AirVenture 2013 opened under a banner of resilience. In his remarks that year, the EAA President framed the show as a triumph over adversity, acknowledging the financial pressures, regulatory challenges, and organisational headwinds that had shaped the months leading up to Oshkosh. Yet the event that unfolded on the grounds of Wittman Regional Airport demonstrated the opposite of contraction: strong attendance, a revitalised programme, and a community determined to keep the world’s largest aviation gathering moving forward.
The flightline reflected this spirit. Warbirds, homebuilts, and vintage aircraft arrived in force, joined by a growing contingent of modern composite designs and advanced avionics platforms that were reshaping general aviation. The daily schedule leaned into heritage and innovation in equal measure, with large‑scale formations, precision aerobatics, and manufacturer showcases that highlighted both the history and the future of flight.
Across the grounds, AirVenture 2013 carried the unmistakable energy of a community refusing to be defined by its challenges. From the seaplane base to Pioneer Airport, the show reaffirmed Oshkosh’s identity as aviation’s annual meeting place — a gathering built not on ease, but on the shared determination to overcome obstacles and keep the spirit of flight alive.
A Mitsubishi A6M Zero banks steeply towards the crowd during its display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Captured almost head-on, the famous Imperial Japanese Navy fighter presents its compact radial engine, slender fuselage and distinctive tapered wings with rounded tips, creating a dramatic view of one of the Second World War’s most recognisable fighters.
A Mitsubishi A6M Zero banks gracefully over EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013, revealing the upper surfaces of its distinctive tapered wings and the iconic red hinomaru markings of the Imperial Japanese Navy. One of the world’s few airworthy Zeros, the legendary fighter remains a highlight wherever it flies.
A Mitsubishi A6M Zero and Curtiss P-40 Warhawk pass one another during a dramatic flying display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Although they were rarely direct opponents during the Second World War, these iconic fighters represent two of the most recognisable combat aircraft of the Pacific theatre and provide a memorable sight as they share the Wisconsin sky.
A Mitsubishi A6M Zero descends from the top of a looping manoeuvre during its display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Photographed from above, the fighter’s dark green upper surfaces and vivid red hinomaru markings are clearly visible as one of the world’s few airworthy Zeros displays its graceful handling.
Mitsubishi A6M2 Model 21 Zero (N8280K) taxis at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Built in 1941, this is one of the few original, airworthy Mitsubishi Zero fighters remaining. Restored to flying condition with a Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp engine, it provides a rare opportunity to see one of the Imperial Japanese Navy’s most famous fighters in the air.
A Vought F4U Corsair makes a gentle diving pass during the afternoon flying display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Its distinctive inverted gull wing and powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engine made the Corsair one of the most capable carrier-based fighters of the Second World War, with service extending into the Korean War.
North American B-25J Mitchell “Betty’s Dream” makes a gentle pass during the afternoon flying display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Wearing the distinctive sharkmouth and bat-themed nose art of the 499th Bomb Squadron, 345th Bomb Group “Air Apaches”, the Mitchell recalls the low-level strafing missions that made the unit famous in the South-West Pacific during the Second World War.
Mitsubishi A6M2 Model 21 Zero (N8280K) makes a gentle pass during the afternoon flying display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Finished in the markings of an Imperial Japanese Navy fighter bearing the tail code AI-129, this 1941-built aircraft is one of the world’s few original airworthy Zeros. Restored to flight with a Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp engine replacing the original Nakajima Sakae, it provides a rare opportunity to see the legendary fighter that dominated the early years of the Pacific War.
Romanian Air Force IAR-823 trainer “Hai fetițo!” (“Come on, little girl!”) flies past during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013, wearing colorful Romanian Air Force markings and distinctive nose art.
Cessna L-19 (O-1) Bird Dog in postwar U.S. Army markings flies during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Finished in high-visibility international orange, the Bird Dog served as a liaison, observation, and forward air control aircraft.
A bright yellow Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk, marked “010” and carrying classic RCAF roundels, flies in profile during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Its distinctive bubble canopy, fixed landing gear, and postwar trainer design stand out against a lightly clouded blue sky.
A Royal Air Force de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk, serial WP872, performs a low flyby in the circuit during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Finished in the classic post-war RAF red-and-white training scheme with RAF roundels and fin flash, the vintage primary trainer is seen in profile against a clear blue summer sky, with its fixed landing gear and tandem cockpit clearly visible.
