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.
de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito TT.35 RS712, wearing the commemorative EG-F markings of No. 487 Squadron RNZAF, photographed inside the EAA Aviation Museum during AirVenture 2013. The scheme represents the Mosquito flown by Group Captain P.C. Pickard during Operation Jericho, the famous raid on Amiens Prison in February 1944. RS712 was built as a B.35 in 1946 and later converted to a TT.35 target tug. An interesting detail is that the EG-F codes on RS712 are painted white, whereas the original wartime codes on Pickard’s aircraft were in Sky, so the museum’s scheme should be regarded as a representation rather than an exact reproduction of the original aircraft.
Developed as a military observation autogiro, the PA-39 combined an engine-driven propeller for forward thrust with an unpowered rotor providing lift through autorotation — an intriguing early step in rotary-wing aviation. N3908, construction number M-98, is the **only surviving PA-39**, and is displayed in RAF/British Air Ministry markings as **BW-830**. Powered by a 165-hp Warner Super Scarab seven-cylinder radial engine, this unusual aircraft provides a fascinating link between conventional fixed-wing aircraft and the helicopters that followed.
de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito B.35 RS712, on display at the EAA AirVenture Museum during AirVenture 2013. The photograph shows the Mosquito’s distinctive twin-engine layout, slim wooden fuselage and broad, smoothly faired engine nacelles. One of the most remarkable aircraft designs of the Second World War, the Mosquito combined exceptional speed with a largely wooden construction.
Taken at AirVenture 2013, EAA’s B-25 Mitchell is seen on the Oshkosh grounds. Although originally built as a B-25H (43-4432), the aircraft now carries a glazed B-25J-style nose, rather than the solid gun nose characteristic of the H-model. The dorsal turret is also absent in this configuration, giving the aircraft a distinctly different appearance from its wartime fit.
Taken at AirVenture 2013, EAA’s Bell 47G-2 N2490B is captured on approach to Pioneer Airport after another sightseeing flight over the AirVenture grounds. The classic bubble-canopied helicopter, with its exposed tubular tail boom, twin saddle tanks and skid landing gear, is one of the most recognisable sights of Oshkosh.
The Bell 47 tour operation, based at Pioneer Airport, gave thousands of AirVenture visitors the opportunity to see the vast gathering from the air.
Taken at AirVenture 2013, EAA’s Bell 47G-2 N2490B makes its approach to Pioneer Airport with passengers aboard following a sightseeing flight. The classic Bell 47 is instantly recognisable by its bubble canopy, exposed tubular tail boom, saddle fuel tanks and fixed skid landing gear.
The EAA Aviation Museum building provides a distinctive Oshkosh backdrop as the helicopter comes in low over Pioneer Airport.
Taken at AirVenture 2013, EAA’s Bell 47G-2 N2490B comes in low over the grass on its return to Pioneer Airport after another sightseeing flight. The classic Bell 47’s transparent bubble canopy, exposed tubular tail boom, saddle fuel tanks and fixed skid landing gear are all clearly visible.
With the rotor blades stretched dramatically across the sky and the helicopter just above the field, the photograph captures one of the familiar sights of AirVenture—EAA’s Bell 47 going off to refuel.
Taken at AirVenture 2013, EAA’s 1927 Swallow OX-5, N4028, is displayed in the EAA Aviation Museum. This handsome biplane represents the early days of America’s Contract Air Mail system and the CAM 5 route between Elko, Nevada, and Pasco, Washington.
Varney Air Lines operated Swallows on CAM 5 from April 1926, carrying U.S. mail across some of the most challenging terrain on the developing air-mail network. N4028, serial 899, is preserved by EAA as a reminder of the pioneering aircraft and pilots that helped establish America’s commercial air transportation system.
Taken at AirVenture 2013, EAA’s Monocoupe 90AW N38904, Little Mulligan, is displayed in the museum. Carrying its distinctive “40” marking, this elegant little cabin monoplane began life as a Monocoupe 90A owned by aerobatic pilot Harold Neumann, who modified it for air shows and competition.
Powered by a 145-hp Warner radial, Little Mulligan became a successful aerobatic machine and won the 1935 Thompson Trophy. Neumann and R. James donated the aircraft to the EAA AirVenture Museum in 1994.
Taken at AirVenture 2013, this striking Bücker Bü 133C Jungmeister replica, N258H, is displayed in the EAA Aviation Museum. Built in 1968 by Samuel Burgess, it was constructed as a faithful replica of the famous German aerobatic biplane of the 1930s.
