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.
Airborne in an EAA Bell 47 over the ege off Pioneer Airport showing the church and the hangars and a few aircraft.
Closer view of the Pioneer Airport hangars
From the EAAs Bell 47 showing the EAA museum with some aircraft on display.
Showing a small ornamental water feature on the edge of Pioneer Airport
Over the “North Forty” showing a few of the visiting aircraft
Over the static area showing some of the aircraft
On a level with Aeroshell Square (now Boeing Plaza)
Static area
A somewhat blurred view through the bubble on the Bell 47 showing Lake Winnebago in the background.
Taken from the Bell 47,showing some of the environs of Oshkosh.
Taken from the Bell 47,showing some of the environs of Oshkosh.
Approaching Oshkosh in a Bell 47
Funk Model B — A classic American light aircraft from the late 1930s, preserved at Pioneer Airport in the EAA hangars and displayed in restored condition with its distinctive high‑wing design and tailwheel configuration.
North American F‑100 Super Sabre — Displayed behind the EAA Museum during AirVenture 2000, shown in its Southeast‑Asia camouflage scheme representing the USAF’s first operational supersonic fighter
Piper PA‑18 Super Cub (N1334A) — U.S. Army–marked Super Cub taxiing during AirVenture 2000. This classic liaison and observation aircraft was valued for its short‑field capability and dependable handling, making it a versatile performer throughout its service life.
Piper PA‑18 Super Cub (N1334A) — Taxiing at AirVenture 2000 in U.S. Army markings, this postwar Super Cub is finished in a bright yellow scheme reminiscent of WWII liaison aircraft.
Cessna 172 Skyhawk II (C‑GPVO) — Seen taxiing at AirVenture 2000, this Canadian‑registered Skyhawk II shows the classic high‑wing configuration and red‑and‑white scheme typical of the era.
Lockheed T‑33A Shooting Star — AirVenture Oshkosh 2000
U.S.‑marked T‑33A in a patriotic red, white, and blue display scheme, featuring full‑length fuselage striping and matching tip‑tank bands. Photographed during static display at AirVenture 2000, representing the classic jet‑trainer era that introduced thousands of pilots to high‑performance flight.
Hawker Hunter F.58 (ex‑Swiss), painted as WB188
A civilian‑registered Hunter fighter displayed behind the EAA Aviation Museum in 2000, finished in a bright red tribute scheme and marked with the false RAF serial WB188. The dog‑tooth leading edge and single‑seat configuration confirm this is a later‑model F.58 rather than the real WB188 prototype. Its US civil registration identifies it as one of several Hunters imported for private operation and display flying in the United States.
Lockheed T‑33A Shooting Star “AVE MARIA” (FT‑749)
Polished‑aluminium USAF jet trainer from the early Cold War era, carrying the nose art “AVE MARIA” and marked with the pilot’s name MAJ JOHN J MARK beneath the canopy. The T‑33 served as the primary jet trainer for a generation of American pilots and remained in service worldwide for decades.
Piasecki H‑21C Shawnee — U.S. Army Transport Helicopter
Tandem‑rotor Piasecki H‑21C “Shawnee,” known for its distinctive curved fuselage and Cold War–era transport role, displayed in U.S. Army markings. The H‑21 served in Arctic operations and early Vietnam deployments, bridging the gap between early piston‑powered helicopters and later turbine‑driven designs.
Republic F‑84E Thunderjet (FS‑282), USAF 71498
A straight‑wing early‑Cold‑War jet fighter used extensively during the Korean War for ground‑attack and escort missions. The F‑84E introduced improved range and systems over earlier models and became one of the USAF’s most important fighter‑bombers of the early jet age.
Ryan NYP “Spirit of St. Louis” Replica — EAA Aviation Museum, Oshkosh
Full‑scale Ryan NYP replica displayed in suspended configuration within the EAA Aviation Museum. Built to represent Charles Lindbergh’s 1927 transatlantic aircraft, the exhibit highlights the NYP’s distinctive high‑wing monoplane design, long‑range fuel configuration, and historic role in early long‑distance aviation.
Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann (CASA 1.131E) — EAA Aviation Museum, Oshkosh
Spanish‑built CASA 1.131E variant of the Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann displayed in suspended configuration at the EAA Aviation Museum. This example features a faired‑over rear cockpit, a common modification for post‑war aerobatic use. The Jungmann’s light handling and structural strength made it one of the most enduring primary trainers and sport aerobatic biplanes of its era.
