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.
A line of children’s pedal aircraft is positioned on the grass adjacent to the flightline, each built with metal frames, spoked wheels and simplified control surfaces to replicate vintage light‑aircraft forms. Used for youth engagement and ground‑based display activities, the pedal aircraft are arranged ahead of the main show area with airfield vehicles and facilities visible in the background.
Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor — port engine detail
A close‑up view of the port‑side radial engine on the Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor, photographed during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2004. The polished corrugated metal cowling, exposed cylinder heads and characteristic nacelle structure illustrate the engineering of Ford’s pioneering all‑metal airliner of the late 1920s. Operated by the Experimental Aircraft Association as a flying heritage aircraft, the Trimotor continues to demonstrate the appearance and mechanical character of early commercial aviation.
Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor — cabin view toward the port engine
Photographed from inside the passenger cabin of the Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2004, this view looks out through the cabin window toward the aircraft’s port‑side radial engine and corrugated wing structure. The distinctive duralumin construction and exposed engine installation illustrate the engineering of Ford’s pioneering all‑metal airliner of the late 1920s. Operated by the Experimental Aircraft Association as a flying heritage aircraft, the Trimotor allows visitors to experience early commercial aviation from the same vantage point as its original passengers.
Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor — cabin view toward the port wing
Photographed while seated inside the Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2004, this view looks out from the passenger cabin toward the port wing, strut assembly and engine nacelle. The corrugated duralumin structure and exposed bracing illustrate the characteristic construction of Ford’s pioneering all‑metal airliner of the late 1920s. Operated by the Experimental Aircraft Association as a flying heritage aircraft, the Trimotor offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience early commercial aviation from an authentic passenger’s perspective.
Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor — cabin view toward the port wing and flightline
Photographed while seated inside the Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2004, this view looks out from the passenger cabin toward the port wing, strut assembly and engine nacelle. Beyond the wing, the grass parking area is filled with visiting light aircraft, with a USAF C‑5 Galaxy providing a dramatic backdrop. The scene highlights both the corrugated duralumin structure of Ford’s pioneering all‑metal airliner and the scale of the modern AirVenture show‑ground.
Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor — in‑flight view over Wittman Regional Airport
Photographed from the cabin of the Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2004, this in‑flight view looks past the starboard radial engine toward the hangars and runways of Wittman Regional Airport. The exposed cylinder heads, corrugated metal cowling and broad wing structure illustrate the engineering of Ford’s pioneering all‑metal airliner of the late 1920s. Operated by the Experimental Aircraft Association as a flying heritage aircraft, the Trimotor offers passengers a rare opportunity to experience early commercial aviation while viewing the AirVenture show‑ground from the air.
Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor — in‑flight view over Lake Winnebago
Photographed from the cabin of the Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2004, this view looks past the aircraft’s radial engine toward the shoreline of Lake Winnebago. The broad expanse of water, the tree‑lined coast and the straight inland road illustrate the landscape surrounding Wittman Regional Airport. Operated by the Experimental Aircraft Association as a flying heritage aircraft, the Trimotor provides passengers with a rare opportunity to experience early commercial aviation while taking in panoramic views of the region.
Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor — cockpit view with crew and passengers
Photographed during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2004, this image shows the cockpit of the Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor in flight, with the two pilots at the controls and passengers seated directly behind them. The light‑green interior structure, exposed rivets and simple instrument layout reflect the utilitarian design of Ford’s pioneering all‑metal airliner of the late 1920s. Operated by the Experimental Aircraft Association as a flying heritage aircraft, the Trimotor offers visitors an authentic early‑airline experience, complete with an open cockpit environment and close proximity to the flight crew.
Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor — in‑flight view of the EAA Seaplane Base
Photographed from the cabin of the Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2004, this view looks past the starboard radial engine toward the EAA Seaplane Base on the western shore of Lake Winnebago. The inlet, moored boats and wooded shoreline mark the quiet lakeside setting that contrasts with the main show‑ground at Wittman Regional Airport. Operated by the Experimental Aircraft Association as a flying heritage aircraft, the Trimotor offers passengers a rare opportunity to see both the AirVenture site and the Seaplane Base from the air, much as early airline travellers would have done in the late 1920s.
Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor — in‑flight view of the EAA Seaplane Base
Photographed from the Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2004, this aerial view looks down on the EAA Seaplane Base on the western shore of Lake Winnebago. The lagoon is lined with visiting floatplanes, with additional aircraft moored along the wooded shoreline. The surrounding farmland and lakeside inlets highlight the quiet, rural setting that contrasts with the main AirVenture show‑ground at Wittman Regional Airport. The Trimotor’s scenic circuit offers passengers a rare opportunity to see both sites from the air, echoing the experience of early airline travel in the late 1920s.
Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor — aerial view of the EAA Seaplane Base
Photographed from the Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2004, this aerial view looks down on the EAA Seaplane Base on the western shore of Lake Winnebago. The narrow inlet, wooded shoreline and rows of visiting floatplanes mark the quiet lakeside setting that contrasts with the main AirVenture show‑ground at Wittman Regional Airport. The surrounding farmland and lakeside farms highlight the rural character of the area, seen here from the vantage point of Ford’s pioneering all‑metal airliner.
Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor — aerial view of the EAA Seaplane Base lagoon
Photographed from the Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2004, this view looks down on the quiet lagoon at the EAA Seaplane Base on the western shore of Lake Winnebago. Visiting floatplanes are moored along the sheltered inlet, bordered by dense lakeside vegetation and surrounding farmland. The scene highlights the tranquil, rural character of the Seaplane Base, a marked contrast to the busy show‑ground at Wittman Regional Airport, and reflects the scenic variety visible from Ford’s pioneering all‑metal airliner.
Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor — turning from crosswind onto finals at Oshkosh
Photographed from the Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2004, this view captures the aircraft turning from the crosswind leg onto finals for Wittman Regional Airport. The corrugated wing and strut assembly frame a patchwork of Wisconsin farmland, with the airport’s runways visible ahead. Operated by the Experimental Aircraft Association as a flying heritage aircraft, the Trimotor offers passengers a rare opportunity to experience early commercial‑aviation procedures from an authentic 1920s perspective.
Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor — turning onto finals at Wittman Regional Airport
Photographed from the Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2004, this view captures the aircraft turning onto the final approach leg for Wittman Regional Airport. The radial engine and strut assembly frame the runway ahead, with the surrounding Wisconsin farmland visible beneath the descent path. Operated by the Experimental Aircraft Association as a flying heritage aircraft, the Trimotor offers passengers an authentic 1920s‑era approach perspective as it lines up to land.
Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor — established on finals for Wittman Regional Airport
Photographed from the Ford 4‑AT‑E Trimotor during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2004, this view shows the aircraft fully established on the final approach leg for Wittman Regional Airport. The corrugated wing structure frames the runway ahead, with Wisconsin farmland stretching toward the shoreline of Lake Winnebago. Operated by the Experimental Aircraft Association as a flying heritage aircraft, the Trimotor offers passengers an authentic 1920s‑era approach perspective as it settles onto the glidepath for landing.
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Grumman F4F‑4 Wildcat, AirVenture 2004
A Grumman‑built F4F‑4 Wildcat displayed on the flight line at AirVenture 2004. The F4F‑4 represented the definitive mid‑war development of Grumman’s rugged carrier fighter, introducing folding wings and a six‑gun armament that equipped U.S. Navy and Marine Corps squadrons through the critical early campaigns of the Pacific War. This restored example, carrying wartime U.S. Navy markings, reflects the type’s service aboard fleet and escort carriers during 1942–43.
Grumman TBM‑3E Avenger, AirVenture 2004
A late‑war TBM‑3E Avenger displayed on the flight line at AirVenture 2004. Built by Eastern Aircraft under licence from Grumman, the ‑3E incorporated structural lightening and updated electronics while retaining the Avenger’s role as the U.S. Navy’s principal carrier‑borne torpedo and strike aircraft. This restored example, finished with a yellow cowl ring and wartime U.S. Navy markings, reflects the type’s operational appearance in 1944–45.