A de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk, painted in the colors of the Portuguese Air Force Academy (Academia da Força Aérea), performs a low flyby during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. The classic tandem-seat trainer is seen in profile, displaying Portuguese Air Force markings, U.S. registration N46TR, and its distinctive fixed landing gear against a clear blue summer sky.
1942 Boeing A75N1 Stearman (N95DA) displaying at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Wearing an attractive blue-and-yellow livery with the prominent fuselage number “470,” the classic open-cockpit biplane recalls the type that trained thousands of U.S. Army Air Forces and U.S. Navy pilots during the Second World War. Powered by a Continental radial engine, the rugged Stearman remains one of the most iconic and popular vintage aircraft on the airshow circuit.
Boeing-Stearman N2S-4 (Model 75) in U.S. Navy trainer colours displaying at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Wearing an authentic overall yellow finish with pre-war style blue tail and prominent ‘U.S. NAVY’ markings, the classic open-cockpit biplane evokes the thousands of naval aviators who received their primary flight training in the type during the Second World War. Powered by a Continental radial engine, the rugged Stearman family became one of the most successful military trainers ever built and remains a perennial favourite on the North American airshow circuit.
Grumman OV-1D Mohawk (69-1568) taxis during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Developed for the U.S. Army as a dedicated battlefield surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, the twin-turboprop OV-1 combined excellent short-field performance with sophisticated sensors, including side-looking airborne radar, infrared systems and aerial photographic equipment. Although retired from U.S. military service, the Mohawk remains one of the most distinctive Army aircraft ever built, and its appearance at Oshkosh offered enthusiasts a rare opportunity to see this Cold War veteran under its own power.
Nanchang CJ-6A (N285CJ, c/n 1232003) taxis during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. The Chinese-built primary trainer is finished in an authentic-style People’s Liberation Army Air Force training scheme carrying the serial ‘51885’ and tactical number ’85’. Although representative of Cold War-era PLAAF trainers, the markings are not known to correspond to a documented individual aircraft.
Three Boeing-Stearman Model 75 family trainers perform a loose formation flypast during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. From left to right, a civilian-painted Stearman is joined by U.S. Navy-marked N2S-4 N75016 and 1942 Boeing A75N1 N95DA, illustrating the enduring popularity of America’s classic primary trainer. Built in thousands during the Second World War for both the U.S. Army Air Forces and the U.S. Navy, the rugged open-cockpit biplane introduced generations of military pilots to powered flight and remains one of the most iconic vintage aircraft flying today.
A radial-engined military trainer in Chinese military-style markings taxis at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Wearing green camouflage with PLAAF-style national insignia and tactical number “7”, the aircraft represents one of the classic Eastern Bloc or Chinese military trainers that have become popular on the North American warbird circuit.
SIAI-Marchetti SF.260C taxis during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Designed by renowned Italian engineer Stelio Frati, the sleek tandem-seat trainer combines fighter-like handling with exceptional performance, making it one of the most successful military trainers of the post-war era. Finished in an eye-catching blue, white and grey camouflage scheme and carrying the name “Capt Dave Tan” beneath the canopy, this privately owned example reflects the enduring popularity of the SF.260 among civilian warbird enthusiasts.
North American T-28B Trojan N78360 (BuNo 138360) taxis at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013 wearing an eye-catching U.S. Navy trainer colour scheme. Originally developed as the U.S. Air Force’s replacement for the T-6 Texan, the radial-engined Trojan went on to become the U.S. Navy’s standard advanced trainer and later served in the counter-insurgency role with several air arms. The dramatic red, white and black markings make it one of the most distinctive classic military trainers on the AirVenture flightline.
Three Boeing-Stearman Model 75 biplanes fly in loose formation during an aerial display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Finished in a mix of U.S. Navy, U.S. Army Air Forces and striking civilian colour schemes, the rugged Stearman became the primary trainer for thousands of Allied military pilots during the Second World War. More than 10,000 were built, and their superb handling qualities continue to make them favourites on the airshow circuit and in the world of vintage aviation.
Schweizer SGS 2-37 (N763AF, serial no. 11), built in 1988, makes a graceful pass over Wittman Regional Airport during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Registered to the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum in Detroit, Michigan, this distinctive military-derived motor glider served for years as a U.S. Air Force Academy training aircraft before finding a new role preserving aviation heritage. The aircraft’s bright yellow finish and long, high-aspect-ratio wings make it an unmistakable sight in flight.
