AirVenture 2000 — A Week Among the Aircraft and the Atmosphere
AirVenture 2000 was one of those rare events where everything came together — the aircraft, the people, the weather, and the sheer scale of it all. For a week, Oshkosh became the centre of the aviation world, with machines of every shape and age arriving from all directions. From warbirds to homebuilts, classic transports to modern jets, the flightline seemed endless, and there was always something moving, landing, or starting up somewhere in the distance.
Being there in 2000 meant early mornings on the field, wandering between rows of aircraft before the crowds built up, and long afternoons watching arrivals, displays, and the constant flow of activity that never really stopped. The atmosphere was relaxed but full of energy — pilots chatting by their aircraft, volunteers keeping everything running smoothly, and visitors soaking up the sights and sounds.
The photographs in this gallery follow that same rhythm — they’re not in any particular order, just moments captured as they happened throughout the week.
This collection reflects the aircraft that stood out, the scenes that caught the eye, and the sense of being surrounded by aviation in every direction. AirVenture 2000 was more than a show — it was an experience, and these images capture the parts of it that stayed with me.
Slightly closer view of the Curtiss P‑36 Hawk stopped, in a pale‑sky finish with pre‑war U.S. markings
Air Tractor AT‑401 undergoing prototype conversion trials to test the Orenda 600‑hp turbocharged, liquid‑cooled V‑8 as a replacement for its original powerplant. The program explored improved performance and operational efficiency, marking one of several experimental installations of the Canadian‑built engine on agricultural airframes.
C‑GYCC Creative Flight MPA Aerocat, an amphibious utility aircraft from the Aerocat’s early development period, when the type carried the MPA project designation prior to later refinement and certification.
de Havilland Canada DHC‑2 Beaver Mk. I (L‑20A) on floats, a former U.S. Army liaison aircraft later converted for civil use. Finished in a striking red and very pale blue scheme with red maple leaf markings on the fuselage and floats, this example reflects the Beaver’s long post‑military career as a rugged Canadian‑built bush and utility aircraft.
51‑8627 (0‑18627) Lockheed T‑33A, a former USAF jet trainer now displayed on a pole at the entrance to the EAA Aviation Museum. This airframe represents the long‑serving T‑33 lineage, used extensively for pilot training, proficiency flying, and utility duties throughout the Cold War era.
Rutan Grizzly at AirVenture 2000, Burt Rutan’s experimental STOL utility aircraft powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6 turboprop and built around a three‑surface configuration with canard, mid‑wing, and a large flaperon‑equipped aft wing. Conceived as a heavy‑lift bush aircraft concept, the Grizzly served as a one‑off research platform exploring high‑lift aerodynamics, short‑field performance, and cargo‑capable utility design.
Rutan Grizzly seen from the starboard side, highlighting the aircraft’s tall stance, deep fuselage, and distinctive multi‑surface layout that gives the prototype its unmistakable profile. The angle emphasizes the broad aft wing and the purposeful, utility‑oriented proportions of this unique Rutan design.
Aero Gare Sea Hawker, N83SH, an amateur‑built amphibious kitplane derived from the Glass Goose design and marketed by Aero Gare in the 1980s. Featuring a pusher engine mounted above the cabin and a hull‑type fuselage for water operations, N83SH represents the small but distinctive lineage of homebuilt amphibians that blended light‑aircraft performance with true water‑landing capability.
Varga Kachina finished with a blue fuselage, yellow low wings and fin, a white‑and‑red horizontally striped rudder, and blue‑and‑yellow checkered nose markings. This vivid scheme complements the Arizona‑built Kachina’s distinctive low‑wing layout and its reputation as a responsive, well‑balanced two‑seat trainer.
Northrop F‑89J Scorpion marked for the Wisconsin Air National Guard, representing the final missile‑armed interceptor variant of the Scorpion series. The J‑model carried AIR‑2 Genie and AIM‑4 Falcon armament, reflecting the Cold War air‑defense mission flown by Air Guard units during the 1950s and early 1960s.
Douglas A‑1 Skyraider marked 122811 on the fin with NATCC MEMPHIS on the rudder, representing an aircraft assigned to the Naval Air Test Center’s Memphis detachment. The markings reflect the Skyraider’s long service in U.S. Navy evaluation, training, and support roles beyond its well‑known combat career.
Brantly B‑2B, N9030Q, a light two‑seat helicopter known for its compact teardrop fuselage, distinctive three‑bladed fully articulated rotor system, and smooth handling. The B‑2B represents the refined production version of Newby Brantly’s pioneering light‑helicopter design of the 1950s, widely used for training, private flying, and utility work.
Northrop F‑5 marked MY for the 49th Flying Training Squadron, representing the unit’s use of the type as an aggressor and advanced training aircraft. The scheme reflects the squadron’s role in providing dissimilar air combat training and tactical instruction.
