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.
Grumman G-164 Ag-Cat “ShowCat” — Gene Soucy’s brightly painted biplane reaches the top of a loop during his spectacular aerobatic and wingwalking performance at AirVenture 2013, with the wingwalker clearly visible above the aircraft. Smoke trails emphasize the aircraft’s inverted attitude at the apex of the manoeuvre.
Grumman G-164 Ag-Cat “ShowCat” — Gene Soucy’s brightly painted aerobatic biplane passes overhead during the AirVenture 2013 airshow, with wingwalker Teresa Stokes standing on the upper wing as smoke streams from the aircraft. A spectacular moment from Soucy’s renowned aerobatic and wingwalking act.
Grumman G-164 Ag-Cat “ShowCat” — Gene Soucy performs a dramatic aileron roll at AirVenture 2013, with wingwalker Teresa Stokes standing on the upper wing throughout the manoeuvre. The brightly painted Ag-Cat trails smoke as it rolls through the sky, showcasing the precision and spectacle of Soucy’s famous aerobatic and wingwalking act.
Grumman G-164A Ag-Cat “Show Cat” — Gene Soucy and Teresa Stokes
AirVenture 2013, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Gene Soucy puts his highly modified Grumman G-164A “Show Cat” through its aerobatic routine while wingwalker Teresa Stokes rides the upper wing. Smoke pours from the aircraft as the distinctive red-and-yellow biplane performs before the AirVenture crowd.
AirVenture 2013, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Gene Soucy’s spectacular red-and-yellow Grumman G-164A Ag-Cat “Show Cat” sweeps overhead in a steep aerobatic bank, with wingwalker Teresa Stokes clearly visible on the aircraft as smoke streams from the fuselage. The distinctive Ag-Cat, transformed into an aerobatic and wingwalking machine, was one of the most memorable sights of the AirVenture air show.
AirVenture 2013, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Gene Soucy’s distinctive red-and-yellow Grumman G-164A Ag-Cat “Show Cat” passes close overhead with wingwalker Teresa Stokes standing on the upper-wing platform. Smoke pours from the aircraft as Soucy demonstrates the remarkable aerobatic capability of this heavily modified former agricultural aircraft. The Show Cat was specifically developed by Soucy for aerobatics, wingwalking and smoke effects.
Grumman G-164A Ag-Cat “ShowCat” of Gene Soucy Airshows, with wingwalker Teresa Stokes performing high above the aircraft during the aerobatic display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Soucy’s highly modified agricultural biplane, registered N7699/NX7699, was transformed into a fully aerobatic airshow aircraft and equipped with a smoke system and wing-walking rig. Here, Teresa Stokes is secured to the upper-wing rig as the ShowCat powers through a smoke-filled manoeuvre over Oshkosh.
Gene Soucy’s Grumman G-164 Ag-Cat “ShowCat” banks steeply through an aerobatic manoeuvre at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013, with legendary wingwalker Teresa Stokes standing on the upper-wing rig. The brightly painted, extensively modified former crop-duster is fitted with a smoke system and specially designed wing-walking equipment. Soucy developed the ShowCat specifically for aerobatic and wing-walking performances, with Stokes having performed the act with him since 1988.
Gene Soucy’s Grumman G-164 Ag-Cat “ShowCat” passes the crowd during the aerobatic display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013, with wingwalker Teresa Stokes standing on the upper-wing rig. The distinctive red-and-yellow biplane trails a thick plume of white smoke as Stokes demonstrates the precision and showmanship of wing walking at low altitude. Who pu hat roof there?
Gene Soucy’s Grumman G-164 Ag-Cat “ShowCat” performs during the aerobatic and wing-walking display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Wingwalker Teresa Stokes is captured on the upper-wing rig as she prepares to execute a headstand, with the brightly painted Ag-Cat trailing a thick plume of smoke across the Oshkosh sky.
Gene Soucy’s “Show Cat” — Grumman G-164A Ag-Cat NX7699 — performs its spectacular wing-walking routine at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Wingwalker Teresa Stokes is captured upside down on the upper wing, transitioning into a headstand as Soucy trails a plume of white smoke behind the bright red-and-yellow biplane.
