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.
An Aerotrek A220 light sport aircraft is displayed on the Aerotrek exhibit at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Finished in the company’s distinctive yellow and blue demonstrator colours, the rugged tailwheel-equipped A220 combines excellent short-field performance with economical operation, making it a popular choice for recreational flying and back-country adventures.
Boeing B-29 Superfortress “FIFI” makes a majestic pass over EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Photographed from directly beneath, the legendary four-engine bomber displays its immense wingspan, four Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone radial engines, and unmistakable Superfortress silhouette against a Wisconsin summer sky. At the time, FIFI was the world’s only airworthy Boeing B-29 Superfortress, making her appearance at AirVenture 2013 a rare opportunity to witness one of the most significant aircraft of the Second World War in flight.
Boeing B-29A Superfortress “FIFI” roars overhead during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Captured from directly beneath, the world’s only airworthy Boeing B-29 Superfortress at the time displays its elegant high-aspect-ratio wing, pressurized fuselage, and four Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone radial engines. Flying in its polished natural metal finish, FIFI was one of the premier attractions at AirVenture 2013, offering spectators a rare chance to witness one of the most advanced heavy bombers of the Second World War in flight.
Cessna 208 Caravan Amphibian N208JK is moored at the EAA Seaplane Base during AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Resting on its Wipline amphibious floats, the versatile single-engine turboprop displays the distinctive Parrot Heads emblem on its fin while awaiting its next flight. Located on the western shore of Lake Winnebago, southeast of Wittman Regional Airport, the EAA Seaplane Base provides a tranquil setting where visitors can enjoy continuous floatplane operations throughout AirVenture.
Aviat A-1B Husky N422CC rests on Wipline floats at the EAA Seaplane Base during AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Finished in an eye-catching yellow and black colour scheme, the rugged tandem-seat bush aircraft is moored on the sheltered waters of the Seaplane Base, located on the western shore of Lake Winnebago, southeast of Wittman Regional Airport. Renowned for its exceptional short take-off and landing (STOL) performance and amphibious versatility, the Husky is equally at home exploring remote backcountry strips or operating from lakes and rivers, making it a familiar and popular sight throughout AirVenture’s seaplane activities.
Ford 5-AT-B Trimotor flies past the EAA Seaplane Base during AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Photographed from the shores of the Seaplane Base, the iconic corrugated-metal tri-motor cruises over Lake Winnebago, its distinctive silhouette recalling the pioneering era of commercial aviation. At the time, this aircraft belonged to the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where it served as one of the museum’s flying ambassadors before later being sold and exported abroad. The Ford Trimotor remains one of the most recognisable and historically significant transport aircraft of aviation’s Golden Age.
Cessna 180 Skywagon rests on straight floats at the EAA Seaplane Base during AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Moored among the reeds on the sheltered waters of the Seaplane Base, the classic four-seat utility aircraft exemplifies the rugged versatility that has made the Skywagon a favourite with bush pilots and floatplane operators for decades. Set against the tranquil backdrop of the western shore of Lake Winnebago, southeast of Wittman Regional Airport, the scene captures the relaxed atmosphere that makes the Seaplane Base a unique and much-loved part of the AirVenture experience.
Piper J-3C Cub rests quietly on straight floats at the EAA Seaplane Base during AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Moored on the sheltered waters of the Seaplane Base, the timeless yellow Cub epitomises the simplicity and charm of light aviation. Introduced in the late 1930s, the J-3 became one of the world’s most influential training and recreational aircraft, while float-equipped examples opened countless lakes and rivers to pilots seeking the freedom of backcountry flying. The peaceful setting on the western shore of Lake Winnebago provides a fitting backdrop for this enduring aviation classic.
Cessna 195 Businessliner NC7422X lies at anchor on straight floats at the EAA Seaplane Base during AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. One of Cessna’s most elegant post-war designs, the polished radial-engined aircraft reflects beautifully in the calm waters of the Seaplane Base, located on the western shore of Lake Winnebago. Introduced in 1947 as an executive transport, the Cessna 195B combined outstanding performance with distinctive styling and quickly earned a reputation as one of the finest classic floatplanes. Today, beautifully restored examples such as NC7422X remain among the highlights of AirVenture’s seaplane gathering, where vintage aircraft continue to celebrate the enduring appeal of waterborne aviation.