North American SNJ-5 Texan (N8994) taxis during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Finished in classic U.S. Navy training markings with side number “51,” the iconic taildragger served as the advanced trainer for thousands of Allied pilots during World War II. Its unmistakable Pratt & Whitney radial engine, tandem cockpit, and conventional landing gear make the SNJ/T-6 family one of the most recognizable and beloved warbirds still flying today.
North American T-6G Texan N651SH, resplendent in Spanish Air Force (Ejército del Aire) markings as C6-168 and carrying fuselage number “59,” taxis at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Powered by a 600-horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp radial engine, the iconic taildragger trained generations of military aviators around the world. The distinctive Spanish roundels and polished natural-metal finish make this beautifully restored Texan a standout tribute to one of aviation’s most successful advanced trainers.
A pair of classic North American advanced trainers taxi in opposite directions at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. In the foreground, a Royal Canadian Air Force Harvard Mk.II, carrying aircraft number “54” and serial 3830 (displayed beneath the right wing), wears the distinctive overall yellow finish that became synonymous with Commonwealth pilot training during the Second World War. Behind it, a U.S. Navy SNJ-5 Texan marked “49” is finished in the colorful post-war naval training scheme of a silver fuselage, orange-yellow wings, and a bright red engine cowl. Sharing the same rugged design and Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp radial engine, the Harvard and SNJ trained generations of Allied military aviators, cementing the Texan family as one of the most successful and recognizable advanced trainers in aviation history.
North American SNJ-6 Texan “Anytime” (N269CB, c/n 112269) taxis at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Built by North American Aviation in 1945, this beautifully restored SNJ-6—the U.S. Navy’s designation for the legendary Texan advanced trainer—is finished in classic late-war military markings. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp radial engine, the rugged taildragger trained thousands of naval aviators before they progressed to frontline fighters and attack aircraft. More than seven decades after leaving the factory, this immaculate warbird remains a living tribute to one of history’s most successful military trainers.
North American SNJ-5 Texan “The Purple Fox” (N7519U, c/n 88-1364) taxis at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013 in beautifully restored U.S. Marine Corps training markings. Displaying Marine tail code “YK” and side number “44,” the classic taildragger recalls the era when the SNJ-5 prepared Marine Corps and U.S. Navy aviators for operational service. Powered by the dependable Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp radial engine, this meticulously restored warbird showcases the timeless lines and unmistakable sound that have made the Texan family one of the most celebrated military trainers in aviation history.
Two beautifully restored North American SNJ-5 Texans cross paths at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. At left, a U.S. Navy trainer in brilliant chrome-yellow NAS Memphis markings (tail code “TN,” aircraft “01”) recalls the colorful post-war era of naval flight training, while at right, SNJ-5 The Purple Fox (N7519U, c/n 88-1364) wears classic U.S. Marine Corps markings with tail code “YK” and side number “44.” Beneath dramatic Midwestern skies, the pair of Pratt & Whitney R-1340-powered taildraggers represent one of aviation’s most successful advanced trainers, a type that prepared generations of Navy and Marine Corps aviators for frontline service.
A colourful procession of North American Texan-family trainers taxis across Wittman Regional Airport during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. The formation includes Royal Canadian Air Force Harvards in overall yellow training finish, U.S. Navy SNJs in silver-and-orange training colours, and several U.S.-built Texans wearing authentic military markings. Among them are aircraft featured in earlier photographs, including the U.S. Marine Corps SNJ-5 “The Purple Fox” and the silver U.S. Navy trainer with its distinctive red engine cowl. Together, the radial-powered taildraggers form an impressive tribute to one of the most successful advanced trainer families in aviation history, delighting spectators gathered along the flight line beneath dramatic Wisconsin summer skies.
North American B-25J Mitchell “Panchito” (N9856C) taxis out at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. The polished twin-engined medium bomber, wearing its colourful Pacific Theatre nose art, remains one of the world’s premier airworthy B-25s. With its distinctive greenhouse nose, twin Wright R-2600 engines and unmistakable silhouette, Panchito continues to demonstrate the versatility and ruggedness that made the Mitchell one of the most successful Allied bombers of the Second World War.
North American B-25J Mitchell “Georgie’s Gal” (44-86777) taxis at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Wearing an authentic olive drab finish with distinctive nose art and the markings of a USAAF medium bomber, the Mitchell’s broad wings, twin Wright R-2600 engines and glazed bombardier’s nose evoke the aircraft that served with distinction in every major theatre of the Second World War. A perennial favourite at Oshkosh, Georgie’s Gal is a fitting tribute to the crews who flew the versatile B-25 in combat.
North American P-51D Mustangs “Lou IV” and “Rebel” taxi in formation at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Representing two of the finest surviving examples of the legendary Merlin-powered fighter, the pair provide a striking reminder of the aircraft that escorted Allied bombers deep into occupied Europe during the Second World War. With their unmistakable laminar-flow wings, bubble canopies and powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, the Mustangs remain among the most admired and recognisable warbirds on the airshow circuit today.
Warbirds assemble at Oshkosh. A varied lineup of legendary WWII fighters taxis at EAA AirVenture 2013, led by several North American P-51 Mustangs alongside a Vought F4U Corsair. The contrast between the sleek, liquid-cooled Merlin-powered Mustangs and the muscular, radial-engined Corsair showcases two of the most iconic Allied fighters of the Second World War. Gathered on Wittman Regional Airport’s flightline beneath a classic Wisconsin summer sky, these historic aircraft provide a memorable reminder of the engineering and heritage celebrated each year at AirVenture.
North American B-25J Mitchell “Panchito” thunders overhead during EAA AirVenture 2013. Captured from directly beneath, the legendary twin-engined medium bomber displays its unmistakable silhouette as it passes low over Wittman Regional Airport. The aircraft’s distinctive red-and-white striped rudders—hallmarks of the celebrated Panchito—hint at its identity, while its broad wings, twin radial engines and glazed nose recall the type’s outstanding service throughout the Second World War. A perennial crowd favourite, the B-25’s unmistakable rumble remains one of the defining sounds of AirVenture.
B-25J Panchito and fellow warbirds on the display circuit at EAA AirVenture 2013. The celebrated North American B-25J Mitchell Panchito banks gracefully across the Oshkosh sky while a formation of fellow warbirds continues its display circuit during the afternoon airshow. Captured from directly below, the Mitchell’s broad wings, twin Wright R-2600 radial engines and distinctive twin-tail silhouette dominate the foreground, while the accompanying formation illustrates the scale and precision of AirVenture’s renowned warbird demonstrations—a fitting tribute to the aircraft and crews of the Second World War.
Warbird trainers in formation over Oshkosh. A large formation of classic military trainers passes overhead during EAA AirVenture 2013 at Wittman Regional Airport. Flying in a disciplined display formation, the aircraft—likely comprising Yakovlev and Nanchang CJ-6 warbirds, or a mixture of both—present an impressive silhouette against the Wisconsin sky. The smoke emitted by the centre aircraft adds a focal point to the carefully choreographed flypast, demonstrating the precision and teamwork that have made AirVenture’s warbird displays a highlight of the annual aviation gathering.
A formation of North American T-6 Texans fills the Oshkosh sky. Multiple formations of North American T-6 Texan advanced trainers fly the display circuit during EAA AirVenture 2013 at Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh. Arranged in disciplined elements beneath a dramatic Wisconsin sky, the aircraft recall the type that trained thousands of Allied pilots during the Second World War. Whether known as the Texan, SNJ or Harvard, these classic trainers remain among the most recognisable and beloved piston-engined aircraft on the airshow circuit, and their appearance in large formations is a longstanding highlight of AirVenture’s celebrated warbird programme.
A mass formation of North American T-6 Texans passes overhead during EAA AirVenture 2013. A large formation of North American T-6 Texan advanced trainers, including SNJ and Harvard variants, flies directly over Wittman Regional Airport during the EAA AirVenture 2013 warbird display. Long smoke trails accentuate the precision of the formation as multiple elements maintain disciplined spacing while following the display circuit. Flown by experienced warbird pilots, the iconic trainers pay tribute to the aircraft that prepared thousands of Allied airmen for service during the Second World War, creating one of AirVenture’s most memorable aerial spectacles.
Probable Cessna UC-78B Bobcat “Bamboo Bomber” overhead during EAA AirVenture 2013. The rare twin-engined Cessna UC-78B Bobcat, known affectionately as the “Bamboo Bomber” because of its wood-and-fabric construction, passes directly overhead during the Wednesday afternoon warbird display at EAA AirVenture 2013. Built as an advanced multi-engine trainer for the U.S. Army Air Forces, the Bobcat prepared thousands of pilots for service on larger combat aircraft. Today, surviving airworthy examples are exceptionally rare, making its appearance at Oshkosh a highlight for warbird enthusiasts.
North American B-25J Mitchell Panchito overhead at AirVenture 2013. The celebrated North American B-25J Mitchell Panchito passes directly overhead during the EAA AirVenture 2013 warbird display at Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh. Photographed from directly beneath, the famous medium bomber displays its unmistakable silhouette, while its distinctive red-and-white striped rudders confirm the identity of one of the best-known flying B-25s on the airshow circuit. Powered by two Wright R-2600 Twin Cyclone radial engines, Panchito represents the thousands of Mitchells that served with distinction in every major theatre of the Second World War, ensuring that the sound and spectacle of this legendary bomber continue to inspire new generations of aviation enthusiasts.
Vought F4U-4 Corsair in Korean War-era VMF-312 “Checkerboards” markings at AirVenture 2013. A Vought F4U-4 Corsair roars past during the afternoon flying display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Finished in overall Gloss Sea Blue with the distinctive black-and-white chequered cowling and WR tail code of U.S. Marine Corps Fighter Squadron VMF-312 “Checkerboards,” the aircraft wears the post-war national insignia introduced in 1947 and represents the Corsairs that flew close air support missions during the Korean War. The F4U-4’s powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engine and four-bladed propeller made it one of the finest piston-engined fighters ever to serve with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
North American B-25J Mitchell overhead at AirVenture 2013. A North American B-25J Mitchell passes directly overhead during the EAA AirVenture 2013 flying display at Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh. Viewed from beneath, the iconic twin-engined medium bomber displays the broad wings, glazed nose and twin Wright R-2600 Twin Cyclone radial engines that made the Mitchell one of the most versatile combat aircraft of the Second World War. Restored in wartime U.S. Army Air Forces markings, the B-25 remains one of the highlights of any AirVenture warbird display, preserving the sight and sound of a legendary combat veteran.
Cessna UC-78 Bobcat “Bamboo Bomber” at AirVenture 2013. A rare Cessna UC-78 Bobcat, affectionately known as the “Bamboo Bomber,” flies over Wittman Regional Airport during the EAA AirVenture 2013 warbird display. Originally developed from the Cessna T-50 and built largely of wood and fabric, the twin-engined aircraft served the U.S. Army Air Forces as a multi-engine trainer and light utility transport during the Second World War. With only a handful of airworthy examples remaining, the Bobcat is one of the rarer classic warbirds to appear in the skies over Oshkosh.
North American P-51C Mustang in the distinctive “Red Tails” colours of the Tuskegee Airmen passes directly overhead during the Warbirds of America display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Representing the legendary 332nd Fighter Group, the Mustang commemorates the pioneering African American fighter pilots whose outstanding bomber escort record became one of the defining achievements of the USAAF in World War II.
North American P-51D Mustang banks overhead during the Warbirds of America mass formation at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Viewed from below, the Mustang’s distinctive radiator scoop, four-bladed propeller and iconic laminar-flow wing are unmistakable, while the red spinner and yellow-and-black checkered tail add a colourful finishing touch to one of history’s most celebrated fighters.
North American P-51C Mustang in the colours of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen makes a graceful pass during the Warbirds of America display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Wearing the distinctive red spinner and tail of the famed “Red Tails,” the aircraft honours the pioneering African American pilots of the 332nd Fighter Group, whose exceptional bomber escort record became one of the defining achievements of the USAAF in the Second World War.
A spectacular mass formation of North American T-6 Texans and Harvards fills the Wisconsin sky during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Trailing smoke as they fan out across the display area, the iconic advanced trainers demonstrate the precision and discipline that prepared thousands of Allied pilots for combat during the Second World War.
A large formation of North American T-6 Texans breaks into individual elements during the afternoon airshow at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. More than two dozen aircraft leave dramatic smoke trails as the formation disperses across the Wisconsin sky.
North American B-25J Mitchell “Georgie’s Gal” taxis at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Wearing authentic late-war USAAF olive drab camouflage and the serial 44-86777, the iconic twin-engine medium bomber recalls the aircraft that served from every major theatre of World War II—from the Doolittle Raid over Japan to the final campaigns in the Pacific and Europe.