Gene Soucy performs a solo aerobatic routine in his Grumman G-164A Ag Cat “Showcat” (NX7699) during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. The highly modified former crop-duster was a signature aircraft of Soucy’s airshow career
Teresa Stokes wing-walks atop Gene Soucy’s Grumman G-164A Ag-Cat “Showcat” (NX7699) during an aerobatic performance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Soucy’s brightly painted biplane trails smoke as Stokes performs on the upper wing.
Gene Soucy’s “Showcat” performing at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. The brilliantly painted red-and-yellow Grumman G-164A Ag-Cat, extensively modified from its agricultural origins into a fully aerobatic airshow aircraft, makes a low pass trailing smoke. Designed for both solo aerobatics and wing-walking performances with Teresa Stokes, the Showcat is one of the most distinctive and recognizable airshow aircraft in North America.
A skywriter creates a spectacular smoke pattern over Wittman Regional Airport during the 2013 EAA AirVenture air show at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The display formed part of the tribute to Women in Aviation, International, which was being honoured at AirVenture in 2013 with the National Aviation Hall of Fame’s Milton Caniff “Spirit of Flight” Award.
Julie Clark’s Beechcraft T-34 Mentor performing at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Finished in the distinctive blue-and-white Air Force One colour scheme and carrying Juice Plus+ sponsorship, the former military trainer makes a low-level pass trailing smoke during Julie Clark’s precision aerobatic routine. The striking livery made the aircraft one of the most recognizable solo performers on the North American airshow circuit.
Julie Clark’s Beechcraft T-34 Mentor performs at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Finished in an elegant Air Force One-inspired blue, white, and polished-metal colour scheme with Juice Plus+ sponsorship, the former military trainer flies with smoke on during Julie Clark’s precision aerobatic routine. The aircraft’s distinctive presidential-style livery, complete with the United States of America titles, made it one of the most recognizable solo performers on the North American airshow circuit
Julie Clark’s Beechcraft T-34 Mentor performs at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Wearing its distinctive Air Force One-inspired blue, white, and polished-metal colour scheme with Juice Plus+ sponsorship, the former military trainer climbs through a smoke-filled aerobatic manoeuvre. The aircraft’s elegant presidential-style livery, complete with the United States of America titles, made it one of the most recognizable solo performers on the North American airshow circuit.
Julie Clark’s Beechcraft T-34 Mentor performs at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Wearing its distinctive Air Force One-inspired blue, white, and polished-metal colour scheme with Juice Plus+ sponsorship, the former military trainer rolls through a smoke-filled aerobatic manoeuvre. Photographed from below, the image highlights the aircraft’s elegant lines, polished wing undersurfaces, and the dramatic smoke trail that accompanied Julie Clark’s precision solo display.
Julie Clark’s Beechcraft T-34 Mentor performs at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Finished in its distinctive Air Force One-inspired blue, white, and polished-metal colour scheme with Juice Plus+ sponsorship, the former military trainer flies a low-level display trailing smoke. Red pyrotechnic effects stream from the left wingtip, adding dramatic colour to Julie Clark’s precision aerobatic performance, while the aircraft’s United States of America titles evoke the appearance of the presidential aircraft.
Julie Clark’s Beechcraft T-34A Mentor “Free Spirit” performs during the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013 airshow. Clark had been flying this same T-34 since acquiring it in 1977, and by 2013 had developed her trademark precision aerobatic routine, often accompanied by dramatic red, white and blue smoke.
Beechcraft T-34 Mentor “Free Spirit”, flown by Julie Clark, performs a dramatic aerobatic manoeuvre during the airshow at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013.
Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina (Canadian Vickers Canso A) N427CV passes overhead during the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013 airshow. The beautifully restored amphibian, construction number CV-427, had only recently completed its remarkable journey from South Africa to its new home in California.
Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina N427CV, a Canadian-built PBV-1A Canso A, flies past during the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013 airshow. The veteran flying boat, built by Canadian Vickers in 1944 and originally delivered to the RCAF as 11089, had completed an extensive restoration before making its epic journey from South Africa to California earlier in 2013.
Canadian Vickers PBY-5A Catalina (Canso A) N427CV makes a low pass during the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013 airshow. This Canadian-built Catalina, originally RCAF 11089, had been extensively restored in South Africa and returned to North America earlier in 2013.
North American P-51D Mustang 44-72339, “The Brat III,” in the markings of Lt. Hjalmar Johnsen’s 401st Fighter Squadron aircraft, on display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013.
Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 N505EL on static display during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Embraer’s sleek light business jet was a relatively new sight at Oshkosh at the time, showcasing the company’s modern approach to executive aviation alongside the many historic aircraft on display. The Phenom 300 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW535E turbofan engines.
Hawker Beechcraft G36 Bonanza N982HB on display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013, showcasing the modern evolution of Beechcraft’s iconic Bonanza family.
Lincoln-Page PT-K N275N, a 1930 two-seat primary trainer powered by a 100-hp Kinner K-5 radial engine, on display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. One of only a small number of surviving PT-Ks, this beautifully restored biplane represents the early days of affordable flight training in America.
Mutual Aircraft Service X-87-M Blackbird N87M on display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Built in 1929, this unique two-seat biplane was the only aircraft ever completed by Mutual Aircraft Service. After spending decades in storage following an accident, it was rediscovered in 1994 and subsequently restored
Two Yuneec E-Spyder electric microlights, N12XW and N13XW, fly in formation during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. These lightweight electric aircraft demonstrated the emerging potential of battery-powered flight, their near-silent electric propulsion particularly noticeable when compared with the conventional aircraft filling the Oshkosh skies.
Two Yuneec/GreenWing eSpyder E280 electric microlights, N12XW and N13XW, fly together over EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2013. Based on the Flightstar Spyder ultralight, the eSpyder replaced the conventional engine with a Yuneec electric motor and battery system, offering remarkably quiet flight. The type was one of the early practical demonstrations of electric-powered recreational aviation at Oshkosh.
Yuneec E-Spyder electric ultralights N12XW and N13XW fly together over AirVenture 2013. Developed from the Flightstar ultralight design, the single-seat E-Spyder was powered by Yuneec’s electric motor and battery system. The pair made aviation history at Oshkosh by performing the first electric-aircraft formation flight at AirVenture, demonstrating just how quietly electric propulsion could transform ultralight flying.
Yuneec eSpyder E280s — N12XW and N13XW. Two examples of Yuneec’s all-electric single-seat eSpyder ultralight formation-flying at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Powered by Yuneec electric motors and batteries, the remarkably quiet aircraft represented an early step toward practical electric recreational aviation.
MBB Bo 105 – Red Bull Aerobatic Helicopter. Performing during the airshow at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. The Bo 105’s unique hingeless rigid-rotor system, with flexible composite blades mounted to a solid titanium rotor head, gives the helicopter the exceptional agility required for its spectacular aerobatic manoeuvres.
MBB Bo 105 – Red Bull Aerobatic Helicopter. Chuck Aaron puts the specially prepared Red Bull Bo 105 through its paces during the airshow at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. The Bo 105’s distinctive hingeless, rigid main-rotor system, incorporating a solid titanium rotor head and flexible composite blades, provides the precise control that makes its spectacular aerobatic manoeuvres possible. The aircraft had also undergone modifications to its airframe, centre of gravity, fuel and oil systems to withstand and support sustained aerobatic flight.
MBB Bo 105, Red Bull aerobatic helicopter — AirVenture 2013.
The highly modified Bo 105 demonstrates its remarkable aerobatic capability in a steep manoeuvre over Oshkosh. Its rigid rotor system, originally developed to give the Bo 105 exceptional manoeuvrability, allows the helicopter to perform aerobatic figures far beyond the capabilities of conventional helicopters.
Red Bull’s spectacular aerobatic Bo 105, N154EH, performs one of Chuck Aaron’s trademark manoeuvres during the 2013 EAA AirVenture air show at Oshkosh. The Bo 105’s rigid, hingeless rotor system was fundamental to its remarkable aerobatic capability, allowing Aaron to perform rolls, loops and other manoeuvres far beyond what is normally associated with helicopters. The aircraft was specially prepared for its aerobatic role and became one of the most recognisable helicopters on the air-show circuit.
Chuck Aaron puts the specially modified Red Bull Bo 105 through another spectacular aerobatic manoeuvre at AirVenture 2013. The Bo 105’s rigid rotor system, together with modifications developed for Aaron’s aerobatic programme, allowed the helicopter to perform rolls, loops and other manoeuvres normally considered impossible for a conventional helicopter.
The Red Bull MBB Bo 105 flies past during the 2013 AirVenture air show. This specially prepared aerobatic helicopter was renowned for its extraordinary manoeuvrability, made possible in large part by the Bo 105’s rigid, hingeless four-blade rotor system. N154EH, c/n S-704, was the machine used for Red Bull’s spectacular North American aerobatic displays.
