from the runway to a parking row. The North 40 offers the most amenities, including shower houses and proximity to the main exhibition grounds. Homebuilt Camping (HBC) is located south of the flightline, offering closer access to builder forums.

Bring your own chocks and tie-downs, preferably with screw-in style ground anchors, as the soil can become soft. Display a sign in your aircraft window with your name and contact number. Be aware that generator operation is typically permitted only from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM. Free tram services run continuously, connecting all camping areas with the main gates and forums plaza.

Must-See Aircraft Debuts and Daily Airshow Schedules

Prioritize the NASA X-59 QueSST full-scale mock-up, located at Boeing Plaza. This exhibit provides the closest look at the agency's quiet supersonic flight technology demonstrator. For those interested in production aircraft, the Daher Kodiak 900 is a primary attraction with its stretched fuselage and new PT6E-series engine.

Key aircraft making their first appearance at the Wisconsin aviation gathering include:

• Daher Kodiak 900: A faster, longer version of the Kodiak 100, optimized for improved payload and performance.
• DarkAero 1: A carbon-fiber kit aircraft, engineered for a 275-knot cruise speed on a 180-hp engine, on display in the homebuilt area.
• Airbus A330neo: This commercial wide-body airliner is open for public tours, showcasing modern passenger cabin design and engine efficiency.
• Vashon Ranger R7: A new LSA category aircraft featuring a 100-hp Rotax 912 ULS, notable for its simple, all-metal construction.

The daily aerial displays are structured with afternoon and evening performances. Plan your viewing schedule around these specific time blocks and featured performers.

1. Afternoon Airshow (Daily, 2:30 PM - 6:00 PM):

• Warbird Spectacles: Daily mass formations of P-51 Mustangs, B-25 Mitchells, and F4U Corsairs. The "Warbirds in Review" program offers close-up views and pilot interviews.
• Military Demonstrations: The F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team performs its full aerial maneuver sequence on Friday and Saturday. U.S. Navy Legacy Flights pair the F-35C Lightning II with historic naval aircraft.
• Aerobatic Performers: See solo routines from Patty Wagstaff in her Extra 300S, Michael Goulian, and the four-ship precision of the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team.

1. Night Airshow (Wednesday and Saturday, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM):

• Lighted Aircraft & Pyrotechnics: Performances by aircraft equipped with LED lighting systems and wing-mounted pyrotechnics, including routines by the Twin Tigers Aerobatic Team and Nathan Hammond's "GhostWriter" Super Chipmunk.
• Drone Light Show: A synchronized presentation featuring hundreds of illuminated drones creating complex formations in the night sky.
• Fireworks Finale: Both evening programs conclude with a large-scale fireworks display launched from the flightline.

A Pilot's Guide to Forums, Workshops, and Exhibitor Booths

Download the official EAA Events app before arriving at the Wisconsin fly-in and sync your desired sessions. Upon entry, acquire the daily printed guide to cross-reference last-minute schedule changes. This dual approach ensures you do not miss presentations on specific airframes or new regulations.

Forums on advanced avionics usage, such as Garmin G3X Touch or Dynon SkyView HDX integration, fill to capacity. Arrive at the forum pavilions at least 20 minutes beforehand. Sessions covering owner-performed maintenance and STC approvals for legacy aircraft also draw large crowds. Check the schedule for specific talks on Lycoming engine health or Continental fuel injection systems.

Hands-on workshops require early sign-up, often online before the convention begins. The sheet metal and composite repair sessions offer direct experience with materials and tools. For those building an airframe, the TIG welding for 4130 chromoly tubing workshop provides practical skills. These are located in dedicated tents near the homebuilt aircraft parking area.

Tackle the four main exhibit hangars systematically. Dedicate mornings to Hangar A and B for avionics and new aircraft components. Afternoons are better for Hangar C and D, which feature pilot supplies, headsets, and flight school information. Ask vendors directly for "show special" pricing, as these discounts are rarely advertised on display signs.

Use a structured approach to maximize your time on the grounds. A sample schedule helps organize the day between learning and product evaluation.

Carry a small notebook or use a note-taking application on your phone. After visiting a booth or attending a seminar, record the vendor's name, product details, and any price quotes. By the end of the week-long aviation gathering, these details will blur together.