AirVenture 2000 — A Week Among the Aircraft and the Atmosphere
AirVenture 2013 Day 5 – 2 (Concluded)
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.
Boeing B-29A Superfortress “FIFI” — a full starboard-side view of the Commemorative Air Force bomber taxiing for its flying display at AirVenture 2013. The open cockpit window gives a glimpse of the crew, while the extended flaps and turning propellers show the aircraft being prepared for departure. FIFI was then the world’s only airworthy B-29
Boeing B-29A Superfortress “FIFI” — seen from the starboard-rear quarter, the Commemorative Air Force bomber taxis towards the runway at AirVenture 2013. The extended flaps, tail-gunner’s position and remote-controlled defensive gun turrets are particularly prominent in this view. FIFI was then the world’s only airworthy B-29.
Boeing B-29A Superfortress “FIFI” — the Commemorative Air Force bomber lifts away from the runway with its landing gear still extended and flaps deployed during AirVenture 2013. Heat haze shimmers behind its four Wright R-3350 engines, while the tail of the Red Bull MBB Bo 105 helicopter, N154EH, appears in the foreground. At the time, FIFI was the world’s only airworthy B-29.
General Motors TBM-3E Avenger “Ida Red”, N9584Z — the restored carrier-based torpedo bomber taxis with other Avengers gathering behind it during the warbird display at AirVenture 2013. Built by General Motors’ Eastern Aircraft Division in 1945, the TBM-3E was the final production version of the Avenger and served in torpedo attack, bombing, anti-submarine and maritime patrol roles.
General Motors TBM-3E Avenger “Ida Red”, NL9584Z — the 1945-built carrier torpedo bomber taxis out for the warbird display at AirVenture 2013. The open cockpit, enclosed dorsal gun turret and internal weapons-bay doors beneath the fuselage are clearly visible in this close side view.
General Motors TBM-3E Avenger, N81865 — carrying the side number T83 and the insignia of US Navy squadron VA(TB)-236, the 1945-built torpedo bomber taxis out during AirVenture 2013. Its open cockpit and enclosed dorsal gun turret reveal two of the Avenger’s three wartime crew positions.
Boeing B-29A Superfortress “FIFI” leads two North American B-25 Mitchells and a Douglas A-26 Invader towards the crowd during the warbird display at AirVenture 2013. The formation brings together three distinctive American twin- and four-engined bomber types of the Second World War.
Boeing B-29A Superfortress “FIFI” — banking to starboard during a close flypast at AirVenture 2013, exposing the immense wing, four Wright R-3350 radial engines and streamlined underside. The Commemorative Air Force’s aircraft was then the world’s only airworthy B-29.
Boeing B-29A Superfortress “FIFI” — continuing a steep bank to starboard during her AirVenture 2013 flypast, presenting a dramatic view of the Superfortress’s long wing, four Wright R-3350 engines and streamlined underside.
Boeing B-29A Superfortress “FIFI” — banking away after completing a flypast at AirVenture 2013. The receding three-quarter view emphasizes the B-29’s exceptionally long, slender wings and four Wright R-3350 radial engines.
Boeing B-29A Superfortress “FIFI” — approaching almost head-on in a shallow starboard bank during her AirVenture 2013 display. This imposing view highlights the glazed bombardier’s nose, broad 141-foot wingspan and four Wright R-3350 radial engines.
Boeing B-29A Superfortress “FIFI” — sweeping past in a starboard bank during her AirVenture 2013 display. This close front three-quarter view reveals the glazed bombardier’s nose, “FIFI” titles, immense wingspan and four Wright R-3350 radial engines. At the time, she was the world’s only airworthy B-29.