Cessna 208 Caravan amphibian N208JK lies moored at the EAA Seaplane Base during AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Reflected in the calm waters on the western shore of Lake Winnebago, the versatile turboprop utility aircraft demonstrates why the Caravan has become one of the world’s most successful floatplane designs. Equipped with amphibious floats, it is equally at home operating from lakes, rivers and conventional runways, making it a favourite with commercial operators, charter companies and private owners alike. Behind it, classic floatplanes—including Cessna 195 Businessliner NC7422X—illustrate the rich variety of aircraft that gather each year at AirVenture’s unique Seaplane Base.
Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey amphibian rests at its mooring on the waters of the EAA Seaplane Base during AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Finished in an eye-catching blue, white and magenta colour scheme, the lightweight experimental amphibian reflects in the calm waters along the western shore of Lake Winnebago. Combining the freedom of a flying boat with the simplicity of a light sport aircraft, the SeaRey has become one of the most popular homebuilt amphibians, equally capable of operating from lakes, rivers and conventional runways. Its distinctive pusher-engine configuration, parasol wing and compact hull make it a familiar sight among the diverse collection of aircraft that gather each year at AirVenture’s unique Seaplane Base.
North Star C-FABY rests on straight floats at the EAA Seaplane Base during AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Moored in a quiet, lily-covered inlet along the western shore of Lake Winnebago, the Canadian amateur-built bush aircraft displays the clean lines and practical design typical of utility floatplanes. Built in 1998, the North Star was developed as a rugged, high-wing aircraft well suited to operations from remote lakes and rivers. Its presence at AirVenture’s Seaplane Base reflects the event’s unique mix of certified, homebuilt and classic float-equipped aircraft from across North America.
An Aviat Husky A-1B (N422CC) rests on its amphibious floats at the EAA Seaplane Base during AirVenture 2013. The traditional Wisconsin-style barns of the Pioneer Airport Farm—sometimes humorously dubbed the “play farm” by regular visitors—provide a picturesque backdrop to floatplane operations on Lake Winnebago.
Cessna 180 Skywagon C-FKAI rests quietly at its mooring in the EAA AirVenture Seaplane Base, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, during AirVenture 2013. Mounted on floats and wearing a striking yellow, black and white Canadian colour scheme, the versatile Skywagon exemplifies the dependable backcountry aircraft that has served bush pilots, outfitters and private owners for decades. The calm waters and reed-lined shoreline provide a quintessential seaplane setting, highlighting one of aviation’s most enduring utility aircraft. Photographed from the Seaplane Base during EAA AirVenture 2013.
Piper PA-22-150 Tri-Pacer N522DN taxis on the waters of Lake Winnebago at the EAA AirVenture Seaplane Base during AirVenture 2013. Built in 1959, this classic Piper has been adapted for float operations, giving the familiar four-seat Tri-Pacer an entirely different character from its more common landplane configuration. Against the backdrop of the lakeside shoreline and spectators enjoying the day’s flying, the aircraft illustrates the variety of classic and homebuilt seaplanes that gather each year at one of aviation’s premier water-flying venues. Photographed at the AirVenture Seaplane Base, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, during EAA AirVenture 2013.
Piper PA-18 Super Cub N577PJ is secured alongside a dock at the EAA AirVenture Seaplane Base during AirVenture 2013. Finished in a striking yellow and red scheme and mounted on straight floats, the legendary Super Cub remains one of the world’s most respected bush and seaplane aircraft, prized for its exceptional short take-off and landing performance and simple, rugged design. As the pilot kneels on the dock to secure the aircraft after arriving from the water, the scene captures the relaxed rhythm of daily operations at AirVenture’s unique seaplane venue on the shores of Lake Winnebago. Photographed at the AirVenture Seaplane Base, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, during EAA AirVenture 2013.
Piper PA-22-150 Tri-Pacer N522DN taxis across Lake Winnebago during EAA AirVenture 2013. Built in 1959 and fitted with straight floats, this classic Piper demonstrates the versatility of the Tri-Pacer, a design more commonly encountered on conventional landing gear. With its Lycoming engine turning at taxi power and the floats leaving a gentle wake, the aircraft heads toward the docking area as support boats and volunteers monitor seaplane operations in the background. Photographed at the EAA AirVenture Seaplane Base, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, during AirVenture 2013.
