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.
The Commemorative Air Force’s B-24A Liberator “Diamond Lil” dominates the display area at AirVenture 2013. Built in 1940 as AM927, it was the 25th Liberator produced and is the oldest surviving example of the type. Its exceptionally long Davis wing and early rounded nose distinguish it from the later, more familiar B-24 variants.
De Havilland Canada DHC-1B-2-S5 Super Chipmunk N260DC “SkyDancer.” Steve Oliver’s highly modified 1956-built Chipmunk, fitted with a 300-hp Lycoming engine, was used for precision aerobatics and skywriting displays. Its striking red, white and blue finish incorporates stars, chequerboard markings and prominent skywriting.info titles. Photographed on display at AirVenture 2013
Beechcraft Model 18 “Twin Beech.” A smartly presented Twin Beech, finished in white with blue undersides and dark cheatlines, taxies at AirVenture 2013 with both radial engines running. Its distinctive twin fins, tailwheel undercarriage and broad engine nacelles reflect the unmistakable lines of this classic American twin-engined transport.
Beechcraft Model 18 “Twin Beech.” A smartly presented Twin Beech accelerates along the runway on the final morning of AirVenture 2013, its twin radial engines powering its departure for home. The classic transport’s distinctive twin fins, tailwheel undercarriage and streamlined engine nacelles are clearly visible as it begins its take-off run.
Cessna U206A Super Skywagon N8091Z. This 1966-built, six-seat Cessna begins its take-off run on the final morning of AirVenture 2013, joining the steady stream of aircraft departing for home. A Piper PA-28 Cherokee crosses the foreground.
A Beechcraft Model 18 “Twin Beech” begins its departure on the final morning of AirVenture 2013, its radial engines turning as it gathers speed along the runway. In the foreground, Piper PA-28R-180 Cherokee Arrow N3801T taxies past as aircraft begin heading home after the convention.
Cessna 180B Skywagon N9117T. Built in 1959, this smartly finished burgundy-and-silver Cessna taxies on amphibious floats during the final morning of AirVenture 2013. The retractable wheels incorporated into its floats allow the aircraft to operate from conventional runways as well as water
Beechcraft D17S Staggerwing N27E. This striking yellow-and-blue, 1944-built Staggerwing departs on the final morning of AirVenture 2013. Its distinctive negative-stagger wings, enclosed cabin and 450-hp Pratt & Whitney radial engine made the type one of the fastest and most desirable executive aircraft of its era.
This colourful, two-seat aerobatic biplane accelerates along the runway on the final morning of AirVenture 2013. Built in 1988, it wears the distinctive Eagle colour scheme, with blue, red and yellow stripes forming a stylised eagle’s head on the fuselage.
Mooney M20C Ranger. A red, white and blue Mooney M20C taxies during the final morning of AirVenture 2013. Its low wing, retractable tricycle undercarriage and distinctive forward-swept fin exemplify the efficient four-seat touring aircraft developed from Al Mooney’s earlier designs.
Beechcraft C35 Bonanza N5975C. This 1952-built, four-seat Bonanza begins its take-off run on the final morning of AirVenture 2013. Finished in burgundy and white, it displays the distinctive V-tail and retractable tricycle undercarriage that established the early Bonanza as an elegant, high-performance touring aircraft.
Nanchang CJ-6A N21710. Built in 1969, this Chinese military training aircraft wears People’s Liberation Army Air Force-style markings, including the tail number 71810 and prominent nose number 10. Its dark-green upper surfaces, turquoise underside and red-and-yellow insignia create a striking appearance as it departs during the final morning of AirVenture 2013.
Berkut 360 N97TX “Race 13.” Built by James Redmon, this striking two-seat experimental aircraft features a canard foreplane, swept main wings with prominent wingtip fins, and a rear-mounted pusher propeller. Photographed at AirVenture 2013 with both tandem cockpit canopies raised, it had won the Grand Champion Homebuilt award at Sun ’n Fun earlier that year.
Aviat Husky A-1B N54WY. Finished in yellow and dark blue, this rugged two-seat bush aircraft sits on the grass at AirVenture 2013. Its high wing, tandem cockpit, tailwheel undercarriage and oversized tundra tyres reflect the Husky’s suitability for short, unprepared airstrips, while the husky-dog emblem provides an appropriate finishing touch.
Canadian Vickers PBY-5A Catalina N427CV. Built in Montreal in 1944, this Canadian-manufactured amphibian had recently undergone an extensive restoration in South Africa before returning to North America. Photographed at AirVenture 2013, it displays yellow upper wings, a red rear-fuselage band and a blue, white and red fin.
Ford 4-AT-E Tri-Motor NC8407. The EAA’s 1929 “Tin Goose” rolls along the runway after landing at AirVenture 2013. Finished in Eastern Air Transport colours, the corrugated-metal, three-engined airliner offered convention visitors an opportunity to experience the pioneering days of American commercial aviation.