With its compact airframe, exposed radial engine and beautifully proportioned staggered wings, the Jungmeister became one of the classic aerobatic aircraft of the pre-war era. This particular aircraft has an impressive history of its own, having been flown around all 50 U.S. states in 1970 before eventually becoming part of the EAA collection.
Taken at AirVenture 2013, this beautifully streamlined 1937 Aeronca LC, NC17484, is displayed in the EAA Aviation Museum. One of only around 65 Aeronca Model L aircraft built, the LC was a striking departure from Aeronca’s better-known high-wing designs, featuring a low wing, enclosed two-seat cabin, distinctive wheel pants and a 90-hp Warner Scarab Jr. radial engine.
NC17484, serial number 2060, is one of only a handful of Aeronca Ls to survive. Its striking red finish was chosen by its former owner rather than being the aircraft’s original factory colour.
Great Lakes 2T-1A Sport Trainer N77RF. A beautifully restored example of one of America’s classic pre-war sport and aerobatic biplanes, photographed inside the EAA Aviation Museum during AirVenture 2013. Powered by a 165-hp Warner Super Scarab radial, N77RF was donated to the EAA collection in 2003.
Ryan Aeronautical ST-A N17349, c/n 195. Photographed inside the EAA Aviation Museum during AirVenture 2013, this elegant 1938 Ryan ST-A is one of the classic American pre-war trainer designs. Originally constructed as an STM, c/n 195 served with the Guatemalan Air Force before being converted to ST-A configuration and eventually becoming part of the EAA collection. The aircraft retains its distinctive Guatemalan colour scheme and the prominent number 24.
Piper J-3 Cub. Photographed inside the EAA Aviation Museum during AirVenture 2013, this classic Cub displays the instantly recognisable Cub Yellow finish and black lightning-bolt fuselage stripe that became synonymous with the type. Introduced in 1937, the J-3 became one of America’s best-known light aircraft and a fundamental trainer for generations of pilots
Travel Air E-4000 NC648H, c/n 1224. Photographed at the EAA Aviation Museum during AirVenture 2013, this handsome 1929 open-cockpit biplane is one of the last flying examples of the Travel Air E-4000. Powered today by a 220-hp Continental R-670-4 radial, it was originally fitted with a 165-hp Wright J-6 Whirlwind. The E-4000 featured a particularly wide forward cockpit, designed to accommodate two passengers, and its rugged landing gear was intended for operation from unimproved fields.
A beautifully preserved 1927 Swallow OX-5, N4028, displayed in the EAA collection at AirVenture 2013. Wearing Fleet Number 3 and the U.S. Air Mail – Route C.A.M. 5 markings, the aircraft recalls the pioneering days of America’s Contract Air Mail system. Originally powered by a Curtiss OX-5, this historic Swallow now flies with a Continental R-670 radial.
A striking view of the Ryan NYP “Spirit of St. Louis”, displayed at the EAA Museum during AirVenture 2013. The distinctive high-wing monoplane was a faithful reproduction of the aircraft in which Charles Lindbergh made his historic solo nonstop flight from New York to Paris in May 1927, completing the crossing in approximately 33½ hours. The original aircraft carried registration N-X-211; EAA’s reproductions were also registered in the same form.
The EAA’s Douglas C-47 Skytrain “General Delivery”, photographed on the flight line at AirVenture 2013. The aircraft is presented in the markings of a wartime C-47 associated with Jim Gorman and Frank Moynahan, who flew together as a C-47 crew with the 3rd Air Commando Group, 318th Troop Carrier Squadron, in the Southwest Pacific during WWII. Their wartime partnership lasted for decades, and the pair remained regular visitors to Oshkosh.
A beautifully restored de Havilland D.H.82C Tiger Moth, N667EA, displayed at the EAA AirVenture Museum during AirVenture 2013. Built in Canada in 1942, this Tiger Moth served with the Royal Canadian Navy after the war before being acquired by RCAF chaplain Father John MacGillivray, who eventually donated it to the EAA Museum. Its distinctive yellow finish and RAF-style roundels capture the appearance of the classic Commonwealth elementary trainer.
