WW1 aircraft star at this year's Oshkosh

Aircraft from World War One (WWI) will take a starring role at this year’s EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s biggest aviation event. AirVenture will be held from 25 to 31 July at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA.

Aircraft taking part in the WW1 aviation will come from museums and collections throughout the US, and include vintage aircraft and replicas such as Sopwith, Fokker, and Spad from the 1914-1918 era.

There will be four flying demonstrations and the aircraft will also be on static display throughout the week near the Vintage Aircraft Association Red Barn headquarters.

“There are several outstanding museums and facilities throughout America that have some of these magnificent aircraft and full-size replicas that fly regularly, but it takes an event such as AirVenture to bring them together,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates features and attractions at AirVenture.

WW1 aircraft will take part in this year’s EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

Among the collections represented at Oshkosh will be the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome of Rhinebeck, New York, and Golden Age Air Museum in Bethel, Pennsylvania. Other collections are expected to add aircraft.

A special addition is a rare 1909 Curtiss Pusher aircraft from the Collings Foundation of Stow, Massachusetts, which has just been completed from a two-year restoration by Century Aviation in East Wenatchee, Washington. Along with the aircraft display, there will be giant-scale radio-controlled aircraft flights, a living history area with historical re-enactors, and forums and presentations throughout the week.

“Our goal is to create an event that will allow those at Oshkosh to see more than antique airplanes on the ground,” Larsen said. “We want people to feel and better understand the technology, dangers, and romance of the era that brought us such legendary aviation figures as Eddie Rickenbacker and the Red Baron.”

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh