AirVenture 2007 marked a transitional moment in Oshkosh’s modern era: a year where classic warbirds, emerging homebuilt technology, and a rapidly expanding light‑sport sector all shared the same flightline. The show reflected the maturing of the LSA category only three years after its introduction, with manufacturers using Oshkosh as the proving ground for new composite designs and refined avionics suites.
On the warbird side, the ramp carried its familiar weight of history, from frontline Second World War fighters to large‑scale restorations that had only recently returned to the air. The daily programme blended precision aerobatics, heritage flypasts, and the increasingly ambitious afternoon showcases that defined mid‑2000s Oshkosh.
Across Wittman Regional Airport, the grounds continued to evolve: expanded exhibit hangars, a busier North 40, and a growing international presence that underscored AirVenture’s role as the global meeting point for general aviation. Whether on the flightline, the seaplane base, or the homebuilt parking rows, 2007 captured the energy of an event balancing tradition with technological change.
Raytheon T‑1A Jayhawk of the USAF’s 12th Flying Training Wing, displayed on the AirVenture 2007 flight‑line at Oshkosh. Finished in the late‑service trainer grey scheme and carrying the RA tailcode of Randolph AFB, the Jayhawk represents the tanker‑transport pilot training track within Air Education and Training Command. Visitors move between the static displays in warm afternoon light, with other USAF types visible across the ramp.
Fairchild KR‑21A (NC‑207Y) on static display at a vintage fly‑in, the compact two‑seat sport biplane finished in dark green with cream wings and tail surfaces. Introduced in the early 1930s, the KR‑21A represented Fairchild’s effort to produce an affordable, lightweight trainer and recreational aircraft during the Depression era, combining a small radial engine with a simple, rugged structure and lively handling.
In the foreground, the aircraft is accompanied by the two young ladies who flew it to the event — one seated beside the lower wing and the other kneeling on the grass — reflecting the hands‑on, personal connection typical of the antique‑aircraft community. Their presence underscores the KR‑21A’s enduring appeal as a pilot’s aeroplane: open‑cockpit, responsive, and evocative of the golden age of American sport flying.
Set among other period aircraft and showground activity, NC‑207Y’s wire‑braced wings, fixed landing gear, and period registration lettering capture the charm and simplicity of pre‑war aviation.
Grumman J2F Duck amphibian, the US Navy’s distinctive pre‑war and wartime utility biplane, displayed on the grass with its yellow‑cowled radial engine, silver‑grey hull, and green tail. Introduced in the mid‑1930s, the Duck combined a boat‑hull fuselage with a retractable wheeled undercarriage and twin stabilising floats, giving it true amphibious capability for rescue, liaison, and general utility duties.
This restored example shows the type’s characteristic compact biplane layout and rugged naval construction, presented here on an open showground with spectators and tents in the background — a rare opportunity to see one of the few surviving Ducks up close, away from any other classic aircraft.
Waco A‑10, an early‑1930s open‑cockpit biplane from the Waco Aircraft Company of Troy, Ohio, displayed in a striking red finish at an outdoor aviation event. The A‑10 belongs to Waco’s early “A‑series” of sport and training aircraft, distinguished by their ailerons fitted to both upper and lower wings, two‑bay bracing, and the clean, purposeful lines typical of Waco’s pre‑war designs.
Powered by a radial engine and built for private owners, flying clubs, and barnstorming pilots, the A‑10 offered lively handling and robust construction at a time when civilian aviation was rapidly expanding. This restored example shows the type’s characteristic wide‑track landing gear, balanced control surfaces, and classic Waco proportions, presented here on the showground with spectators and tents in the background.
North American T‑6 Texan (TA‑172 / N6172), the iconic WWII advanced trainer used by the United States and Commonwealth air forces, displayed in a polished‑aluminium finish at an outdoor aviation event. Introduced in 1938, the T‑6 trained tens of thousands of pilots in aerobatics, formation flying, gunnery, and combat manoeuvres, earning its reputation as the “pilot‑maker” of the Allied air forces.
This restored example carries the TA‑172 training code and retains the type’s distinctive greenhouse canopy, Pratt & Whitney radial engine, and wide‑track landing gear. Parked on the grass with placards in front and show tents behind, it offers spectators a close look at one of the most important training aircraft of the Second World War — a machine whose handling qualities prepared pilots for frontline fighters such as the P‑51 Mustang and the Spitfire.
Aeronca L‑3B Grasshopper, a U.S. Army Air Forces liaison and observation aircraft of the early Second World War, displayed in full wartime markings with olive‑drab camouflage and invasion stripes. Introduced in 1942 as the O‑58, the L‑3 served as a lightweight “grasshopper” aircraft for artillery spotting, courier duties, and short‑field liaison work, operating from improvised strips close to the front lines.
This example shows the type’s characteristic small fin and rudder, narrow‑track landing gear, and tandem greenhouse cockpit — features that distinguish the L‑3 from the later and larger Stinson L‑5. Parked on the grass with spectators and tents behind, it represents one of the earliest and lightest of the USAAF’s wartime liaison aircraft, valued for its simplicity, low operating cost, and ability to fly from almost anywhere.
Douglas DC‑3C (N34), the Federal Aviation Administration’s long‑serving flight‑inspection and training aircraft, displayed in its polished‑aluminium finish with orange cowlings and lightning‑bolt trim. Originally delivered as a military C‑47 and later converted to DC‑3C civil standard, N34 served for decades with the FAA’s Flight Inspection Division, supporting the calibration of navigation aids, instrument‑approach procedures, and air‑traffic‑control systems across the United States.
Retained in later years as a flying classroom and public‑outreach aircraft, N34 became one of the most recognisable Dakotas in government service. Seen here on the grass with spectators and tents behind, it represents both the enduring utility of the DC‑3 airframe and the FAA’s long tradition of airborne inspection and training operations.
Pitts S‑1 Special, the iconic single‑seat American aerobatic biplane designed by Curtis Pitts, displayed under a show tent in a striking black‑and‑red scheme with a checkerboard rudder and red star fuselage marking. Introduced in the mid‑1940s and refined over decades, the S‑1 became one of the most successful aerobatic aircraft ever built, renowned for its compact size, exceptional roll rate, and ability to perform high‑energy manoeuvres with precision.
This example shows the type’s characteristic short‑span wings, lightweight steel‑tube fuselage, and minimalist cockpit — features that made the Pitts a dominant force in aerobatic competition for generations. Seen here among other display aircraft at the event, it represents the enduring appeal of the classic homebuilt and factory‑produced Pitts Specials in the world of sport aviation.
North American P‑51D Mustang “PAUL I” (44‑75007), a restored example of the definitive late‑war Mustang variant, displayed in a yellow‑nose and blue‑upper‑fuselage scheme with full invasion stripes. Introduced in 1944, the P‑51D combined the Packard‑Merlin engine with a bubble canopy, improved visibility, and six .50‑calibre guns, becoming one of the most effective long‑range escort fighters of the European air war.
This aircraft carries the personal nose name “PAUL I” and the pilot’s name Colonel Paul H. Poberezny painted beneath the canopy in authentic wartime style. Retaining the type’s laminar‑flow wing, dorsal fin fillet, and four‑blade propeller, it stands on the grass among spectators and tents, representing the Mustang’s enduring legacy in Allied air superiority.
Ford 4‑AT‑B Trimotor, factory number 1077, one of the earliest surviving examples of Ford’s pioneering all‑metal airliner, displayed in polished‑aluminium finish with the classic Ford script and its original factory fleet number on the fin. Built in 1928 as 4‑AT‑8, this aircraft later flew with Island Airlines, serving the Lake Erie island communities for decades and becoming one of the best‑known Trimotors in American regional aviation.
Retaining the type’s corrugated metal skin, high‑mounted strut‑braced wing, and three radial engines, 1077 stands here on the grass with spectators nearby and a USAF C‑5 Galaxy towering behind it — a dramatic contrast between the earliest generation of commercial airliners and modern heavy‑lift transport aircraft.
Ford 4‑AT‑E Tri‑Motor displayed alongside a USAF C‑5B Galaxy on the AirVenture 2007 flight‑line at Oshkosh. The classic corrugated‑metal “Tin Goose” sits in sharp contrast to the vast Galaxy behind it, its raised nose‑door open for visitors. The pairing highlights eight decades of progress in American transport aviation, from early commercial tri‑motors to one of the world’s largest strategic airlifters.
McDonnell Douglas F‑4E Phantom II in Euro‑1 camouflage on static display at AirVenture 2007, Oshkosh. Carrying the TD tailcode and slatted‑wing configuration of late‑service E‑models, the aircraft represents the USAF’s Cold War tactical fighter era. Visitors gather around the Phantom in warm afternoon light, with other show aircraft and tents visible across the flight‑line.
Boeing KC‑135R Stratotanker on static display at AirVenture 2007, Oshkosh. The CFM56‑powered R‑model sits with high‑visibility intake covers fitted — standard FOD‑prevention practice for aircraft parked on a public flight‑line. Visitors move around the tanker under broken cloud, with show tents and other aircraft forming the backdrop.
Interior of a Lockheed C‑5A Galaxy on public walkthrough at AirVenture 2007, Oshkosh. Visitors move through the cavernous cargo bay toward the open rear ramp, with the Galaxy’s deep fuselage frames, overhead structural beams and heavy‑duty tie‑down floor clearly visible. The scene highlights the immense scale of the USAF’s strategic airlifter during a rare public open‑ramp display.
Consolidated B‑24A “Ol’ 927” on the AirVenture 2007 warbird ramp at Oshkosh. Visitors walk among the aircraft under warm summer skies, with support tents and display shelters set back behind the flight‑line. The scene highlights the rarity of the early‑model Liberator on public display.
Consolidated B‑24A Liberator “Ol’ 927” on the AirVenture 2007 warbird ramp at Oshkosh. Visitors walk among the aircraft under warm summer skies, with support shelters and exhibit banners set back behind the flight‑line. The early‑model Liberator’s distinctive nose glazing and camouflage finish stand out as one of the rarest surviving variants on public display.
Douglas C‑54E Skymaster “Spirit of Freedom” on the AirVenture 2007 warbird ramp at Oshkosh. Visitors queue at the aft door to tour the Berlin Airlift veteran, its commemorative markings and national flags recalling the aircraft’s role in the 1948–49 humanitarian airlift. The Skymaster sits on the concrete apron under warm summer skies, with other show aircraft and spectators in the background.
Interior of a Consolidated B‑24 Liberator on public walkthrough at AirVenture 2007, looking aft toward the rear gunner’s position. The ribbed fuselage frames, corrugated walkway and exposed control runs reveal the utilitarian structure of the Liberator’s aft fuselage, leading back to the aircraft’s tail‑defence station.
Browning AN/M2 .50‑calibre machine gun in the starboard waist‑gun position of Consolidated B‑24A “Ol’ 927” on the AirVenture 2007 warbird ramp at Oshkosh. The close‑up shows the perforated barrel shroud and flexible mounting, with other visiting aircraft on the flight‑line visible beyond the open waist window.
Interior of Consolidated B‑24A Liberator “Ol’ 927” at AirVenture 2007, looking forward along the fuselage toward the nose section. The narrowing frames, corrugated walkway and fold‑down crew seats show the utilitarian structure of the Liberator’s forward fuselage as visitors move through the aircraft on public display.
Bomb bay of Consolidated B‑24A Liberator “Ol’ 927” at AirVenture 2007, showing two bombs mounted on the starboard rack — one close to the camera and a second positioned further forward. The port rack is out of frame, leaving the starboard‑side load and the Liberator’s riveted internal structure clearly visible as visitors pass through on public display.
Lowered Sperry ball turret of Consolidated B‑24A Liberator “Ol’ 927” at AirVenture 2007, viewed from inside the fuselage. The turret support ring, suspension trunnions and operating linkages are visible with the turret in its deployed position for public display.
Cockpit of the Consolidated B‑24A Ol’ 927, showing the early‑series Liberator flight deck with its twin, separately‑mounted control columns, pedestal‑mounted engine controls and the original A‑model instrument layout. The forward greenhouse glazing and early‑block panel structure are characteristic of the LB‑30/B‑24A lineage, preserved in this aircraft throughout her service and restoration history.
View from the upper hatch of the B‑24A Ol’ 927 as a mass formation of Piper PA‑28s climbs out overhead during the 36‑ship world‑record attempt at Oshkosh. The PA‑28 elements form up above the Liberator while building the record‑setting pattern.
Douglas C‑54/DC‑4 Spirit of Freedom (N904DC) on static display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007. Operated by the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation, the aircraft represents one of the principal types used during the 1948–49 Berlin Airlift. Visitors walk the show line around the aircraft, with tents and other display aircraft visible across the 2007 flight‑line.
NASA F/A‑18B Hornet “NASA 846” on static display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007. Operated as a two‑seat chase and research‑support aircraft, the Hornet appears here in NASA’s white‑and‑blue flight‑operations scheme, with visitors and other display aircraft on the 2007 flight line.
Mass formation of Piper PA‑28s participating in the 36‑ship world‑record attempt at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007. The aircraft hold a precise multi‑element pattern against scattered cloud as the formation stabilises overhead.
Cockpit of Douglas C‑54 Skymaster N500EJ, showing the classic four‑engine transport flight deck with dual control yokes, analogue instrumentation, and central throttle quadrant. Checklists are clipped to each yoke, while two mascot toys sit on the glareshield, adding a whimsical touch to the otherwise fully equipped working cockpit.
A vintage Zenith console radio displayed inside Douglas C‑54 Skymaster N500EJ, secured against the quilted cabin wall alongside a small photo exhibit. The Art‑Deco radio adds period character to the aircraft’s interior, reflecting the era in which the C‑54 served.
The highly modified P‑51‑based racer “Eldorado 57” on display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007, its polished fuselage contrasted by bright green wings and tail surfaces. The aircraft carries period Reno‑style sponsor markings and sits among other show aircraft on the 18/36 grass display line.
AeroShell Aerobatic Team T‑6 Texan N791MH on display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007, wearing the team’s signature red‑and‑white scheme with a black‑and‑white checkered nose. Sponsor markings from Shell, Honda Generators, Canon and others reflect its active airshow role as visitors walk the 18/36 grass display line.
Lockheed P‑38F Lightning “Glacier Girl” (41‑7630) on public display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007, the restored Greenland‑expedition aircraft drawing crowds behind the picket fence. Finished in wartime olive drab with its distinctive nose art, the twin‑boom fighter sits on the 18/36 grass display line under broken summer cloud.
Lockheed P‑38F Lightning “Glacier Girl” (41‑7630) on display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007, the restored Greenland‑expedition Lightning shown with its wartime olive‑drab finish and red‑center USAAF roundels. Visitors and display tents line the 18/36 grass area around the aircraft.
U.S. Navy McDonnell Douglas T‑45A Goshawk on display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007, finished in the standard white‑and‑international‑orange training scheme with CTW‑4 markings and an “A”‑coded tail. Developed from the British Aerospace Hawk, the T‑45 incorporates strengthened gear, carrier‑capable modifications and a redesigned cockpit for U.S. Navy training. Visitors walk the 18/36 display line with other military aircraft in the background.
North American B‑25 Mitchell taxiing at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007, paused among ground vehicles and spectators as it manoeuvres along the show taxiway. The twin‑engine medium bomber’s tall rounded fins, long nacelles and high‑mounted wing are clearly visible, with hangars and event infrastructure across the airfield.
Sukhoi Su‑31 N131BW in its vivid yellow, purple and red aerobatic scheme parked on the grass at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007, with hangars, spectators and support gear forming the backdrop on the north‑side display area.
Rows of classic light aircraft parked on the grass at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007, a mix of brightly painted vintage taildraggers stretching toward the treeline as pilots and visitors move among the lineup under a broken‑cloud Midwestern sky.
Stinson Reliant NC18407 on display on the grass at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007, its radial engine and classic 1930s cabin‑monoplane lines shown against a backdrop of vintage aircraft and visitors under a broken‑cloud Wisconsin sky.
Swallow TP biplane NC9?9 in black‑and‑yellow markings on the grass at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007, its classic open‑cockpit 1920s–30s lines standing out as visitors move among the surrounding vintage aircraft under a broken‑cloud Wisconsin sky.
de Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth A17‑491 on the grass at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007, wearing its silver RAAF training scheme as visitors move among the surrounding vintage aircraft under a warm Wisconsin sky.
Fairchild Cornell, c/n T42‑3466 (N56552), restored in PT‑23 configuration.
Built originally as an M‑62A Cornell for US Army Air Forces primary training, this airframe has been retrofitted with a radial engine and restored in the open‑cockpit PT‑23 style. The aircraft carries the classic wartime training colours of blue fuselage, yellow wings and red‑and‑white rudder stripes, with a checkerboard cowl typical of unit‑level embellishment. The Cornell family introduced thousands of pilots to elementary flying before they progressed to more advanced trainers.
Fairchild PT‑23 Cornell, restored in U.S. Navy training colours.
The PT‑23 was the radial‑engined variant of the Cornell family, used by the U.S. Army Air Forces as an open‑cockpit primary trainer during the Second World War. This example has been restored in a U.S. Navy‑style pre‑war scheme of silver fuselage, yellow wings and a red‑and‑white striped tail, carrying the section code “4 N 3” and fuselage number 337. The cartoon cat emblem reflects the personalised markings often applied to wartime and post‑war training aircraft.