E‑2 Taylor Cub finished in light and dark blue, a vivid scheme that highlights the early Cub’s slim fuselage, strut‑braced high wing, and classic 1930s light‑aircraft lines. This example represents the formative years of the Taylor/Piper Cub lineage that would become one of the most iconic trainers in American aviation.
North American F‑51D Mustang finished in natural silver and carrying NEBRE ANG markings with red wing tips, representing a Nebraska Air National Guard scheme from the early 1950s. The serial 474466 is a presentation marking applied for the restoration.
Nieuport airframe displayed in uncovered framework, its structure fully exposed—either a classic restoration stage or an early, tongue‑in‑cheek attempt at stealth technology.
Fokker Eindecker replica marked E.III 422/15, carrying a skull‑and‑crossbones emblem on a white panel above the fuselage. The added marking gives this reproduction a distinctive personal‑insignia style often seen on early‑war aircraft.
Supermarine Spitfire, single‑seat Griffon‑powered variant with a five‑bladed propeller and six‑stub exhausts per side, carrying a TP‑series airframe number and coded Z. Finished in late‑war RAF markings, including the visible Duck Egg Green rear‑fuselage fighter band, though the tail fin lies outside the frame.
North American Harvard Mk IV in Canadian markings, finished in overall trainer yellow and carrying serial 20217 beneath a pre‑1965 Canadian flag. This scheme reflects the postwar RCAF training era when the Harvard remained the backbone of pilot instruction across Canada.
North American B‑25J Mitchell, BuNo 44‑86777, bearing the nose art Martha Jean and finished with yellow cowl rings, yellow fin bands marked WSLC, yellow wing tips, and post‑war nationality markings. Photographed at AirVenture 2000 in a non‑historical commemorative scheme.
North American T‑6 N7754 — finished in a Mitsubishi A6M Zero–style scheme with light undersurfaces and blue‑green upper surfaces, echoing the early‑war camouflage of Imperial Japanese Navy fighters. Used widely in airshows and film productions as a “Hollywood Zero,” this T‑6 carries the visual cues associated with the A6M while retaining the Texan’s distinctive lines and handling qualities. Aircraft like N7754 continue the long tradition of adapting T‑6 airframes to portray wartime Japanese fighters for historical reenactment and display flying
Nakajima B5N “Kate” (replica) — North American T‑6 N3242G
This aircraft is a replica of the Nakajima B5N “Kate” torpedo bomber, created by modifying North American T‑6 Texan N3242G to portray the Imperial Japanese Navy’s primary carrier‑borne attack aircraft of the early Pacific War. With its re‑profiled canopy, revised cowling, and period‑style finish, the aircraft evokes the appearance of the B5N while retaining the underlying Texan structure and handling qualities. Conversions like N3242G have long been used in airshows and film productions to represent the rare and historically significant “Kate,” whose original airframes no longer survive.
Mitsubishi A6M Zero (Replica) — North American AT‑6B N11171
Converted from an AT‑6B Texan, N11171 is finished in a light grey Zero‑style scheme with a distinctive red fuselage band positioned aft of the national markings. The aircraft carries the applied serial A1‑115, echoing early‑war Imperial Japanese Navy practice. Though retaining the unmistakable structure of the Texan, N11171 captures the visual character of the A6M Zero and continues the long tradition of using T‑6 airframes as convincing stand‑ins for wartime Japanese fighters in airshows and film productions.
Beech JRB “Navy Manila” — finished in a distinctive post‑war U.S. Navy scheme featuring red vertical stabilisers, red wing tips, and a red nose complemented by a black anti‑dazzle panel ahead of the cockpit. The aircraft carries post‑war U.S. national markings and the inscription NAVY MANILA on the fuselage, recalling the service of Navy utility and transport aircraft in the Pacific during the immediate post‑World War II era. The JRB series served widely as liaison, transport, and training aircraft throughout the fleet.
Republic P‑47D Thunderbolt presented in the authentic wartime markings of “Tarheel Hal,” the aircraft flown by Lt. Harold “Hal” E. Comstock of the 366th Fighter Squadron, 358th Fighter Group. The name reflects Comstock’s North Carolina roots, “Tar Heel” being a traditional nickname for residents of the state. This restored airframe wears the historically correct scheme: a bright yellow nose with red cowl ring, a blue band with white stars and the name TARHEEL HAL, black‑and‑white invasion stripes on the fuselage, and a vivid orange tail marked with serial 433240. Standard U.S. Army Air Forces insignia appears on the fuselage.
NX47DA / 226641 Republic P‑47D Thunderbolt — Finished in full D‑Day invasion stripes with a red cowling ring and yellow rudder, this aircraft is restored in the markings of 42‑26641 “Hairless Joe”, a 62nd Fighter Squadron machine of the 56th Fighter Group at Boxted. The original aircraft carried the nose art “Hairless Joe” from Li’l Abner and was flown by Col. David C. Schilling, one of the top‑scoring P‑47 aces of the European Theater. The restoration also reflects the period commanded by Colonel Gerald “Jerry” Johnson, another leading 56th FG ace during the group’s Boxted operations.