Piper PA-22/150 Tri-Pacer amphibian N522DN taxis across Lake Winnebago during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Originally built in 1959, this extensively modified Tri-Pacer combines classic Piper lines with a tailwheel conversion and modern amphibious floats, making it equally at home on water or land. The annual Seaplane Base offers visitors a relaxed setting where vintage and modern floatplanes operate throughout AirVenture week.
Piper PA-22/150 Tri-Pacer amphibian N522DN powers onto the step during a take-off run from Lake Winnebago at the EAA Seaplane Base during AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Originally built in 1959 as a tricycle-gear Tri-Pacer, this extensively modified aircraft features a conventional tailwheel conversion and modern amphibious floats, combining classic Piper heritage with practical bush-flying capability. A plume of spray trails behind the floats as the aircraft accelerates across the water toward flying speed.
Piper PA-22/150 Tri-Pacer amphibian N522DN lifts clear of Lake Winnebago during take-off at the EAA Seaplane Base, AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Originally manufactured in 1959, this extensively modified Tri-Pacer has been converted to conventional tailwheel configuration and fitted with modern amphibious floats, giving the classic Piper excellent versatility for both land and water operations. A diminishing trail of spray marks the moment of lift-off as the aircraft climbs away over the lake.
Piper PA-22/150 Tri-Pacer amphibian N522DN climbs away from Lake Winnebago after a successful water take-off during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Built in 1959, this classic Piper has been extensively modified with a conventional tailwheel conversion and modern amphibious floats, transforming the familiar Tri-Pacer into a versatile utility aircraft equally capable of operating from runways or open water. The aircraft is captured moments after lift-off, the floats clear of the lake as it begins its departure from the EAA Seaplane Base.
A narrow woodland trail leads away from the EAA Seaplane Base at AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Winding through dense lakeside woodland on the shores of Lake Winnebago, the shaded footpath provides a tranquil transition from the bustle of seaplane operations to the parking areas and shuttle stops. The secluded walk is a memorable part of the Seaplane Base experience, offering visitors a peaceful contrast to the crowds and constant activity on the main AirVenture grounds.
Visitors make their way through the quiet woodland trail leading from the EAA Seaplane Base to the shuttle bus queue during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. The shaded path provided a peaceful contrast to the busy flightline, guiding thousands of aviation enthusiasts between the tranquil lakeside setting and the main AirVenture grounds.
Lockheed Model 12A Electra Junior NC2072 is displayed in the Vintage Aircraft area at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Introduced in 1936 as a compact executive transport, the elegant twin-tail Electra Junior combined advanced all-metal construction with impressive performance from its twin radial engines. Beautifully restored in polished natural metal with period styling, NC2072 represents one of the rarest and most graceful Lockheed aircraft still flying, attracting admirers throughout AirVenture.
The exceptionally rare Howard 500 stands on display in the Vintage Aircraft area at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Introduced in the late 1950s as a luxurious executive transport, the Howard 500 combined a strengthened Lockheed-derived airframe with two powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engines to create one of the fastest and most capable piston-powered business aircraft ever built. With only 17 produced, the Howard 500 remains one of aviation’s rarest executive transports and a prized attraction whenever it appears at Oshkosh.
Howard 500 on display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Originally developed by Howard Aero from the Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon patrol bomber, the Howard 500 was transformed into a high-speed executive transport with a spacious pressurized cabin and powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engines. Fewer than 20 examples were completed, making it one of the rarest classic business aircraft. The striking dark green and yellow livery, complete with checkered engine cowlings, recalls the aircraft’s 1950s corporate heritage. Photographed at Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 2013.
Ready for departure – The starboard Pratt & Whitney Wasp radial engine fills the view from the cabin of the EAA’s Ford Tri-Motor moments before departure at EAA AirVenture 2013. Seen beneath the aircraft’s iconic corrugated wing and external bracing wire, the exposed radial offered passengers a front-row seat to the sights, sounds and vibration of one of aviation’s most celebrated airliners as the “Tin Goose” prepared to take to the skies over Oshkosh.