Curtiss SB2C‑5 Helldiver, Commemorative Air Force — AirVenture 2004
The Commemorative Air Force’s SB2C‑5 Helldiver displayed on the flight line at AirVenture 2004. The SB2C‑5 was the final wartime development of Curtiss’s carrier‑borne dive‑bomber, operated by a pilot and rear gunner and equipped with folding wings and an internal bomb bay for dive‑bombing and anti‑shipping missions. This aircraft, the world’s only airworthy Helldiver, is presented in late‑war U.S. Navy markings representative of the type’s service in the Pacific from 1944 onwards.
Grumman TBM‑3E Avenger, Commemorative Air Force — AirVenture 2004
A TBM‑3E Avenger from the Commemorative Air Force displayed on the flight line at AirVenture 2004. Built by Eastern Aircraft under licence from Grumman, the ‑3E variant introduced structural lightening and updated electronics while retaining the Avenger’s role as the U.S. Navy’s principal carrier‑borne torpedo and strike aircraft. This restored example, finished in wartime U.S. Navy markings and fitted with the characteristic dorsal turret, represents the type’s operational appearance in 1944–45.
General Motors FM‑2 Wildcat (Fleet Air Arm Wildcat VI markings)
An FM‑2 Wildcat displayed on the grass flight line during an aviation event, finished in Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm markings representing the Wildcat VI, the designation used by the Fleet Air Arm from 1944 onwards. Built by General Motors as the final development of the Wildcat family, the FM‑2 featured a more powerful engine and taller fin to improve performance from escort carriers. This restored example wears a representative Fleet Air Arm camouflage scheme honouring the type’s wartime service, echoing the Wildcats flown from HMS Audacity and later FAA carriers.
General Motors FM‑2 Wildcat (Fleet Air Arm Wildcat VI markings)
An FM‑2 Wildcat of the Commemorative Air Force displayed on the grass flight line during an aviation event, finished in Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm markings representing the Wildcat VI, the designation adopted by the FAA from 1944 onwards. Built by General Motors as the final development of the Wildcat family, the FM‑2 featured a more powerful engine and taller fin to improve performance from escort carriers. This restored example wears a representative Fleet Air Arm camouflage scheme honouring the type’s wartime service.
B‑25 Mitchell Flight Line, AirVenture 2004
A line‑up of North American B‑25 Mitchells on the grass flight line at AirVenture 2004, presented in a variety of restored wartime schemes ranging from natural‑metal to Pacific‑theatre camouflage. Visitors walk among the aircraft, reflecting the scale and diversity of the medium‑bomber presence at Oshkosh and the continuing preservation of one of the Second World War’s most significant twin‑engined types.
North American B‑25J Mitchell (modified) “Betty’s Dream”
The Commemorative Air Force’s B‑25J Betty’s Dream displayed on the grass flight line during an aviation event, restored in the Pacific‑theatre strafer configuration developed for low‑level attack operations. This modified J‑model carries the solid eight‑gun nose, additional forward‑firing armament and late‑war markings of the 499th Bomb Squadron, 345th Bomb Group. The aircraft’s distinctive shark‑mouth nose art reflects the aggressive appearance adopted by many Mitchell units in the closing stages of the Second World War.
North American B‑25J Mitchell “FiFi’s Fury”
A polished‑metal North American B‑25J Mitchell displayed on the grass flight line during an aviation event, finished in a post‑war style scheme with blue cowlings and tail surfaces and carrying the nose art FiFi’s Fury. As the final wartime development of the Mitchell family, the J‑model served widely in medium‑bomber, ground‑attack and anti‑shipping roles. This restored example represents the type’s enduring presence on the warbird circuit and the continuing preservation of one of the Second World War’s most significant twin‑engined aircraft.
North American B‑25J Mitchell (glass‑nose)
The glass‑nose forward section of a North American B‑25J Mitchell displayed on the grass flight line during an aviation event, showing the bombardier’s compartment and the paired forward‑firing guns characteristic of the J‑model bomber configuration. The starboard engine, with its blue cowling, dominates this close‑in view, while the remainder of the aircraft lies out of frame. The B‑25J served widely in medium‑bomber, anti‑shipping and low‑level attack roles during the Second World War, and restored examples continue to illustrate the type’s distinctive nose layout and crew positions.