Crosby CR-4 NX92Y, racing number 52, at the EAA AirVenture Museum, Oshkosh, photographed during AirVenture 2013. Designed by air racer Harry Crosby and built in 1938 at the Aero-Industries-Technical Institute in Los Angeles, this unique all-metal racer was powered by a 350-hp Menasco C-6S4 engine. After competing in the 1939 Thompson Trophy Race, where it finished fourth at more than 244 mph, the historic racer was eventually restored and preserved by the EAA.
Art Chester Chester Special “The Jeep” — NR12930, racing number 3 — on display at the EAA AirVenture Museum during AirVenture 2013. Designed and built by Arthur “Art” Chester, the diminutive racer first flew in 1932 and was developed for the National Air Races. Powered by a 185-hp Menasco C-4S inline engine, its tiny, highly streamlined airframe eventually achieved speeds approaching 250 mph. Chester named the aircraft “Jeep” after Eugene the Jeep from the Popeye comic strip.
The aircraft is a mid-wing, strut-braced taildragger, and this view nicely shows its extraordinarily compact proportions and streamlined landing gear. After a later rebuild for Goodyear racing, the original aircraft was donated to EAA in 1977 and restored to its 1936–37 racing configuration.
Wittman D-12 “Bonzo” — NR13688, racing number 6 — suspended in the EAA AirVenture Museum, Oshkosh, photographed during AirVenture 2013. Designed and built by legendary air racer Steve Wittman in 1934, the sleek single-seat racer was powered by a Curtiss D-12 engine and was built specifically for competition in the Thompson Trophy air races. Its exceptionally clean lines and powerful engine made “Bonzo” one of the most distinctive American air racers of the 1930s.
Laird LC-DW-500 Super Solution replica, NR12048, No. 400, at the EAA AirVenture Museum, Oshkosh, during AirVenture 2013. The striking green-and-yellow racer recreates Matty Laird’s 1931 Super Solution, flown by Jimmy Doolittle to victory in the first Bendix Trophy race. In the foreground is a particularly evocative piece of Golden Age air-racing history — a section of wing from the Granville Brothers Gee Bee Model E Sportster, NC72V/NX72V, believed to be the largest surviving piece of one of the company’s legendary low-wing racers.
The late Dick Rutan recounts the historic Voyager flight — At AirVenture 2013, legendary aviator Dick Rutan talks about the extraordinary 1986 nonstop, non-refuelled flight around the world in the Burt Rutan-designed Voyager. Rutan and Jeana Yeager completed the 26,366-mile journey in just over nine days, establishing one of aviation’s greatest records. The Voyager is represented in the EAA Aviation Museum by a full-scale replica of its fuselage and cockpit.
The City of Paris in miniature — A remarkably detailed model of Paris, including the Seine and Eiffel Tower, beneath the EAA’s Spirit of St. Louis replica, photographed at AirVenture 2013.
Bugatti Model 100P Racer — EAA AirVenture Museum, Oshkosh, 2013.
An extraordinary piece of pre-war aviation design, the sleek Bugatti 100P was conceived by Ettore Bugatti and Louis de Monge in the late 1930s as a high-speed racing aircraft capable of more than 500 mph. Powered by two Bugatti Type 50B engines and featuring highly advanced aerodynamics for its time, the aircraft was never completed in time to race and never flew. The sole surviving original is preserved at the EAA Aviation Museum, where its futuristic lines remain one of the museum’s most striking exhibits.
Stinson SM-8A Junior N408Y — EAA AirVenture Museum, Oshkosh, 2013.
Suspended above the museum floor, Stinson N408Y wears the distinctive black-and-orange colours in which it served as the chase aircraft for EAA’s 1977 50th Anniversary Lindbergh Commemorative Tour. The Stinson followed EAA’s replica Spirit of St. Louis on its nationwide tour commemorating Charles Lindbergh’s historic 1927 solo Atlantic crossing. The aircraft was subsequently retired and preserved at the EAA AirVenture Museum.
Culver PQ-14B Cadet, N999ML — AirVenture 2013, Oshkosh.
A distinctive red Culver PQ-14B Cadet on display at the EAA Aviation Museum during AirVenture 2013. Developed during WWII as a radio-controlled aerial target, the compact all-wood aircraft was derived from the Culver LFA Cadet and could be flown either remotely or, when required, by a pilot. This example, N999ML, was built as U.S. military serial 44-68334 and has been preserved by the EAA Aviation Museum since the late 1960s
Lockheed P-38L-5-LO Lightning N3800L “Marge” — AirVenture 2013, Oshkosh.