Ready to roll – The starboard Pratt & Whitney Wasp radial engine of the EAA’s Ford Tri-Motor comes to life as its propeller becomes a translucent blur, viewed from the cabin moments before departure at EAA AirVenture 2013. An external aileron control cable slices diagonally across the view beneath the aircraft’s corrugated wing, while the exposed radial engine provides passengers with a front-row seat to the sights, sounds and vibrations of the legendary “Tin Goose” as it prepares to taxi for another memorable flight over Oshkosh.
A room with a radial view – The starboard Pratt & Whitney Wasp radial engine dominates the view from the cabin of the EAA Ford Tri-Motor as the historic airliner climbs away from Wittman Regional Airport during AirVenture 2013. Below, the Hilton Garden Inn Oshkosh and the Basler Flight Service ramp slide beneath the aircraft, while an external aileron control cable cuts diagonally across the scene—a reminder of the Ford Tri-Motor’s wonderfully straightforward 1920s engineering. With the propeller a shimmering blur and Oshkosh spread out below, passengers enjoyed a unique perspective on the world’s greatest aviation gathering.
Above Oshkosh – Looking generally north from the cabin of the EAA Ford Tri-Motor during AirVenture 2013, the starboard Pratt & Whitney Wasp radial engine and its spinning propeller frame a classic aerial view of Oshkosh. An external aileron control cable crosses the window as U.S. Highway 41 leads toward Lake Butte des Morts and the Fox River beyond. The unmistakable sights, sounds and vibrations of the legendary “Tin Goose” made every sightseeing flight a memorable journey back to aviation’s golden age.
Thunderstorm over Lake Winnebago from the EAA Ford Tri-Motor, AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Passengers aboard the historic EAA Ford Tri-Motor were treated to a spectacular view as an isolated summer thunderstorm swept across Lake Winnebago near Oshkosh, Wisconsin. A towering cumulonimbus cloud produced an intense rain shaft over the lake, while bright sunshine continued to illuminate the surrounding countryside, illustrating the highly localised nature of Midwestern convective weather.
Photograph taken during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013.
Wittman Regional Airport and Oshkosh during EAA AirVenture 2013. An aerial view of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, showing Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH), home of the annual EAA AirVenture fly-in. The airport’s runways, taxiways and extensive aircraft parking areas dominate the centre of the photograph, while downtown Oshkosh occupies the foreground. During AirVenture, normally quiet airfields are transformed into the world’s busiest airports, handling thousands of aircraft arrivals and departures over the course of the convention. This photograph was taken from the EAA Ford Tri-Motor during a sightseeing flight over the event.
An elevated view across the AirVenture grounds shows large groups of light aircraft parked wingtip-to-wingtip on grass areas beside the airport runways. The scene illustrates the enormous scale of Oshkosh, with aircraft, vehicles, display areas and airport facilities stretching across the landscape.
Aerial view over the vast aircraft parking areas at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Thousands of visiting aircraft fill the grass parking fields and taxiways at Wittman Regional Airport, creating one of the largest gatherings of aircraft anywhere in the world. The scene captures the scale of the event, with rows of homebuilt, vintage, and general aviation aircraft stretching across the airport grounds, while hangars, display areas, and visitor facilities form the backdrop. Taken from the air, the photograph highlights the remarkable transformation of a regional airport into a temporary aviation city during AirVenture week.
Executive aircraft ramp at Wittman Regional Airport, photographed from the EAA Ford Tri-Motor during a sightseeing flight at EAA AirVenture 2013, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Looking across the airport’s executive terminal and corporate hangars, the ramp is filled with business aircraft including Beechcraft King Airs, Pilatus PC-12s, Piper Meridians, Cessna Citations and other executive types. In the foreground, light aircraft are parked on the grass beside the runway, while the densely packed rows of visiting aircraft stretching into the distance illustrate the remarkable scale of the world’s largest annual aviation gathering.
Executive terminal and business aircraft ramp at Wittman Regional Airport, photographed from the EAA Ford Tri-Motor during EAA AirVenture 2013, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Looking across a taxiway toward the airport’s executive terminal and corporate hangars, the apron is filled with visiting business aircraft, including Pilatus PC-12s, Beechcraft King Airs, Piper Meridians and Cessna Citations. During AirVenture, this normally busy executive aviation facility accommodates a remarkable concentration of corporate aircraft, reflecting the event’s importance to both general and business aviation. The view from the historic Ford Tri-Motor provides a unique perspective of this often-overlooked side of Wittman Field.
