AirVenture 2004 marked another expansive year at Oshkosh, with the showground filled by a broad mix of warbirds, homebuilts, classics and modern general aviation types. The event continued its tradition of combining flying displays with hands‑on access to aircraft on the flightline, giving visitors the chance to see both rare restorations and contemporary designs at close quarters. From frontline military demonstrations to grassroots experimental projects, the 2004 gathering reflected the full spectrum of aviation culture that defines AirVenture, set against the familiar backdrop of summer activity at Wittman Regional Airport.
KidVenture volunteers in red shirts and white shorts running a youth activity on the grass at Pioneer Airport during AirVenture 2004, seen from the Bell 47G as it transits the field. The cones, tent and parked vehicles frame the dedicated KidVenture area, set apart from the main AirVenture flightline and offering young visitors hands‑on aviation experiences.
Static display at Pioneer Airport during AirVenture 2004, photographed from the Bell 47G, featuring a Douglas C‑47 Skytrain with three light aircraft arranged alongside on the grass. Visitors walk among the aircraft against the backdrop of Pioneer’s trees, tents and parked vehicles, capturing the vintage‑airfield atmosphere that defines the Pioneer side of Oshkosh.
Republic F‑84F Thunderstreak on roadside display at the EAA Aviation Museum, photographed from the Bell 47G during AirVenture 2004. The swept‑wing jet is shown in its under‑wing‑tank configuration, standing on the museum‑side grass plot beside the highway, with visitors gathered around and the surrounding commercial buildings and traffic forming the backdrop.
AirVenture 2004 seen from the Bell 47G, showing the full expanse of the Oshkosh showgrounds with runways, aircraft parking, camping areas and vehicle fields stretching across the landscape. The aerial perspective captures the scale of the world’s largest aviation gathering, with tents, RVs and visitors filling the grounds beneath a hazy summer sky.
Lockheed C‑141 Starlifter on landing roll at AirVenture 2004, photographed from the Bell 47G with rows of light aircraft, tents and show structures lining the Oshkosh flightline. The aerial perspective highlights the Starlifter’s distinctive long fuselage and swept‑wing layout against the busy summer landscape.
North 40 general‑aviation parking at AirVenture 2004, photographed from the Bell 47G, showing rows of visiting light aircraft spread across the grass with tents, vehicles and show infrastructure filling the Oshkosh landscape. The aerial perspective captures the scale and variety of the world’s largest fly‑in camping area.
Homebuilt and exhibitor parking at AirVenture 2004, photographed from the Bell 47G, showing rows of visiting aircraft mixed with striped‑roof tents, vendor structures and showplane displays. The layout and tent pattern place this in the central Homebuilt/Exhibits zone rather than the Vintage area, where the Red Barn would be visible
Warbirds flightline at AirVenture 2004, photographed from the Bell 47G, showing ex‑military aircraft parked on the grass beside the main runways with visitors moving among them. The aerial perspective captures the scale of the Warbirds ramp, with the surrounding hangars and taxiways framing one of Oshkosh’s signature display areas.
North 40 general‑aviation parking at AirVenture 2004, photographed from the Bell 47G, showing long, perfectly aligned rows of visiting light aircraft stretching across the grass. The aerial perspective highlights the scale and order of Oshkosh’s signature fly‑in camping area, with aircraft parked nose‑to‑tail in the classic North 40 layout.
Aerial view of Wittman Regional Airport during EAA AirVenture, showing dense aircraft parking across the grass flightline and taxiways, with the city of Oshkosh visible beyond the field. The image captures the scale and organisation of the world’s largest annual aviation gathering.
EAA Aviation Museum, Oshkosh, Wisconsin — View from a Bell 47 on final approach to land at Pioneer Airport. The helicopter descends over the museum complex, with the Wittman‑labelled hangars, main exhibition building, and surrounding visitor facilities visible below during the return leg of the AirVenture scenic flight.