Junkers Ju 52/3m
A Junkers Ju 52/3m displayed on the grass flight line during an aviation event, showing the type’s distinctive corrugated metal skin, tri‑motor layout and greenhouse cockpit. Introduced in the early 1930s, the Ju 52 served widely as an airliner, transport and paratroop aircraft, becoming one of the most recognisable German aircraft of the period. Restored examples such as this illustrate the rugged construction and characteristic appearance of Junkers’ classic transport aeroplane.
Douglas C‑47A Skytrain “Bluebonnet Belle”
The Commemorative Air Force’s C‑47A Bluebonnet Belle, shown here on the grass flight line during an aviation event, wearing its polished‑metal finish and distinctive nose art. Operated by the CAF’s Highland Lakes Squadron, the aircraft represented the military transport variant of the Douglas DC‑3, a type central to Allied airlift operations during the Second World War. Bluebonnet Belle was lost in a take‑off accident in 2018 and subsequently destroyed by fire, though all occupants escaped safely — a testament to both crew discipline and the ruggedness of the design.
Douglas C‑47A Skytrain “Bluebonnet Belle” — nose‑art detail
A close‑up view of the polished‑metal nose of the Commemorative Air Force’s C‑47A Bluebonnet Belle, showing the aircraft’s distinctive Texas‑themed nose art with its pin‑up figure and Lone Star motif. The artwork reflects the personalised markings commonly applied to transport and combat aircraft during the Second World War and preserves the character of this well‑known CAF Skytrain, which was lost in a 2018 take‑off accident from which all occupants escaped safely.
Grumman HU‑16 Albatross — AirVenture 2004
The Grumman HU‑16 Albatross N16HU on the grass flight line at AirVenture 2004, its high‑mounted wing, twin radial engines and deep boat‑hull fuselage illustrating the type’s dual land‑and‑water capability. Introduced in the late 1940s for long‑range search‑and‑rescue duties with the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard, the Albatross became one of the most recognisable post‑war amphibians. This restored example added a distinctive presence to the 2004 Oshkosh gathering, reflecting the aircraft’s long service in maritime patrol and rescue operations.
North American T‑2B Buckeye, c/n 310‑30
A North American T‑2B Buckeye on the flight line during an aviation event, finished in the U.S. Navy’s high‑visibility red‑and‑white training scheme. The T‑2B represented the second major production version of the Buckeye family, powered by twin J60 engines and used extensively for intermediate jet training throughout the 1960s and 1970s. With its straight wings, tip tanks and compact twin‑engine layout, the Buckeye became a familiar sight at naval air stations during the jet‑age expansion of U.S. Navy pilot training.
North American T‑2B Buckeye, c/n 310‑30
A North American T‑2B Buckeye on the flight line during an aviation event, finished in the U.S. Navy’s high‑visibility red‑and‑white training scheme. The T‑2B represented the second major production version of the Buckeye family, powered by twin J60 engines and used extensively for intermediate jet training throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Its straight wings, tip tanks and compact twin‑engine layout made it a familiar sight at naval air stations during the jet‑age expansion of U.S. Navy pilot training.
de Havilland Sea Venom FAW.53 (single‑seat), ex‑Royal Australian Navy
A de Havilland Sea Venom FAW.53 in its rare single‑seat configuration parked on a hardstanding during an aviation event, showing the type’s twin‑boom layout, naval undercarriage and extended nose profile derived from its all‑weather Fleet Air Arm origins. Operated originally by the Royal Australian Navy, a small number of FAW.53s were later converted to single‑seat form for trials and subsequently entered civilian ownership. Restored examples such as this preserve the distinctive appearance of Britain’s early jet‑age carrier fighters.
North American P‑51 Mustangs — AirVenture 2004
A line of North American P‑51 Mustangs parked tail‑on to the photographer on the grass flight line at AirVenture 2004, their polished metal finishes, wartime markings and distinctive propeller spinners visible along the row. The tail‑on arrangement emphasises the uniformity of the lineup and the variety of restored examples attending the show, reflecting the Mustang’s enduring status as one of the most significant Allied fighters of the Second World War and its strong presence on the modern airshow circuit.