A magnificent Lockheed P-38 Lightning displayed on the EAA grounds, N3800L wears the markings of “Marge,” the P-38J flown by Major Richard I. Bong, America’s highest-scoring WWII fighter ace with 40 confirmed victories. The aircraft itself was built in June 1945 as USAAF 44-53087, too late to see significant wartime service, and subsequently spent many years in civilian aerial-survey work before being acquired by EAA in 1981. It was restored in the markings of Bong’s famous 42-103993, including the distinctive Marge nose art and the 993/597 markings visible in this photograph
Grumman J2F-6 Duck, N1196N (BuNo 36976) — AirVenture 2013, Oshkosh.
A striking example of Grumman’s J2F Duck amphibious utility biplane, displayed on the EAA grounds during AirVenture 2016. Built under licence by Columbia Aircraft Corporation in 1944, N1196N served with the U.S. Navy during the Second World War, including service aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13). The Duck combined a boat-like amphibious hull with a large central float, wingtip stabilising floats and retractable land undercarriage, allowing it to operate from both water and land. After a varied post-war career, it was donated to the EAA Aviation Foundation and restored for display.
Northrop F-89D Scorpion, 53-2536 — AirVenture 2013, Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
A Cold War-era Northrop F-89D Scorpion displayed in the markings of the Wisconsin Air National Guard, where the type served with the 126th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. The twin-engine, two-seat all-weather interceptor was designed to defend the United States against high-speed bomber attack and was armed with rockets and air-to-air weapons. This aircraft, 53-2536, is preserved at the EAA AirVenture Museum and carries the distinctive “WIS AIR GUARD” titles.
Republic F-84C Thunderjet, 47-1498 — AirVenture 2013, Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
An early Republic F-84C Thunderjet preserved at the EAA AirVenture Museum. Built in 1948 as a P-84C-6-RE, 47-1498 became one of the USAF’s first-generation swept-wing jet fighters and served initially with the 33rd Fighter Group. After military service it narrowly escaped being destroyed as a fire-training aircraft and was loaned to EAA in 1964. The aircraft is displayed in the distinctive FS-282 / 71498 markings.
North American F-86H-1-NA Sabre, 52-1993 — EAA Aviation Museum, AirVenture 2013.
The EAA’s F-86H Sabre gate guard, photographed from astern outside the EAA Aviation Museum. 52-1993 is an early-production F-86H, displayed in markings representing the 128th Fighter-Interceptor Group, Wisconsin Air National Guard. Although the 128th FIG operated the earlier F-86A rather than the F-86H, the Wisconsin ANG markings provide an appropriate local connection. The photograph also shows the Sabre carrying underwing external fuel tanks, rather than the wingtip tanks seen on some other Sabre configurations.
Lockheed P-80C Shooting Star, 48-0868, “Ave Maria” — AirVenture 2013, Oshkosh.
EAA’s P-80C Shooting Star, displayed in the Korean War markings of “Ave Maria,” FT-749, associated with Maj. John J. Mark of the 36th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group. The inscription “MAJ. JOHN J. MARK” is clearly visible on the canopy rail. Although this particular airframe did not fly combat in Korea, it preserves the appearance of one of the P-80s operated by the 8th Fighter-Bomber Group during the conflict.
The EAA AirVenture Museum at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, photographed during AirVenture 2013. The museum’s distinctive façade, expansive glazed upper windows and EAA insignia form a familiar landmark on the AirVenture grounds. The beautifully maintained grounds and display of flags add to the welcoming entrance to one of America’s premier aviation museums, home to more than 200 historic aircraft and artefacts.
1912 Curtiss A-1 Pusher “Sweetheart” — EAA AirVenture Museum, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, photographed during AirVenture 2013. Built by Glenn Curtiss’s company in 1912, this remarkably early pusher biplane was used for flight training before being brought back to Wisconsin. It was later restored by Dale Crites and Earl Cox and donated to EAA in 1969. Today, Sweetheart is displayed in the museum’s Pioneers of Flight collection, representing the pioneering era of American aviation before the First World War.
Curtiss JN-4D “Jenny” — EAA AirVenture Museum, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, photographed during AirVenture 2013. Seen here partially unskinned, the Jenny reveals the lightweight wooden structure and wire bracing of one of America’s most famous First World War trainers. The EAA Museum’s example is displayed alongside other pioneers and classics of early American aviation.