Warbirds area at Wittman Regional Airport, photographed from the EAA Ford Tri-Motor during a sightseeing flight at EAA AirVenture 2013, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Dominating the scene is a Grumman HU-16 Albatross in U.S. Air Force Air Rescue Service markings, complete with its distinctive international orange rescue panels and wingtip floats. Behind it are classic transport aircraft, including a Douglas DC-3/C-47, while AirVenture trams and volunteers await visitors nearby. One of the Ford Tri-Motor’s external control wires crosses the lower foreground, providing an unmistakable reminder that the photograph was taken from aboard one of aviation’s iconic all-metal airliners.
Posing beside the EAA’s restored Ford Tri-Motor after a memorable sightseeing flight during EAA AirVenture 2013 at Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Wearing the classic Eastern Air Transport Inc. livery with “U.S. Mail C.A.M. No. 19” markings, the corrugated all-metal airliner represents one of the pioneering designs of commercial aviation. Built in 1929, the aircraft remains airworthy through the efforts of EAA volunteers, giving thousands of visitors each year the rare opportunity to experience flight aboard one of the world’s oldest operating airliners. This photograph, kindly taken by an EAA volunteer after the flight, captures a memorable moment alongside a true aviation icon.
FLS Microjet N60LC on display at EAA AirVenture 2013, Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Displayed by Lewis & Clark Performance, LLC, this highly polished prototype represents FlightLevel Systems’ modern reinterpretation of the classic Bede BD-5J concept. With a roomier cockpit, updated engineering and sleek natural-metal finish, the Microjet attracted considerable interest from AirVenture visitors as one of the most distinctive examples of contemporary experimental jet design.
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21PFM ‘Fishbed-F’ in Vietnam People’s Air Force (North Vietnamese Air Force) markings, displayed at EAA AirVenture 2013, Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Wearing the tactical number 4326, a red intake cone and VPAF-style markings, this Soviet-designed supersonic fighter represents the type that achieved considerable success during the Vietnam War. The MiG-21 became the principal interceptor of the Vietnam People’s Air Force, where its speed, agility and compact size made it a formidable opponent against U.S. aircraft. Displayed as part of AirVenture’s international military aircraft collection, it provided visitors with a striking example of one of the Cold War’s most iconic jet fighters.
Cirrus SR22 “Spirit of the Sapphire Coast” on display at EAA AirVenture 2013, Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Sponsored by Telstra and numerous Australian supporters, this specially marked SR22 was flown by Australian pilot Ryan Campbell during his successful solo circumnavigation of the globe in 2013. Branded with the slogan “It’s How We Connect” and adorned with the logos of the organisations that supported the record-setting journey, the aircraft became one of AirVenture’s most inspiring modern general aviation exhibits, demonstrating the remarkable capability of the Cirrus SR22 and the determination of a young pilot pursuing a world record.
Cirrus SR22 VH-OLS Spirit of the Sapphire Coast on display at EAA AirVenture 2013, Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Sponsored by Telstra and supported by numerous Australian organisations, this specially marked SR22 was flown by Australian pilot Ryan Campbell during his record-setting solo circumnavigation of the globe in 2013. The fuselage carries the registration VH-OLS, the aircraft’s name, and the logos of the many sponsors and supporters who made the journey possible. Powered by a 310 hp Continental engine and equipped with advanced avionics and the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), the SR22 demonstrated the remarkable capability of modern general aviation aircraft for long-distance international flight. Its appearance at AirVenture highlighted one of the year’s most inspiring aviation adventures.
M.G. Abbott Legend C-GUTT on display at EAA AirVenture 2013, Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Built in Canada and completed in 2002, this unique amateur-built aircraft is registered as a Legend and was constructed by M.G. Abbott. Finished in an attractive Royal Canadian Air Force-inspired camouflage scheme with RCAF roundels, it combines modern homebuilt engineering with styling reminiscent of classic military fighters. Parked with a protective canopy cover in place, the aircraft was one of the many distinctive experimental designs displayed at AirVenture, showcasing the originality and craftsmanship of the homebuilt aviation community.
Memorial brick honouring Captain Horace Jack Charles (1919–2004) at the EAA Memorial Wall, EAA Aviation Museum, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The inscription records service with the United States Army Air Corps, the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force during the Second World War and the Korean War, together with his memberships of AOPA and the Experimental Aircraft Association.