North American P‑51D Mustangs — AirVenture 2004
Two North American P‑51D Mustangs parked on the grass flight line at AirVenture 2004, one carrying a yellow‑and‑black chequered tail and the other finished with a yellow tail and wartime squadron codes. The polished metal surfaces and contrasting markings highlight the variety of restored Mustangs attending the show, reflecting the type’s enduring legacy as one of the most significant Allied fighters of the Second World War.
North American P‑51D Mustang “Gunfighter”
The Commemorative Air Force’s Gunfighter represents the definitive late‑war P‑51D configuration, combining the bubble canopy, dorsal fin fillet and six .50‑calibre Browning machine guns that characterised the type from 1944 onwards. Restored to polished‑metal finish with its distinctive yellow‑and‑black chequered nose markings, Gunfighter serves as a flying memorial to the long‑range escort role the Mustang fulfilled in the European theatre. Operated by the CAF as an airworthy historic aircraft, it continues to demonstrate the performance and handling qualities that made the P‑51D one of the most significant Allied fighters of the Second World War.
North American P‑51D Mustang “Donna‑Mite” (SX‑M).
Presented in a polished‑metal finish with the yellow‑and‑black chequerboard nose markings of the 487th Fighter Squadron, Donna‑Mite carries the squadron code SX‑M in tribute to the Eighth Air Force units that operated Mustangs in long‑range escort and ground‑attack roles during 1944–45. Although finished in a commemorative scheme rather than a direct wartime reproduction, the aircraft retains the defining features of the late‑production P‑51D, including the bubble canopy, dorsal fin fillet and six .50‑calibre Browning machine guns. Maintained in airworthy condition, Donna‑Mite continues to fly as a representative example of the Mustang’s operational appearance in the final year of the Second World War.
McDonnell Douglas C‑17A Globemaster III — Air Mobility Command, McGuire AFB.
A USAF C‑17A Globemaster III stands on the airfield with the AMC tail flash and McGuire base marking prominent on the fin, identifying it as an aircraft from Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst. Operated by Air Mobility Command, the C‑17A provides long‑range strategic and tactical airlift, capable of transporting troops, vehicles and outsized cargo into short or semi‑prepared airstrips. Introduced in the 1990s, the type has become the backbone of the USAF’s global mobility fleet, supporting humanitarian relief, aeromedical evacuation and rapid‑deployment operations worldwide.
The Grumman G‑164 Ag Cat N6827 sits on the grass among the show tents, its bright yellow wings and rugged box‑section fuselage marking it as one of the most distinctive agricultural biplanes ever built. The tall fin, wide‑track undercarriage and radial engine installation give the Ag Cat its purposeful stance as visitors pause to look over the classic crop‑spraying workhorse on a warm show‑day afternoon.
The Boeing CH‑47 Chinook, marked as 326, sits in Boeing Plaza at AirVenture, its tall tandem‑rotor silhouette dominating the central display area. Crowds gather around the heavy‑lift helicopter, the broad sponsons, high rear ramp line and purposeful military profile standing out against the open plaza as visitors move through the heart of the show.
The Sikorsky S‑38 sits on display, its twin radial engines mounted between the wings and the deep flying‑boat hull capturing the unmistakable lines of Igor Sikorsky’s early amphibian designs. Visitors gather around the rare inter‑war flying boat as the afternoon light picks out the struts, hull contours and fabric surfaces, offering a close look at one of the most distinctive amphibians of the 1920s and 1930s.
The Basler BT‑67 PNC‑0256 of the Policía Nacional stands on the ramp as uniformed personnel walk past, the stretched fuselage, turboprop nacelles and modernised cockpit profile marking it as a fully converted BT‑67 rather than an original C‑47. The clean tail markings and updated systems give the classic Douglas airframe a renewed operational life against the backdrop of visiting aircraft and showground activity.
The Cessna 172S Skyhawk N473ER of Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University sits on the grass beside the university’s display tents, its blue‑and‑gold striping and clean trainer configuration marking it as one of ERAU’s modern flight‑training aircraft. The high‑wing layout and familiar Skyhawk profile stand out against the white‑and‑blue welcome pavilion on a bright show‑day afternoon.