An eight-aircraft formation from the Tora! Tora! Tora! team crosses the Oshkosh sky during its dramatic wartime re-enactment at AirVenture 2013. The aircraft are modified American-built trainers, finished to represent Japanese fighters and bombers rather than genuine wartime Japanese types.
Papa 51 Thunder Mustang Miss Picabo (N695HR), race number 51, displayed at AirVenture 2013. Built by Fred and Lisa Roscher, this high-performance, V-12-powered composite homebuilt is a three-quarter-scale interpretation of the North American P-51 Mustang. Brant Seghetti subsequently raced it in the Sport Class at Reno later that year.
A striking rear view of Gene Soucy’s brilliantly coloured Grumman G-164A “Show Cat” taxiing at AirVenture 2013. Originally designed as an agricultural aircraft, the rugged Ag Cat was transformed into a powerful airshow machine for Soucy’s dramatic low-level aerobatic displays.
A smartly finished Thorp S-18T homebuilt aircraft, distinguished from the conventional tailwheel T-18 by its tricycle undercarriage, securely tied down at EAA AirVenture 2013. Protective covers conceal the cockpit and engine cowling, while its polished metal finish and red, white and blue trim give the compact two-seat aircraft a suitably patriotic appearance.
A prominent “Thank You Veterans!” banner, displayed by the EAA with sponsorship from American Airlines, marks a shaded tram stop at AirVenture 2013. Visitors rest on the benches while waiting for the showground trams that transported spectators around the extensive Oshkosh site.
The highly polished 1948 Ryan Navion A N4591K, flown by Dave Desmon, displayed at AirVenture 2013. Its striking, non-standard U.S. Navy-inspired scheme combines national insignia, invasion stripes and a red-and-white striped rudder. The Navion was originally designed by North American Aviation before production passed to Ryan Aeronautical.
The Commemorative Air Force’s Boeing B-29A-60-BN Superfortress FIFI, serial 44-62070 and civil registration N529B, at AirVenture 2013. Built by Boeing at Renton and delivered in July 1945, too late for combat, it later served as a TB-29A before being retired to the US Navy’s China Lake weapons range. Rescued by the CAF in 1971, the aircraft was restored, named FIFI and returned to the display circuit. Following a major four-year engine programme, it flew again in 2010 and was still the world’s only airworthy B-29 when this photograph was taken; Doc did not fly until 2016.
Another broadside view of the Commemorative Air Force’s Boeing B-29A Superfortress FIFI at AirVenture 2013. The profile clearly shows the bomber’s immense 141-foot wingspan, streamlined pressurised fuselage and four Wright R-3350 radial engines. Built at Renton in 1945 as serial 44-62070, FIFI was rescued from the China Lake weapons range in 1971 and was the world’s only airworthy B-29 when photographed.
Matt Younkin’s highly modified Beechcraft Model 18 “Twin Beech” sweeps low across the display line during its remarkable aerobatic routine at AirVenture 2013. Trailing smoke and partly obscured by the lingering haze, the 1940s twin-engined transport demonstrates an agility seemingly at odds with its size and conventional appearance.
Matt Younkin banks his highly modified Beechcraft Model 18 steeply through the smoke during his aerobatic display at AirVenture 2013. Better known as the “Twin Beech,” this large 1940s twin-engined transport was flown through loops, rolls and sweeping low-level manoeuvres rarely associated with an aircraft of its size and age.
Matt Younkin’s Beechcraft Model 18 climbs steeply away during its aerobatic display at AirVenture 2013, streaming dense white smoke from both engines. The underside view reveals the aircraft’s vivid red-and-black display scheme and classic twin-engine, twin-tail configuration as Younkin puts the normally sedate transport through an extraordinary routine.
The 36,000-horsepower Shockwave Jet Truck unleashes the afterburners from its three Westinghouse J34-48 turbojets during a thunderous demonstration at AirVenture 2013. Flames erupt from the exhausts and stacks as the spectacular Peterbilt prepares to accelerate along the runway, where it could exceed 300 mph and race aircraft during the flying display.
Matt Younkin’s smoke-trailing Beechcraft Model 18 “Twin Beech” races past the triple-engined Shockwave Jet Truck during a spectacular combined display at AirVenture 2013. The low-flying Beech passes overhead as Shockwave accelerates along the runway with its afterburners blazing, producing one of the show’s most dramatic encounters between aircraft and ground vehicle.