Grumman F7F-3N Tigercat, BuNo 80375, “JS-375,” in flight at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. One of Grumman’s formidable twin-engine fighters of the immediate post-war era, the Tigercat combined two Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radials with heavy armament and was designed primarily for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps carrier operations. BuNo 80375, restored to airworthy condition in 2013, is seen here wearing its striking dark U.S. Navy scheme shortly after returning to the air.
Grumman F7F-3N Tigercat, BuNo 80375 “JS-375,” climbs through the second quarter of a loop during the afternoon airshow at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Viewed broadside from the port, the Tigercat displays the sleek lines and immense power that made it one of the fastest piston-engined fighters ever built for the U.S. Navy. This beautifully restored aircraft had returned to flight only weeks before its Oshkosh appearance.
Grumman F7F-3N Tigercat, BuNo. 80375 “JS-375,” begins a barrel roll during the flying display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Seen from below as it pitches over and begins its rolling motion, the Tigercat’s aileron position provides a useful indication of the manoeuvre being initiated. The restored twin-engined fighter, powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radials, was demonstrating the impressive aerobatic performance of one of Grumman’s most distinctive wartime designs.
Grumman F7F-3N Tigercat “JS-375” (BuNo 80375) taxies at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013, Wisconsin. One of the most distinctive twin-engine fighters of the early jet age, the Tigercat was designed for the U.S. Navy as a carrier-based heavy fighter and night fighter. This example, now registered N379AK, wears its wartime U.S. Navy markings and was restored to flying condition in the early 2010s. A small aircraft passing high overhead adds a nice Oshkosh touch to the scene.
Team AeroDynamix four-ship break — EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, 2013. Four Van’s RV-series aircraft peel away from the team’s much larger formation during a precision aerobatic maneuver, each leaving a dense white smoke trail against the brilliant blue Wisconsin sky. Team AeroDynamix brought 11 RVs to the 2013 AirVenture show, making it one of the largest formation aerobatic teams in the world. The individual aircraft paint schemes provide a striking contrast as the formation separates and rolls through the maneuver.
Team AeroDynamix – Van’s RV formation, AirVenture 2013. Seven Van’s RV-series aircraft of Team AeroDynamix sweep across the Oshkosh sky in a dramatic extended formation, each trailing a plume of white smoke. The individually painted RVs create a striking pattern as the team demonstrates the precision formation flying and aerobatic skills for which it became renowned.
Four Van’s RV-series aircraft of Team AeroDynamix sweep across the sky in a precise line-abreast formation, their smoke systems leaving parallel trails behind them. With each aircraft carrying its own distinctive colour scheme, the formation presents a striking display of the precision flying and formation aerobatics for which Team AeroDynamix was renowned.
Eleven-ship Van’s RV formation, AirVenture 2013.** Eleven brightly coloured Van’s RV-series aircraft of Team AeroDynamix sweep across the Oshkosh sky in two coordinated elements, their smoke systems creating long white trails against the deep blue. The formation demonstrates the remarkable precision of a team flying closely coordinated aerobatics in individually built and customised RV aircraft.
Eleven-ship Van’s RV formation, AirVenture 2013.** Eleven brightly coloured Van’s RV-series aircraft of Team AeroDynamix sweep across the Oshkosh sky in two closely coordinated elements, their white smoke trails creating a striking pattern against the blue. The team, formerly known as Team RV, was renowned for its precision formation flying and aerobatics, with each aircraft individually painted and equipped with a smoke system. At AirVenture 2013 the team flew an eleven-aircraft formation, making this a particularly impressive view of the group in action.
Eight Van’s RV-8s of Team AeroDynamix sweep through the Oshkosh sky in two closely coordinated four-ship elements, smoke streaming behind them as they execute a spectacular formation manoeuvre. The team was renowned for its precision flying, with aircraft often separated by only a few feet during its demanding routines. This dramatic view captures the eight-ship element against a backdrop of towering summer clouds.
FedEx Feeder’s Cessna 208B Super Cargomaster N923FE sits beside **Hangar C**, resplendent in its distinctive FedEx livery. The Caravan’s rugged high-wing design and Pratt & Whitney PT6A turboprop made it a highly practical workhorse for short-haul feeder freight operations.