More Than 10,000 Aircraft To Descend On Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH)

In just a few days, more than 10,000 aircraft and hundreds of thousands of attendees will begin to descend on Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh for EAA AirVenture 2011. The 59th annual Fly-In Convention – "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration" – becomes the epicenter of the aviation world, bringing together aviation's past, present, and future mixed in with a variety of entertainment options that result in unlimited, affordable fun for the whole family.

A small glimpse into AirVenture and some of its highlighted events:

• Centennial of Naval Aviation: The largest collection of airworthy naval aircraft spanning all eras ever assembled will be featured prominently throughout AirVenture 2011, which has been classified a Tier 1 event by the U.S. Navy for its year-long centennial celebration. A special "Navy Day" will be held on Wednesday, July 27.

  

• Landmark Appearances & Rare Aircraft: For one day only on Friday, July 29, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner will appear at AirVenture, where the next generation of commercial airliners will offer public tours for the first time anywhere. Joining the 787 is its rare Boeing brethren, the world's only airworthy B-29 Superfortress "FIFI," which will arrive at AirVenture on Tuesday, July 26, and stay through the event.

  

• Super Saturday: Super Saturday on July 30 has something for everyone – highlighted by the Night Air Show and Fireworks. Super Saturday also features the expanded "Warbirds Extravaganza" afternoon air show, leading into country star Aaron Tippin in concert.

  
  Aaron Tippin

• Evening Entertainment : In addition to Tippin, music fans can enjoy REO Speedwagon on Monday, July 25, as well as actor Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band on Friday, July 29. Movie buffs can head over to the Fly-In Theater for its nightly films, which will feature introductions from Hollywood legends Harrison Ford and George Lucas.

Aeroshell T-6 After 2010 Night Air Show

If you're new to aviation and wonder if Oshkosh is REALLY a big deal ... EAA says that AirVenture annually draws more than 500,000 participants from 70 nations and in excess of 10,000 airplanes, including more than 2,500 showplanes. The event includes 700 exhibitors with the latest aviation innovations; nearly 1,000 forums, workshops and seminars covering the entire world of flight; daily afternoon air shows featuring the world's finest aerobatic performers; up-close sessions with top aviation personalities; and the gathering of aviation enthusiasts from around the globe.

FMI: www.airventure.org