Brown B‑2 “Miss Los Angeles” — EAA Aviation Museum, Oshkosh
Replica of the 1930 Brown B‑2 air racer “Miss Los Angeles,” carrying its original race number 22 and NX64Y registration. The aircraft’s sleek lines and distinctive hare emblem reflect the Golden Age of air racing, when purpose‑built speed machines competed for national trophies and public acclaim.
de Havilland Mosquito TT.35 (painted as FB.VI RS712 “EG•F”) — EAA Aviation Museum
Post‑war Mosquito TT.35 airframe used in the filming of 633 Squadron, later restored and finished in the markings of FB.VI RS712 of No. 487 Squadron (RNZAF). Although built as a target‑tug variant, the aircraft represents the fighter‑bomber configuration made famous in wartime low‑level strike operations.
Lockheed P‑38J Lightning “Marge” — Tribute to Major Richard I. Bong
Restored P‑38J Lightning finished in the markings of “Marge,” the aircraft flown by Major Richard I. Bong, America’s highest‑scoring fighter ace of World War II. The nose art features a photograph of Bong’s fiancée, Marjorie Vattendahl, as carried on his wartime Lightning during combat operations in the Southwest Pacific.
North American P‑51D Mustang “Gunfighter” (N5428V) P‑51D Mustang “Gunfighter” on display at AirVenture 2000, finished in 355th Fighter Group markings with the yellow‑and‑black checkerboard nose and squadron code U‑CY. This D‑model represents the definitive wartime configuration, powered by the Packard‑built Merlin V‑1650‑7 and equipped with the bubble canopy, dorsal fin fillet, and six .50‑caliber Browning AN/M2 guns that defined the late‑production Mustang’s long‑range escort and air‑superiority capability.
A Beechcraft T‑34 Mentor, the long‑serving primary trainer for both military and civilian pilots, captured on the flight line during AirVenture. Its clean lines and lively handling made it a favourite among student aviators and display pilots alike.
The T‑34B Mentor served as one of the United States Air Force’s foundational post‑war primary trainers, introduced in the mid‑1950s to replace the aging AT‑6 Texan. Built by Beechcraft and derived from the Bonanza airframe, the Mentor provided thousands of student pilots with their first experience of military flying. Its tandem seating, responsive controls, and economical operation made it a mainstay of American and allied training programmes well into the 1970s, with many examples continuing in civilian and warbird service today.
A T‑34B Mentor in classic U.S. training colours taxis for departure, representing the post‑Korean War primary trainer used by both the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Introduced in the mid‑1950s, the Mentor replaced the AT‑6 Texan in naval flight training and provided generations of Navy and Marine student aviators with their first experience of military flying. Many examples, like this one, continue to fly in civilian and warbird service.
A T‑34A Mentor carrying U.S. Navy VC‑35 markings, identified by its civil registration N45DT. Developed from the Beech Bonanza and introduced in the early 1950s, the Mentor served as a primary trainer for both Navy and Marine Corps student aviators, offering economical operation and crisp handling that made it a favourite in the early jet‑age training pipeline.
Beechcraft V35B Bonanza taxiing on the flight line at Oshkosh. The V35B, produced from 1970 to 1982, represents the final evolution of Beechcraft’s iconic V‑tail design, renowned for its distinctive butterfly tail and high‑performance single‑engine capability.
Five aircraft taxying for departure from AirVenture 2000
Extra EA‑400 taxiing for departure. Designed as a high‑performance pressurized touring aircraft, the EA‑400 combines composite construction, a powerful Continental turbocharged engine, and a distinctive high‑wing layout to deliver exceptional range and efficiency.
Rear view of the EAAs Ford-Trimotor taxying out for takeoff, in the foreground a couple of volunteer marshallers await their next aircraft.
EAA’s Ford Tri‑Motor unsticking on takeoff, the classic 1920s corrugated‑metal airliner accelerating past the threshold as its broad high‑lift wing eases it into the climb. One of the earliest successful commercial transports, the Tri‑Motor remains a flying icon of the Golden Age of aviation.
Beechcraft E33 Bonanza taxiing during AirVenture. Part of the 33‑series introduced as the conventional‑tail counterpart to the V‑tail Bonanza, the E33 combined the family’s performance with updated aerodynamics, a refined cabin window layout, and fully retractable landing gear. This example is seen taxiing past the flightline, showing the characteristic Bonanza fuselage profile and mid‑series tail design.
Piper PA‑28‑181 Archer II taxiing for departure during AirVenture. Introduced in 1976 as an improved member of the PA‑28 Cherokee family, the Archer II features a 180‑hp Lycoming engine, semi‑tapered wing, and updated aerodynamics that made it a popular trainer and personal touring aircraft. This example is shown taxiing toward the active runway with its Archer II markings and Piper tail branding clearly visible.
Varga 2150A Kachina taxiing for take‑off during AirVenture. Introduced in the 1970s as a light trainer and sport aircraft, the 2150A features all‑metal construction, fixed tricycle landing gear, and handling qualities that made it popular with flight schools and private owners. This example, N4618V, is shown taxiing toward the active runway in its distinctive blue‑and‑yellow scheme.