Pioneer Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin — Aerial view of the ornamental lake on the eastern edge of the Pioneer grounds, showing the tree‑covered island and wooden footbridge linking to the shoreline. Photographed during a low‑level circuit, the image captures the landscaped water feature that borders the heritage airfield at the EAA Museum campus.
Pioneer Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin — Aerial view of the Pioneer Airport campus showing the heritage hangars, the Wittman Hangar, and the Founders’ Wing arranged along the grass airfield. Photographed from low altitude during a circuit, the image captures the full layout of the vintage‑themed airfield adjacent to the EAA Aviation Museum.
Pioneer Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin — Aerial view of the eastern grass display area showing a Northrop F‑89 Scorpion parked alongside a Bell 47 helicopter. In the zoomed‑in view, the Bell 47 is seen from the same angle at closer range, sitting on the grass near the access road and museum service buildings during AirVenture.
US‑41 corridor west of the EAA Aviation Museum, Oshkosh, Wisconsin — Aerial view showing the multi‑lane highway with heavy truck traffic and the adjacent commercial complex with its blue‑roofed retail building and full car park. Photographed from low altitude while manoeuvring west of the Pioneer Airport circuit.
Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin — Aerial view of the North 40 aircraft parking and camping area during AirVenture, showing hundreds of visiting general‑aviation aircraft arranged in long rows beside Runway 18/36. The scale of arrivals is evident across the grass parking fields, framed by the surrounding treeline and airport infrastructure.
EAA Aviation Museum, Oshkosh, Wisconsin — Aerial view of the museum’s west lawn showing the North American B‑25J Mitchell on outdoor display, the glazed‑nose bomber variant of the WWII medium bomber set on the landscaped grass beside the main building and access road.
Pioneer Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin — Aerial view across the north grass operations area during AirVenture, showing ground crew, a temporary event tent, and visitors dispersed across the field, with the tree line and outskirts of Oshkosh visible on the horizon.
Pioneer Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin — View from a Bell 47 as another Bell 47 transits the grass operations area during AirVenture, with a temporary event tent and ground crew visible below under an overcast sky.
Pioneer Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin — A Bell 47 hovers over the grass operations area during AirVenture, its bubble canopy and exposed tail‑boom structure clearly visible, with parked cars and the tree line forming the backdrop.
Pioneer Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin — A Bell 47 lifts away from the grass operations area en route to refuel, its bubble canopy and open tail‑boom structure clear against the tree line and buildings beyond.
Pioneer Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin — The Curtiss JN‑4 “Jenny” on static display inside the hangar, the classic First World War‑era trainer shown with its two‑bay biplane wings, wire‑braced structure and OX‑5‑powered nose, roped off for visitors with interpretive signage nearby.
Pioneer Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin — The Waco EGC‑8 on static display inside the hangar, the 1930s Custom Cabin biplane shown in its bright red finish with radial engine, two‑bay wings and wheel spats, roped off for visitors with other vintage aircraft visible in the background.
Travel Air E‑4000 (NC648H), built in 1929, displayed in its classic Golden Age configuration with the distinctive open‑cockpit layout, wire‑braced two‑bay wings and Curtiss‑Wright lineage. Registered to the Experimental Aircraft Association, this example represents the final evolution of the Travel Air sport biplane series, restored to period appearance and preserved as part of the organisation’s historic aircraft collection.
ERCO Ercoupe 415‑C (NC28961) — An American low‑wing monoplane first flown in 1937, designed by Fred Weick as a spin‑proof, stall‑resistant light aeroplane with simplified controls and tricycle undercarriage. This polished‑metal example displays the type’s distinctive twin‑fin tail and clean fuselage lines, preserved as part of the historic aircraft collection inside the hangar.
Morane‑Saulnier MS.181 (N304JX / F‑AJXN) — A late‑1920s French parasol‑wing primary trainer from the MS.180 family, photographed at Oshkosh prior to its return to France. This lightweight trainer, powered by an inline engine and distinguished by its slim fuselage, strut‑braced wing and spoked undercarriage, is one of only two surviving MS.180‑series aircraft still flying. Now privately owned in France, it represents one of the rarest inter‑war Morane‑Saulnier types still airworthy.
Taylorcraft BC‑12D (N1050H) — A post‑war American light, high‑wing monoplane with strut‑braced wings and taildragger undercarriage. Popular with flying clubs and private owners in the late 1940s and 1950s, the BC‑12D combined low operating costs with excellent short‑field performance. This example, carrying the civil registration N1050H, is displayed inside the hangar in a red‑and‑yellow scheme.
Funk Model B — A late‑1930s American high‑wing monoplane built by the Funk Aircraft Company of Coffeyville, Kansas. The Model B was widely used for private flying and ab‑initio training thanks to its economical Continental engine, strut‑braced wing and straightforward handling. This restored example, displayed in a museum setting with protective ropes and an information placard, features a period two‑tone finish typical of many surviving Funks.
Waco CTO‑T Taperwing “Johnny Livingston Special” — A Jacobs‑powered example of Waco’s classic 1930s Taperwing design, finished in the racing colours associated with air‑race pilot Johnny Livingston. With its swept, fully tapered wings and radial‑engine installation, this aircraft reflects the performance lineage of the original Golden Age racers while incorporating a dual‑cockpit layout typical of later restorations and reproductions.
Waco QCF‑series biplane — A 1930s Waco F‑series open‑cockpit biplane, representative of the QCF family developed for civilian sport and touring use. This example carries the classic Waco radial‑engine installation, two‑bay wing cellule and streamlined fuselage lines typical of the early F‑series designs. Although individual survivors often differ in detail due to decades of rebuilds and component changes, the aircraft retains the characteristic proportions and flying‑surface layout associated with the QCF lineage.
Fairchild PT‑26 Cornell — A U.S. Army Air Corps primary trainer of the early 1940s, powered by a Ranger inverted inline engine and finished in the standard blue‑and‑yellow training scheme. The PT‑26 was the cold‑weather variant of the PT‑19 family, featuring an enclosed cockpit fairing and the Cornell’s characteristic low‑wing monoplane layout with single‑bay struts. This example represents one of the most widely used American monoplane trainers of the Second World War.
Lincoln‑Page LP‑65 Cabin Monoplane — A large, high‑wing cabin monoplane of the early 1930s, built for private and business touring. Powered by a radial engine and fitted with a spacious four‑seat cabin, the LP‑65 offered strong performance and practical range for Golden Age cross‑country flying. Displayed here in the Pioneer Airport hangars, it represents one of the distinctive and lesser‑known American cabin monoplanes of the inter‑war period.
Consolidated PT‑3 (replica) — A reproduction of the late‑1920s U.S. Army Air Corps primary trainer, powered by a Wright Whirlwind radial engine and built in the classic two‑bay biplane configuration. The PT‑3 introduced thousands of cadets to military flying and represents the transition from World War I–era trainers to more modern inter‑war designs. This replica, finished in period yellow‑wing colours, is displayed in the Pioneer Airport hangars as part of the Golden Age training collection.
Howard DGA‑6 “Mister Mulligan” (replica) — A high‑wing cabin racing monoplane built by Ben Howard for the mid‑1930s Bendix and Thompson Trophy races. Powered by a powerful radial engine and carrying the famous race number 40, “Mister Mulligan” combined long‑range capability with high speed and became one of the most successful Golden Age air racers. This replica, displayed in the Pioneer Airport hangars with its engine uncowled, highlights the distinctive lines and engineering of Howard’s record‑setting design.
Bücker Bü 133 Jungmeister — A single‑seat German aerobatic biplane of the mid‑1930s, renowned for its agility and precision handling. Powered by a Siemens‑Halske radial engine and built with compact, highly staggered wings, the Jungmeister became one of the most successful aerobatic aircraft of its era. This restored example, registered N258H and finished in an orange‑and‑white scheme, is displayed in the Pioneer Airport hangars.
Taylor J‑2 Cub — The 1936 Taylor J‑2 Cub was the breakthrough design that launched the famous Cub lineage, combining simplicity, low cost and excellent handling in a lightweight high‑wing monoplane. Featuring the J‑2’s characteristic V‑strut wing, narrow‑track split‑axle undercarriage and early Taylor tail design, this original airframe is displayed in the Pioneer Airport hangars wearing a period‑style registration.
Piper J‑3 Cub — The iconic American light aircraft of the late 1930s and 1940s, the J‑3 Cub became famous for its simplicity, forgiving handling and excellent short‑field performance. With its shoulder‑mounted wing, single lift‑strut layout, narrow‑track bungee undercarriage and Continental engine, the Cub defined an era of grassroots flying. This restored example, finished in a red and grey scheme, is displayed in the Pioneer Airport hangars.
Funk Model B (B‑85C) — Designed in the late 1930s by brothers Howard and Joe Funk, the Funk Model B was a rugged, efficient two‑seat light aircraft built in Coffeyville, Kansas. Featuring a shoulder‑mounted wing, single lift‑strut layout and a distinctive deep‑bodied fuselage, the Funk offered stable handling and excellent short‑field performance. Powered by a Continental 85 hp engine in the B‑85C configuration, this restored example — finished in a red fuselage with a contrasting wing — is displayed in the Pioneer Airport hangars.
The visitor (me) takes a seat in Pioneer Airport’s whimsical biplane photo prop — a light‑hearted nod to the barnstorming era and a favourite spot for memorable snapshots during a day at the EAA AirVenture Museum.
Pietenpol Air Camper (N7533U, c/n 20) — Designed in 1929 by Bernard Pietenpol, the Air Camper became one of the most influential homebuilt aircraft of the 20th century. Its simple wood‑and‑fabric construction, straightforward handling and low operating costs made it a favourite among amateur builders for decades. This example, construction number 20 and completed in 1966, is registered N7533U and marked “EXPERIMENTAL.” It represents the enduring appeal of grassroots aviation and is displayed in the Pioneer Airport hangars.
Pietenpol Air Camper (Experimental) — Designed in 1929 by Bernard Pietenpol, the Air Camper became one of the most influential homebuilt aircraft of the early aviation era. Built from wood and fabric and powered by small automotive or Continental engines, the type offered affordable flying to generations of amateur constructors. This example, finished in a red and cream scheme and marked “EXPERIMENTAL,” reflects the classic open‑cockpit layout, wire‑braced wings and exposed‑engine installation that define the Pietenpol tradition. Displayed in the Pioneer Airport hangars, it represents the enduring appeal of grassroots aviation.
Nicholas‑Beazley Pobjoy Special (Replica / Tribute Build) — A recreation of the tiny Golden Age racing monoplanes produced by the Nicholas‑Beazley Aircraft Company of Marshall, Missouri. Powered originally by the compact Pobjoy R radial engine, the Pobjoy Specials were renowned for their light weight, clean lines and impressive performance for their size. This low‑wing monoplane, displayed among the Pioneer Airport collection, captures the distinctive proportions and racing spirit of the 1930s Nicholas‑Beazley designs.
Wittman W‑5 Buttercup (N18268) — Designed in 1938 by Steve Wittman, the W‑5 Buttercup was an innovative light aircraft featuring a fully cantilever high wing, Wittman’s patented spring landing gear and excellent short‑field performance. This example, registered N18268 and finished in green with a yellow wing, is preserved in the EAA Aviation Museum collection at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, representing Wittman’s enduring influence on homebuilt and sport aviation.
Wittman “Harley Ableson” — Reproduction
A faithful reproduction of Steve Wittman’s Harley‑Davidson–powered shoulder‑wing homebuilt, the “Harley Ableson” recreates one of Wittman’s most unconventional early aircraft. The design features a fully plywood‑covered fuselage, a shoulder‑mounted wing supported solely by V‑lift struts, and a Harley‑Davidson V‑twin engine reflecting Wittman’s interest in lightweight, low‑cost powerplants. Displayed within the EAA Aviation Museum’s Pioneer Airport collection, this reproduction preserves the configuration and character of a rare early Wittman design no longer extant in original form.
