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.
Beechcraft Baron N8150Y rolls along the runway at AirVenture 2013, displaying an attractive white, blue and gold colour scheme. This sleek twin-engined touring aircraft combines a spacious cabin with retractable tricycle undercarriage and the distinctive family resemblance shared by Beechcraft’s Bonanza and Baron designs.
The distinctive Ion Aircraft Ion 100 prototype, N5510N, accelerates along the runway during take-off at AirVenture 2013. Derived from the DreamWings Valkyrie, this unusual two-seat light aircraft features composite construction, twin tail booms, fixed tricycle undercarriage and a rear-mounted 100 hp Rotax 912ULS engine driving a three-bladed pusher propeller. Only one prototype was completed.
The EAA’s beautifully preserved Ford 4-AT-E Trimotor, NC8407, taxies at AirVenture 2013 in the historic colours of Eastern Air Transport. Its distinctive corrugated aluminium fuselage carries the inscription “U.S. Mail CAM No. 19,” recalling the contract airmail routes that helped establish America’s early airline industry. Affectionately known as the “Tin Goose,” this three-engined airliner regularly carried passengers on nostalgic pleasure flights during the event.
A smartly presented Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee, N9584W, rolls along the runway at AirVenture 2013, its white fuselage enlivened by bold red markings. Introduced in the early 1960s, the four-seat Cherokee 180 combined an all-metal low-wing airframe, fixed tricycle undercarriage and a 180 hp Lycoming engine to become a popular touring and training aircraft.
Piper PA-28R-180 Cherokee Arrow N65KF taxies at AirVenture 2013, wearing an eye-catching white, black and burgundy colour scheme with gold registration lettering. Introduced as a higher-performance development of the Cherokee family, the original Arrow combined a 180 hp Lycoming engine with retractable tricycle undercarriage and a constant-speed propeller, making it popular for touring and advanced flight training.
Van’s Aircraft RV-12 N237VA rolls along the runway at AirVenture 2013, its striking blue-and-white colour scheme identifying it as the Sporty’s RV-12 SLSA Sweepstakes aircraft. Designed as a two-seat light-sport aircraft, the RV-12 features side-by-side seating beneath a bubble canopy, fixed tricycle undercarriage and a 100 hp Rotax 912 engine.
This beautifully restored 1946 Stinson 108-1 Voyager, NC97114, accelerates along the runway at AirVenture 2013 with its tailwheel already lifted clear of the ground. Finished in rich burgundy with gold pinstriping, the four-seat post-war touring aircraft is powered by a 165 hp Franklin engine. Its immaculate presentation subsequently earned it an Outstanding Stinson award at Oshkosh in 2014.
American Champion Super Decathlon N317JR taxies at AirVenture 2013 in the distinctive green-and-black colours of the University of North Dakota. The UND emblem beneath the cockpit identifies its connection with the university’s renowned aviation programme. With tandem seating, conventional tailwheel undercarriage and a 180 hp Lycoming engine, the Super Decathlon is widely used for aerobatic instruction and upset-recovery training.
Velocity SE/RG N24TR taxies at AirVenture 2013 with its gullwing cabin door raised. This striking amateur-built aircraft features a forward canard, swept main wings with prominent winglets, retractable undercarriage and a rear-mounted engine driving a pusher propeller. Built by Timothy Troyer, it received its airworthiness certificate in 1999.
The University of North Dakota’s American Champion Super Decathlon, N317JR, accelerates along the runway at AirVenture 2013, its tailwheel raised as it approaches take-off speed. Finished in distinctive green-and-black UND colours, this tandem-seat aerobatic trainer combines conventional tailwheel undercarriage with a 180 hp Lycoming engine and is well suited to aerobatics, upset-recovery instruction and advanced handling exercises.
Velocity SE/RG N24TR rolls along the runway at AirVenture 2013, its gullwing cabin door now closed following the earlier taxiing photograph. Built by Timothy Troyer, this distinctive composite homebuilt features a forward canard, swept wings with prominent winglets, retractable undercarriage and a rear-mounted pusher propeller.
Piper PA-28R-180 Cherokee Arrow N65KF rolls along the runway at AirVenture 2013, displaying its attractive white, black and burgundy colour scheme with prominent gold registration lettering. Developed from Piper’s successful Cherokee family, the four-seat Arrow introduced retractable tricycle undercarriage and a constant-speed propeller, matched with a 180 hp Lycoming engine to provide improved touring performance.
A Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey amphibian taxies at AirVenture 2013, its distinctive flying-boat hull and high-mounted pusher engine clearly visible. Designed for operation from both water and conventional runways, this two-seat light aircraft combines a strut-braced high wing with retractable main wheels and a tailwheel. The SeaRey became a popular choice among recreational pilots seeking the versatility of an amphibious aircraft.
Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey N227UK accelerates along the runway at AirVenture 2013, its tailwheel raised as the pilot prepares for take-off. This distinctive two-seat amphibian features a boat-shaped hull, retractable main wheels, a high-mounted wing and an exposed pusher engine positioned above the cabin, allowing it to operate equally comfortably from conventional runways or sheltered waterways
Roger Buis departs AirVenture 2013 aboard “Otto the Helicopter,” Schweizer 300C N7505B, as participants leave Oshkosh following the final day of the convention. Easily recognised by its cartoon eyes and red nose, Otto entertained spectators with a playful flying routine showcasing the helicopter’s agility and precise handling.
This 1965 Beechcraft S35 Bonanza, N6112V, prepares to depart Oshkosh on the final day of AirVenture 2013. Finished in white with burgundy and bronze accents, the elegant touring aircraft displays the distinctive V-tail that made early Bonanzas instantly recognisable. Its retractable undercarriage and powerful Continental engine helped establish the Bonanza’s reputation as a fast, capable cross-country aircraft.
A 1965 Beechcraft S35 Bonanza, N6112V, accelerates along the runway as participants depart on the final day of AirVenture 2013. Its distinctive V-tail, retractable undercarriage and streamlined fuselage exemplify the elegant design that established the Bonanza as one of America’s most successful high-performance touring aircraft.
Bede BD-4 N67MB prepares to depart Oshkosh on the final day of AirVenture 2013. Finished in white with blue striping, this distinctive amateur-built aircraft features a high, strutless wing, fixed tricycle undercarriage with substantial wheel fairings and a spacious enclosed cabin. Designed by Jim Bede, the BD-4 was an innovative four-seat kit aircraft intended to simplify homebuilding while providing practical touring performance.
Cessna 208B Grand Caravan N37JW taxies on amphibious floats as aircraft depart on the final day of AirVenture 2013. Finished in an attractive white, blue and gold scheme, this substantial turboprop combines the Grand Caravan’s spacious cabin and impressive load-carrying ability with the versatility of amphibious floats, allowing operation from both runways and waterways. Auxiliary tail fins provide additional directional stability for the float-equipped configuration.
An Aviat Husky is manoeuvred through the exhibition area as displays are cleared on the final day of AirVenture 2013. Finished in dark green with red accents, the rugged tandem-seat bush aircraft features a strut-braced high wing, conventional tailwheel undercarriage and large main wheels, making it well suited to short-field operations and remote backcountry airstrips.
An Aviat A-1C Husky, N728WC, is pushed through the exhibition area as displays are dismantled on the final day of AirVenture 2013. Finished in dark green with bold red markings, this rugged tandem-seat bush aircraft features oversized tundra tyres, a strut-braced high wing and conventional tailwheel undercarriage, making it ideally suited to short, unprepared backcountry airstrips.
Aviat A-1C Husky N24NF stands on display at AirVenture 2013 in a striking blue-and-black colour scheme. Its strut-braced high wing, tandem cockpit, tailwheel undercarriage and substantial tyres reflect the Husky’s suitability for short-field operations and remote backcountry airstrips.
A bright yellow Standard J-1 biplane stands on display at AirVenture 2013, its wooden propeller, prominent nose-mounted radiator and extensive interplane bracing recalling the earliest decades of American aviation. Developed as a First World War military trainer, the Standard J-1 subsequently became a familiar sight during the barnstorming era, when surplus aircraft carried paying passengers and brought flying to communities across the United States.
The EAA’s Standard J-1, N6948, stands resplendent in bright yellow with “The Great Waldo Pepper” emblazoned along its fuselage at AirVenture 2013. Its distinctive scheme recalls the 1975 Robert Redford film celebrating the barnstorming era, although this is not the aircraft used in the production. Originally designed as a First World War military trainer, the Standard J-1 subsequently found a second career carrying passengers and performing at travelling air shows across America.
The EAA’s beautifully presented Standard J-1, N6948, stands outside Hangar C at AirVenture 2013, wearing the unmistakable yellow-and-black colours of “The Great Waldo Pepper.” Although not the aircraft used in the 1975 Robert Redford film, its period-inspired markings celebrate the barnstorming era that followed the First World War, when surplus military trainers introduced countless Americans to the excitement of flight.
Terrafugia Transition roadable-aircraft prototype N304TF displayed with its wings folded inside the company pavilion at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. Designed as a two-seat aircraft capable of being driven on public roads, the Transition used electrically folding wings to convert between flight and road configurations.