EAA and the EAA Warbirds of America are planning additional warbird aircraft activities at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2020, in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Those activities will include additional warbirds focus during the daily afternoon air shows, as well as special flyovers.
“Our plan for Oshkosh this year is to make it the most comprehensive, chronological flying history of the World War II era,” said Dennis Dunbar, EAA’s director of flight operations. “As AirVenture is the largest annual gathering of warbird aircraft in the world, the opportunity is here to put together a memorable week that honors those who made the sacrifices more than 75 years ago.”
The activities will officially begin on Monday, July 20, with a mass warbird arrival that will populate the warbirds parking area at the north end of the Wittman Regional Airport flightline. Beginning on Tuesday, July 21, look for formation flyovers in the late morning, midday, and early afternoon prior to the daily afternoon air shows. These will include many of the aircraft that have participated in mass flyovers in past years. These flyovers will be coordinated to cause minimum disruption to AirVenture air traffic operations.
The 75th anniversary air shows will be on Wednesday, July 22; Friday, July 24; and Saturday, July 25. A number of warbird aircraft and pilots that have not been seen at Oshkosh for several years are expected to take part in these historic salutes.
“The 75th anniversary will likely be the last major commemoration of World War II where we still have the actual veterans still with us, so it’s important that we honor them with our absolute best effort,” said Rick Siegfried, former Warbirds of America president and EAA board member, who is chairman of the Warbirds Air Show Committee. “The Warbirds of America are very enthusiastic about participating in these events and added activities as part of this year’s gathering at Oshkosh.”
In addition, Thursday, July 23, will be Warbird Jet Day, featuring many of the early military jets that are always popular at AirVenture. Additional details on aircraft and activities will be announced as they are finalized.
Advance tickets, camping credentials, and other items are currently on sale at EAA.org/AirVenture. This 75th anniversary commemoration is also a superb opportunity for the youngest generation to learn about the Greatest Generation, as starting this year those age 18 and under are admitted free, thanks to support from The Boeing Company.