North American T-28B Trojan N65491, Bureau Number 138245. This former United States Navy trainer taxies at AirVenture 2013 wearing the red-and-white markings of Attack Squadron VA-122, to which it was assigned in 1969. Its fuselage carries the squadron designation, while the tail displays the code NJ and the final four digits of its naval serial.
Cessna 310 N3457B and North American T-28B Trojan N65491. A 1955-built Cessna 310, distinguished by its twin engines and prominent wingtip fuel tanks, taxies past in the foreground. Behind it, T-28B Trojan 138245 wears the red-and-white United States Navy markings of VA-122 as aircraft prepare to depart AirVenture 2013.
Cessna 310 N3457B. Built in 1955, this early example of Cessna’s twin-engined touring aircraft taxies on the final morning of AirVenture 2013. Its distinctive wingtip fuel tanks, straight vertical fin and retractable tricycle undercarriage typify the original Model 310.
Fleet-built Fairchild PT-26B Cornell N9474H. The Commemorative Air Force’s Canadian-built primary trainer accelerates along the runway at AirVenture 2013, its tailwheel already clear of the ground as it gathers speed for take-off. Built in 1943, it served with the Royal Canadian Air Force and now wears blue-and-yellow USAAF-style markings with individual number 44.
Beechcraft D50 Twin Bonanza N261B moves along the runway at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2013, its cream finish accented by orange and black stripes. This handsome 1957 twin later earned Outstanding Beech Multi-Engine honors at AirVenture 2017.
Canadian Vickers PBY-5A Canso N427CV. The 1944 amphibian begins its take-off run at AirVenture 2013, its twin radial engines powering the aircraft along the runway beneath its distinctive yellow wing. Its raised wingtip floats and extended undercarriage highlight the versatility of this classic amphibious flying boat.
North American T-6 Texan, AeroShell Aerobatic Team aircraft No. 3. The red-and-white trainer taxies at AirVenture 2013 with its canopy open and radial engine running. Its chequered cowling, prominent Honda Generators and AeroShell sponsorship, and large tail number identify it as the team’s No. 3 aircraft.
Canadian Vickers PBY-5A Canso N427CV. Built in 1944, this impressive amphibian gathers speed along the runway at AirVenture 2013, its twin radial engines powering the take-off run. The yellow parasol wing, red fuselage band, tricolour fin and distinctive observation blister make the Canadian-built flying boat unmistakable.
Titan T-51 Mustang N151TA, “Oh My.” This scaled-down, two-seat replica of the North American P-51 Mustang moves along the runway at AirVenture 2013, its tailwheel raised during the take-off run. The yellow nose, wartime-style camouflage, American insignia and number 51 evoke the appearance of the celebrated Second World War fighter.
North American P-51C Mustang “Tuskegee Airmen,” registration NX61429. The Commemorative Air Force’s razorback Mustang taxies at AirVenture 2013 in the distinctive red-tailed markings associated with the Tuskegee Airmen. Its polished finish, red spinner and tail, and fuselage code 42A honour the African American fighter pilots who served with the 332nd Fighter Group during the Second World War.
North American P-51C Mustang “Tuskegee Airmen,” NX61429. The Commemorative Air Force’s red-tailed Mustang moves along the runway at AirVenture 2013, its four-bladed propeller turning beneath the distinctive razorback canopy. Its markings commemorate the pioneering African American fighter pilots of the 332nd Fighter Group.
North American P-51C Mustang “Tuskegee Airmen,” NX61429. The Commemorative Air Force’s red-tailed Mustang accelerates along the runway at AirVenture 2013, its tailwheel lifting as it gathers speed for take-off. Its distinctive markings honour the Tuskegee Airmen of the Second World War.
Canadian Vickers PBY-5A Canso N427CV. The 1944 amphibian makes a steep left bank towards the crowd at AirVenture 2013, presenting a dramatic head-on view of its boat-shaped hull and broad yellow parasol wing. Its raised wingtip floats form the outer wingtips as the twin Pratt & Whitney radial engines power it through the turn.
Canadian Vickers PBY-5A Canso N427CV. The 1944 amphibian passes overhead at AirVenture 2013, its yellow parasol wing, tricolour fin and red fuselage band prominent against the cloudy sky. Its main undercarriage has retracted into the hull, while the raised wingtip floats complete the aircraft’s distinctive flying-boat silhouette.
Cirrus SR22 N563RM on display at AirVenture 2013. This sleek four-seat, composite-built touring aircraft combines a powerful Continental piston engine with fixed tricycle undercarriage and is distinguished by its Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), designed to lower the entire aircraft by parachute in an emergency.
Grumman HU-16E Albatross 7226 taxies at AirVenture 2013, resplendent in the distinctive red, white and blue markings of the United States Coast Guard. Carrying “San Francisco” beneath its nose number, this twin-engined amphibian represents the long-serving search-and-rescue aircraft that once patrolled America’s coastlines, capable of operating from both conventional runways and open water.
A striking red-and-white Van’s RV-8A, its fin and engine cowling decorated with black-and-white chequers, lifts away from the runway at AirVenture 2013. The tandem-seat homebuilt carries the appropriately spirited inscription “Fly Fast, Live Slow” beneath its wings.