Stinson SM‑1B Detroiter, c.1928, in Scenic Airways “Rainbow Route” markings.
The SM‑1B Detroiter was one of the pioneering enclosed‑cabin monoplanes of the late 1920s, powered by the Wright J‑5 Whirlwind radial engine and noted for its reliability and passenger comfort. Scenic Airways used the type on some of the earliest organised aerial sightseeing flights over the Grand Canyon, branding their aircraft as “The Rainbow Route”. This restored example, tail number 1517, was photographed at AirVenture 2007.
Naval Aircraft Factory N3N‑3 “Yellow Peril”, U.S. Navy primary trainer.
The N3N‑3 was the U.S. Navy’s purpose‑built primary trainer of the late 1930s, used to introduce naval aviators to basic flying before progressing to more advanced types. Finished in the classic all‑yellow training scheme and marked with the number 48, this example is seen on the Vintage flightline at AirVenture Oshkosh in 2007. Also visible is the Stinson SM‑1B Detroiter “Rainbow Route” (tail number 1517) at the right of the frame.
Naval Aircraft Factory N3N‑3 “Yellow Peril”, U.S. Navy primary trainer.
The N3N‑3 was the U.S. Navy’s purpose‑built primary trainer of the late 1930s, designed to introduce naval aviators to basic flying before progressing to more advanced types. Powered by a Wright radial engine and finished in the classic all‑yellow training scheme, this example—marked with the number 48—is seen on the Vintage flightline at AirVenture Oshkosh in 2007, among a lineup of period biplanes.
de Havilland Canada DHC‑1 Chipmunk, Canadian Armed Forces serial 18056.
The Chipmunk served as Canada’s primary post‑war training aircraft, continuing in service after the 1968 unification of the Canadian Armed Forces. Finished in the standard yellow training scheme and carrying the unified “Canadian Armed Forces” fuselage legend, aircraft 18056 represents the type’s early Cold War and post‑unification training role. Photographed on the Vintage flightline at AirVenture Oshkosh in 2007.
Stearman Model 4E “Speedmail Special”, late‑1920s commercial biplane.
The Stearman 4E was the high‑performance “Speedmail” variant of Stearman’s Senior series, designed for fast passenger, express and air‑mail work in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Powered by a large radial engine and distinguished by its N‑type interplane struts and streamlined fuselage, the 4E offered exceptional performance for its era. This restored example, finished in period “U.S. Air Services” markings, is seen on the Vintage flightline at AirVenture Oshkosh in 2007.
Waco UEC Custom Cabin, NC12471.
Built in 1932, the Waco UEC is part of the Custom Cabin series of enclosed‑cabin biplanes produced by the Waco Aircraft Company for executive transport, charter work and private touring. NC12471 is a restored example finished in a period-style “Viking Flying Boat Company” livery, a decorative scheme unrelated to the aircraft’s actual manufacturer. Photographed on the Vintage flightline at AirVenture Oshkosh in 2007.
Cessna T‑50 “Bamboo Bomber”, NC59188.
First flown in 1939, the Cessna T‑50 was a lightweight twin‑engined transport and trainer of mixed wood‑and‑metal construction, widely used during the Second World War as the AT‑17 and UC‑78. Its distinctive rounded fuselage, twin Jacobs radial engines and semi‑retractable undercarriage earned it the nickname “Bamboo Bomber”. NC59188 is a restored civil example finished in a bright post‑war scheme. Photographed on the Vintage flightline at AirVenture Oshkosh in 2007.
Grumman G‑21A Goose, N600ZE.
The G‑21A Goose was Grumman’s first twin‑engined amphibian, introduced in 1937 as an executive transport and later widely employed in military service during the Second World War. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney R‑985 radial engines and built with a robust all‑metal hull, the Goose became a versatile coastal transport and island‑hopping aircraft. N600ZE is a 1943‑built example, restored to civil configuration and operated by Mike Rinker Aircraft LLC. Photographed on the Vintage flightline at AirVenture Oshkosh in 2007.
Grumman G‑44 Widgeon (SCAN Type 30), N3TD.
The Widgeon was Grumman’s compact twin‑engined amphibian, introduced in 1940 and later licence‑built in France as the SCAN Type 30. Combining a boat‑hull fuselage with retractable landing gear and twin flat‑opposed engines, the type became popular with private owners and coastal operators after the war. N3TD is a 1964 French‑built example in a modern civil scheme, photographed on the Vintage flightline at AirVenture Oshkosh in 2007.
