“Each day on the grounds was filled with outstanding activities that
made every day at AirVenture a unique event in itself.”
Tom Poberezny said. “This year’s ‘Oshkosh’ was the shot of
enthusiasm, inspiration, and economic boost that aviation needed.”

AIRVENTURE SITE PLAN

The initial view of the multi-year master plan for AirVenture site improvements was unveiled at AirVenture 2008. The feedback received was supportive and included some valuable and constructive suggestions. After AirVenture, crews began work on the first phase of construction. Improvements focused on infrastructure, site layout, roadways, rest areas, and upgraded amenities that will enhance members’ and visitors’ enjoyment of the AirVenture experience. While the construction projects begun in 2008 and the vision of the completed plan call for considerable enhancements and changes to the site, one directive has driven every decision and action along the way: to significantly upgrade the grounds and facilities while maintaining the event’s unique culture and heritage.

EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH AirVenture exceeded expectations in 2008. Innovations and achievements were everywhere you looked, from electric-powered airplanes to the newest light-sport aircraft models, and from achieving the milestone of the 30,000th registered homebuilt to making civilian space travel possible. Despite fuel and economic issues, more than 540,000 aviation enthusiasts attended AirVenture, validating the relationships EAA has built over the years. International attendance was up 25% and represented 71 nations. More than 10,000 aircraft and 37,000 campers called Oshkosh their home for one week. The largest crowd at Theater in the Woods ever—estimated at 10,000—turned out on Wednesday to see the performance of comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham, a Rotor Way helicopter builder and pilot. Nearly 800 exhibitors participated, and many reported good to record-setting sales. Steady figures are attributed to more than 1,200 outstanding programs—the deepest and broadest ever—numerous announcements of aviation innovations, and superb weather.

WOMENVENTURE

The first annual WomenVenture took place at AirVenture in 2008. It was a joint effort by EAA and Women in Aviation International aimed at recognizing and encouraging women of all ages to get involved in aviation. Pink shirts flooded AeroShell Square Friday, August 1, at 10:30 a.m. as more than 500 women gathered to establish an unofficial record for the number of women pilots in one location at one time. Women aviators were also invited to make history by signing the WomenVenture logbook at EAA’s Welcome Center.

OSHKOSH – THE SPIRIT

OF AVIATION VIDEO

With financial backing from long-time

EAA supporters Craig and Connie Willan, EAA’s award-winning video crew

put together a cinematic tribute to what makes AirVenture so special—complete

with Harrison Ford, EAA member,

pilot, and chairman of the EAA Young Eagles program, as narrator. Shooting for

the production began in 2007, and the production was ready for distribution in 2008 to all EAA Chapters, board members, new members, and many volunteer chairmen. A DVD was also included in the 2008 AirVenture commemorative souvenir program, and the video has received tens of thousands of plays on EAA’s website.

The video shows how far we have progressed since the early days in Rockford, Illinois, but demonstrates that we’ve stayed connected to our grassroots beginnings and the spirit of aviation that brings us together.