Piper PA‑28‑181 Archer II taxiing during AirVenture. Introduced in 1976 as an improved member of the PA‑28 Cherokee family, the Archer II features a 180‑hp Lycoming engine, semi‑tapered wing, and dependable handling that made it a popular trainer and personal touring aircraft. This example is shown taxiing past the flightline with other visiting aircraft visible in the background.
Beechcraft Bonanza V‑tail taxiing during AirVenture. Introduced in 1947, the V‑tail Bonanza became one of the most recognizable and longest‑produced personal aircraft in history, known for its distinctive tail design, efficient performance, and strong following among private pilots. This example, N965Q, is shown taxiing on the flightline with its characteristic V‑tail and Beechcraft lines clearly visible.
Ford 4‑AT Tri‑Motor taxiing during AirVenture. First flown in 1926, the Tri‑Motor became one of America’s earliest successful airliners, recognized for its corrugated metal construction and three‑engine reliability. This restored example is taxiing on the pavement while a Rutan Long‑EZ (N412DM) and a Cessna 172 (N3155F) taxi nearby, creating a striking scene that contrasts early airline design with both homebuilt composite technology and modern light aircraft in active movement.
Light aircraft taxi on a busy general‑aviation ramp during the afternoon fly‑out at AirVenture 2000. A Canadian‑registered Cessna 172 (C‑FWZQ) leads the departure line, followed by a low‑wing twin‑engined aircraft. Additional Cessna and Piper models queue across the ramp as pilots prepare for the end‑of‑show exodus, capturing the steady flow of traffic leaving Oshkosh after the week’s events.
Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVIe TE308 draws a steady crowd during the afternoon of the AirVenture 2000 fly‑out, its polished post‑war RAF scheme standing out against the busy flight line. The aircraft’s red spinner, yellow wing leading edges, and “WM” squadron codes highlight its late‑war heritage as visitors take a final close look before departures begin. With other warbirds and general‑aviation aircraft preparing to leave Oshkosh after a full week of flying and displays, TE308 serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of the Spitfire and its place in aviation history.
A rare two‑seat trainer conversion of the low‑back Spitfire Mk XVI, powered by the Packard‑built Merlin 266 and fitted with the “E‑wing” armament layout. Developed in the post‑war period for advanced instruction and demonstration flying, the T.XVIe retains the late‑war performance of the Merlin‑powered Spitfire while incorporating a second cockpit for training. This restored example appears in RAF Day Fighter Scheme camouflage, representing the type as flown in the closing stages of World War II and into the post‑war era.
Grumman OV‑1D Mohawk — Displayed at AirVenture 2000, this OV‑1D represents the final and most capable evolution of the U.S. Army’s twin‑turboprop battlefield reconnaissance aircraft. The D‑model incorporated improved sensors, night‑operations capability, and the Mohawk’s distinctive triple‑tail configuration. Designed for low‑altitude surveillance, target acquisition, and electronic intelligence, the Mohawk served extensively in Vietnam and throughout the Cold War. This example, marked with nose number 903, appeared at Oshkosh in a light duck‑egg green scheme typical of late‑service and demonstration aircraft.
Consolidated PBY Catalina “Flyin’ Turtle” — Shown arriving on the Oshkosh flightline during AirVenture 2000, this restored Catalina carries the distinctive “Flyin’ Turtle” nose art that became a favourite among visitors. The PBY’s broad parasol wing, twin radial engines, and retractable wingtip floats highlight its role as one of the most versatile flying boats of the Second World War. In this scene, a show marshaller guides the aircraft into position, underscoring the scale of the Catalina as it taxis past the crowd.
Consolidated PBY‑5A Catalina “Flyin’ Turtle” — Displayed at AirVenture 2000, this amphibious PBY‑5A represents the most versatile variant of the Catalina line, combining the flying‑boat hull with fully retractable tricycle landing gear for land‑based operations. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney R‑1830 Twin Wasp radial engines mounted on its high parasol wing, the PBY‑5A served in maritime patrol, anti‑submarine warfare, long‑range reconnaissance, and air‑sea rescue roles throughout the Second World War. The aircraft’s distinctive “Flyin’ Turtle” nose art adds a personal touch typical of wartime crews. In this scene, a show marshaller in a yellow jacket guides the Catalina into position, highlighting the aircraft’s considerable wingspan and presence on the Oshkosh flightline.
North American F‑86F Sabre — Displayed at AirVenture, this restored F‑86F represents the definitive late‑production variant of the Sabre, featuring the “6‑3” wing and improved handling at high speed. Powered by the General Electric J47 turbojet, the F‑86F became the benchmark U.S. fighter of the Korean War, renowned for its agility and its duels with the MiG‑15 over MiG Alley. This example, marked with Luke AFB heritage striping and civil registration N7146L, appears in a polished natural‑metal scheme with period nose art, drawing strong interest from visitors on the Oshkosh flightline.