Waco YKS‑6 cabin biplane NC16249, built in 1936, parked on the Vintage Aircraft Association grass flight line at AirVenture 2007. Finished in a white and blue scheme, the aircraft represents Waco’s mature cabin‑series design, with its characteristic staggered biplane wings and faired undercarriage. Classic light aircraft line the background under partly cloudy midsummer skies.
Beechcraft Model 18 N43927 on the Vintage Aircraft Association grass flight line at AirVenture 2007. Finished in a bright blue and yellow scheme with its cabin door open and steps deployed, the aircraft shows the classic twin‑engine, twin‑fin layout of Beech’s long‑lived light transport. Other vintage aircraft line the background under midsummer skies.
Bates Monoplane (1912).
Early American single‑seat monoplane designed and built by Carl S. Bates, employing a lightweight wire‑braced wing and a three‑cylinder radial engine in tractor configuration. Typical of pre‑First World War experimental practice, the type featured a simple open framework fuselage, minimal pilot enclosure and manually actuated control surfaces. This example represents the pioneering era of US monoplane development and the transition from glider‑influenced structures to powered, controllable aircraft.
UFM Easy Riser, United States, mid‑1970s.
A pioneering ultralight biplane developed by Larry Mauro and marketed by Ultralight Flying Machines (UFM). Originally flown as a foot‑launched glider, the Easy Riser was later adapted for powered flight and became one of the defining designs of the early ultralight era. Its lightweight open‑frame structure, stacked wings and minimal control system reflect the experimental character of recreational aviation in the 1970s. This example represents the formative period of modern ultralight development and the transition from hang‑glider derivatives to powered sport aircraft.
Culver PQ‑8, United States, 1941.
A compact radio‑controlled aerial target developed from the Culver LFA light aircraft and used by the U.S. Army Air Forces for fighter‑gunnery and anti‑aircraft training during the early 1940s. The PQ‑8 introduced tricycle undercarriage, a streamlined enclosed cockpit for ferrying and recovery flights, and a high‑visibility finish for tracking during live‑fire exercises. As one of the earliest purpose‑built American target aircraft, it represents the transition from manned liaison types to dedicated unmanned gunnery targets in the Second World War.
Supermarine Spitfire LF Mk IX, single‑seat, in representative RAF wartime markings. Photographed behind the EAA Aviation Museum during AirVenture, the aircraft carries non‑authentic MJ772 codes; the true airframe identity is not displayed.
Bell 47G light utility helicopter in flight, showing the type’s characteristic bubble canopy and open tubular tail boom. Introduced in the mid‑1940s, the Bell 47 served widely in training, liaison and observation roles, and became one of the most recognisable helicopters of the post‑war era.
Lockheed P‑38J Lightning “Marge”, restored in the markings of Maj. Richard I. Bong, America’s highest‑scoring fighter ace. The aircraft’s polished natural‑metal finish and twin‑boom layout are characteristic of the late‑war P‑38J/L series. Photographed behind the EAA Aviation Museum during AirVenture.
Grumman J2F‑6 Duck amphibious utility aircraft in polished‑metal finish with US Navy markings. The J2F‑6, the final and most capable variant of the Duck series, combined a radial engine with a hull‑type fuselage and wingtip floats, enabling operations from both land and water. Used extensively for rescue, liaison and utility duties during the Second World War.
North American B‑25J Mitchell in natural‑metal finish, owned by the EAA Aviation Museum and photographed on the grass area behind the museum during AirVenture. This example is displayed in bomber configuration but with the dorsal turret removed, reflecting common post‑war modifications. The B‑25J was the final and most numerous variant of the Mitchell series, serving in bombing, strafing and anti‑shipping roles across all major theatres of the Second World War.
North American P‑64 fighter, the development derivative of the NA‑50/NA‑68 series, finished in pre‑war US training colours with yellow wings and blue fuselage. Powered by a Wright radial engine and equipped with retractable undercarriage, the P‑64 represents North American’s pre‑war single‑seat fighter lineage and is one of the rarest surviving types. Photographed at the rear of the EAA Aviation Museum during AirVenture 2007.
Pilot credentials issued to Sylvester J. “Steve” Wittman in 1928, including his Fédération Aéronautique Internationale aviator certificate and annual sporting licence. Both documents were genuinely signed by Orville Wright in his capacity as Chairman of the National Aeronautic Association Contest Committee. These certificates mark Wittman’s formal entry into competitive aviation and stand as rare surviving examples of official paperwork personally endorsed by one of the Wright brothers.