Pelton Says Event Was Safe, Organization Overcame 'Big Challenges'

EAA Chairman Jack Pelton said that the 2013 edition of AirVenture was an unqualified success, with about a half-million people on the grounds over the course of the week.

“First, it was a safe AirVenture, which is always our top priority, plus we were blessed with a week of nearly perfect weather," Pelton said. "We also met a number of other objectives this year, including reconnecting with our volunteers and members on the grounds, upgrading the food concessions and options, and providing more value and activities throughout the day for attendees. We also had a tremendous amount of aviation innovation brought to Oshkosh.”

The official attendance figures from EAA indicate that the show was very comparable to 2012 with more than 500,000 people flying in or coming through the turnstiles. “We overcame some big challenges this year, including a lack of current military aircraft participation, to produce an outstanding event," Pelton said. "Attractions such as Jetman, the Terrafugia flying car and the screening of Disney’s Planes – which drew a record 15,000 people to the Fly-In Theater – were the most visible draws this year. But people come to Oshkosh for their own individual reasons, and there was a nearly unlimited supply of unique experiences throughout the grounds. We also received reports that many exhibitors had record sales, showing renewed optimism and enthusiasm in the aviation community.”

The organization said that more than 10,000 aircraft arrived at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh and other airports in east-central Wisconsin. There were 2,341 – including 867 homebuilt aircraft, 858 vintage airplanes, 343 warbirds, 130 ultralights, 92 seaplanes, 27 aerobatic aircraft and 24 miscellaneous showplanes. A record total 821 commercial exhibitors set up shop on the grounds.

And not everyone was from the U.S. 2,115 visitors registered from 64 nations, with Canada (562 visitors), Australia (257), and South Africa (187) the top three nations. EAA notes that this total includes only non-U.S. visitors who register at the International Visitors Tent, so the actual international contingent is undoubtedly larger.) 914 media representatives were on-site from five continents.

During his Sunday final news conference, Pelton said that the appeal of the fees paid to the FAA for ATC services was moving, but gave no indication of what the final outcome might be.

Meanwhile, the EAA chair is already looking ahead to 2014. “There are some big aviation anniversaries next year, including the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I and the 75th anniversary of the jet engine," Pelton said. "In addition, volunteers will build an airplane in seven days with the ‘One-Week Wonder’ project in which attendees can participate. And, of course, there will be plenty of additions for activities that can happen only at Oshkosh.”

FMI: www.airventure.org