N111GS Beech V35A Bonanza — Finished in a rich brown, red, and cream scheme, this V‑tail Bonanza is seen taxying at AirVenture 2000, its polished paintwork and distinctive swept‑V tail standing out against the busy show‑week ramp. The aircraft reflects the classic late‑model styling favored by many privately owned V35As of the era, adding a clean, period‑authentic presence to the general‑aviation flightline.
N751DM (1997 Stewart 51 S‑51D Mustang, C/N 105) — Presented in a dull metal finish with a contrasting blue nose, this ¾‑scale Stewart 51 features “TOP DUCK” nose art and the name DAN McGARRY beneath the cockpit. The muted metal surface highlights the rivet lines and contours of the S‑51D airframe, giving the replica a purposeful, warbird‑inspired look while showcasing the craftsmanship typical of the Stewart 51 series.
Zenith STOL CH 701 — Shown on amphibious floats and standing on the grass, this CH 701 displays its hallmark high‑lift wing with full‑span leading‑edge slats and the type’s characteristic flat, no‑dihedral tailplane. The float installation and upright stance emphasize the aircraft’s rugged STOL design and its versatility for both backcountry and water operations.
Murphy Rebel C‑GJAC, on floats and displayed on grass, finished in light grey with red tail carrying a light‑grey maple leaf emblem and matching red wingtips. AirVenture 2000.
Beechcraft AT‑11 Kansan, U.S. Army Air Forces bombardier‑training aircraft, assigned the Army Air Corps serial 41‑31043 (often abbreviated in records as 351043). Built at the Beech Aircraft Corporation plant in Wichita, Kansas, this aircraft served in the wartime training program preparing bombardiers for operational deployment. The AT‑11 fleet formed the backbone of the USAAF’s precision‑bombing instruction, distinguished by its glazed nose, internal bomb bay, and modified Beech 18 airframe
Another view of Beechcraft AT‑11 Kansan, U.S. Army Air Forces bombardier‑training aircraft, assigned the Army Air Corps serial 41‑31043 (often abbreviated in records as 351043). Built at the Beech Aircraft Corporation plant in Wichita, Kansas, this aircraft served in the wartime training program preparing bombardiers for operational deployment. The AT‑11 fleet formed the backbone of the USAAF’s precision‑bombing instruction, distinguished by its glazed nose, internal bomb bay, and modified Beech 18 airframe
Beechcraft SNB‑series Twin Beech in early‑war U.S. Navy markings, carrying the large fuselage code “C‑55” positioned forward of the blue‑circle/white‑star national insignia on the port side. The fuselage displays “U.S. NAVY” lettering aft of the insignia, reflecting the Navy’s pre‑1943 identification style. The aircraft is equipped with the distinctive dorsal defensive turret used on gunnery‑training variants, and features the standard black anti‑glare panels on the nose and engine cowlings. This configuration represents the transitional period before the adoption of the star‑and‑bars insignia and later tri‑color markings.
Beechcraft Model 18 “Twin Beech” — glazed‑nose variant with dorsal turret, finished in overall silver and carrying the short‑lived U.S. national insignia with red border. Nose art “Bomb Girl.” Photographed at AirVenture 2000.
Overall‑white Rutan VariViggen N212RS, carrying divided fuselage trim and stylised “VV” emblems on the vertical stabilisers. Photographed at AirVenture 2000.
Zenair CH‑601 HDS Zodiac N56BJ, finished in grey with a white upper fuselage and yellow wingtips, with yellow tips on the vertical and horizontal stabilisers. The vertical tail surfaces carry a white skull‑and‑crossbones on a dark‑blue background. AirVenture 2000.
Overall‑white Beechcraft V‑tail Bonanza with red and chocolate trim, captured taxying in a front port three‑quarter view at AirVenture 2000.
Dark‑blue U.S. Customs Sikorsky UH‑60 Black Hawk with gold trim and “Tradition • Service • Honor” on the tailboom, captured in a port side view at AirVenture 2000.
Bowers Fly Baby 1A N7LK (1973), finished in green and yellow, with a white stooping falcon or eagle emblem on a black triangle with a white border, shown in a nose three‑quarter port view at AirVenture 2000.
De Havilland Canada DHC‑1A‑1 Super Chipmunk C‑GLSC, finished in red and white, shown in a close starboard view just aft of the cockpit and wing, highlighting the sculpted fuselage and aerobatic lines. AirVenture 2000.
Ford 4‑AT‑E Tri‑Motor NC8407 (c/n 69), built in 1929 and originally operated by Eastern Air Transport. Now owned by the Experimental Aircraft Association and based at the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, it tours the United States for airshows and aviation events. Seen here taxying past at AirVenture 2000.
Seawind 3000 N666AC, finished in white with blue and red trim, photographed from slightly forward of the port wing as it sat on the grass at AirVenture 2000.