Wittman W‑10 Tailwind
Designed by Steve Wittman in the 1950s, the W‑10 Tailwind is a high‑wing, strut‑braced, two‑seat homebuilt aircraft known for its exceptional performance and efficiency. Featuring a steel‑tube fuselage with sheeted sides, a single lift strut per wing and a compact, streamlined engine cowl, the Tailwind became one of the most influential designs in the post‑war homebuilt movement. This example, finished in bright red and marked EXPERIMENTAL, represents the enduring legacy of Wittman’s innovative approach to light‑aircraft design.
Wittman V‑Witt — Replica (Registration N3259)
A reproduction of Steve Wittman’s compact post‑war midget racer, the V‑Witt, finished in its distinctive green‑and‑yellow scheme and carrying the historic registration N3259. Designed for closed‑course competition, the V‑Witt exemplified Wittman’s philosophy of achieving high speed through minimal frontal area, refined aerodynamics and lightweight construction. This replica, displayed in the EAA Aviation Museum’s Golden Age racing gallery, preserves the sleek lines and competitive spirit of one of Wittman’s most efficient custom racers.
Keith Rider R‑5 “Jackrabbit” — Replica (Race No. 22)
A reproduction of the 1930s Keith Rider R‑5 Jackrabbit, one of the sleekest radial‑engined midget racers of the Golden Age. Finished in a black‑and‑yellow racing scheme and carrying the number 22, the R‑5 combined a compact mid‑wing layout, clipped wings and a tightly cowled radial engine to maximise speed around closed‑course pylons. Displayed within the EAA Aviation Museum’s Golden Age racing gallery, this replica preserves the distinctive proportions and competitive spirit of Rider’s innovative racing design.
Pheasant H‑10 (NC151N)
Built in 1929 by the Pheasant Aircraft Company of Minneapolis, the H‑10 was a light utility and sport biplane typical of late‑1920s American general aviation. Powered by a radial engine and featuring a straightforward two‑bay wing structure, the H‑10 offered stable handling and practical performance for private owners and small operators. This example, serial number 136 and registered as NC151N, is preserved by the EAA Aviation Foundation and displayed in its red‑and‑silver scheme within the Golden Age gallery.
Aeronca C‑2 (c.1930) Nicknamed the “Flying Bathtub” for its narrow, tub‑like fuselage, the Aeronca C‑2 was one of the first truly affordable light aeroplanes in the United States. Introduced in 1930 and powered by a small two‑cylinder engine mounted in a minimal cowl, the C‑2 used a parasol wing, wire‑braced tail and extremely lightweight construction to deliver simple, economical flying at a time when private aviation was still in its infancy. This example, displayed in period colours, represents the earliest generation of Aeronca’s influential light aircraft lineage.
Piper PA‑15 Vagabond — NC19723 (1948)
Introduced in 1948 as Piper’s first post‑war light aircraft, the PA‑15 Vagabond was a compact, economical two‑seat monoplane derived from the J‑3 Cub. Featuring a strut‑braced high wing, side‑by‑side seating and a fully cowled Continental engine, the Vagabond offered lively performance and low operating costs. Registered as NC19723, this example represents the earliest generation of Piper’s short‑wing family and is displayed in classic Cub‑yellow markings.
Aeronca 7AC Champion (early production), c.1946 — An early example of Aeronca’s post‑war two‑seat light aeroplane, finished in a period Golden Age scheme and displayed in the Pioneer Airport hangars. The first‑generation 7‑series retained several pre‑standardisation features, including a deeper rounded engine cowling and wire‑braced tailplane, before later Champs adopted strut‑braced tail surfaces and revised cowl geometry. Powered by a 65‑hp Continental A‑65 and built with welded steel‑tube fuselage and fabric covering, the early 7AC combined benign handling with short‑field capability, becoming one of the most widely flown training and club aircraft of the late 1940s. This example carries the classic Aeronca tail logo, linking the type back to the company’s Cincinnati origins.