Aircraft No. 2 of the AeroShell Aerobatic Team taxies at AirVenture 2013, its North American T-6 Texan sporting a distinctive black-and-white chequered cowling, red-and-white colour scheme and prominent Honda sponsorship. Originally developed as an advanced military trainer, the powerful radial-engined T-6 remains a popular mount for formation aerobatic teams.
AeroShell Aerobatic Team aircraft No. 2, North American T-6 Texan N328TG, taxies at AirVenture 2013 with its cockpit canopy open. Its distinctive black-and-white chequered cowling, red-and-white finish and prominent AeroShell and Honda Generators branding give this classic radial-engined advanced trainer an unmistakable airshow identity.
A beautifully presented Waco YMF-5C taxies at AirVenture 2013, its striking red finish complemented by black-and-white detailing, streamlined wheel spats and a wooden propeller. This modern interpretation of Waco’s classic 1930s biplanes preserves the open-cockpit charm and distinctive radial-engine character of aviation’s golden age.
Piper PA-28 Cherokee C N9741J taxies at AirVenture 2013, its smart red-and-white finish complemented by streamlined wheel fairings and the distinctive Piper emblem on its fin. This classic low-wing, four-seat light aircraft represents one of general aviation’s most successful families of touring and training aeroplanes.
Van’s RV-7 N767WM taxies with its sliding canopy open at AirVenture 2013. The two-seat, homebuilt taildragger wears a vivid red-and-white colour scheme, enlivened by bold black-and-white chequers across the cowling, fin, wheel spats and wingtips. A line of military vehicles forms an unusual backdrop.
Grumman G-73 Mallard N168WS taxies at AirVenture 2013 with its cabin door open, displaying an elegant white, pale green and black colour scheme. Larger than the Grumman Widgeon and Goose, the twin-engined Mallard combines a capacious flying-boat hull with retractable tricycle undercarriage and wingtip floats, making it equally suited to operations from water or conventional runways.
Grumman G-73 Mallard N168WS taxies at AirVenture 2013, presenting a splendid side-on view of its white, pale green and black colour scheme. Its high-mounted radial engines, retractable tricycle undercarriage, substantial flying-boat hull and underwing stabilising floats illustrate the versatility of this classic twin-engined amphibian.
Grumman G-73 Mallard N168WS taxies at AirVenture 2013, displaying the elegant white, pale green and black colour scheme of this classic twin-engined amphibian. Its high-mounted radial engines, flying-boat hull, underwing stabilising floats and retractable tricycle undercarriage allow operations from both land and water. The open compartment above the port main wheel is the undercarriage bay.
Grumman HU-16E Albatross N226CG flies past at AirVenture 2013, resplendent in the red, white and blue markings of US Coast Guard aircraft 7226. The main undercarriage wheels remain partially visible when retracted into the fuselage, a characteristic feature of the design. Marked “San Francisco,” this twin-engined amphibian also carries inscriptions commemorating the 97th anniversary of Coast Guard aviation and the service’s 223rd anniversary.
AeroShell Aerobatic Team aircraft No. 2, North American T-6 Texan N3267G, waits, ready for take-off. at AirVenture 2013. Its striking red-and-white scheme, black-and-white chequered cowling and prominent AeroShell and Honda Generators sponsorship give this classic radial-engined advanced trainer an unmistakable airshow identity.
Waco YMF-5C N333GD accelerates along the runway at AirVenture 2013, its tail already raised as the elegant biplane gathers speed for take-off. Finished in vivid red with black-and-white pinstriping and streamlined wheel spats, this open-cockpit, radial-engined aircraft evokes the unmistakable glamour of aviation’s golden age.
Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee C N9741J rolls along the runway at AirVenture 2013, its bright red finish relieved by crisp white striping and matching wheel fairings. Powered by a 180-horsepower engine, this classic four-seat, low-wing touring aircraft represents one of the enduring mainstays of American general aviation.
Beechcraft Bonanza N44AW taxies at AirVenture 2013, its distinctive V-tail lending this classic touring aircraft an unmistakable profile. Finished in white with burgundy and gold accents, the elegant low-wing design combines retractable tricycle undercarriage with a comfortable enclosed cabin.
Grumman G-73 Mallard N168WS gathers speed on its take-off run at AirVenture 2013, its twin radial engines powering the elegant amphibian along the runway. Finished in white, pale green and black, the aircraft displays its distinctive flying-boat hull, underwing stabilising floats and retractable tricycle undercarriage.
Grumman G-73 Mallard N168WS continues its take-off run at AirVenture 2013, its twin radial engines driving this handsome amphibian towards departure. The white, pale green and black colour scheme accentuates its distinctive flying-boat hull and high-mounted wing, while a Grumman HU-16 Albatross in US Coast Guard colours appears in the distance overhead.
Beechcraft Bonanza N44AW rolls along the runway at AirVenture 2013, its characteristic V-tail clearly visible against a backdrop of military vehicles. Finished in white with burgundy and gold trim, this handsome touring aircraft features retractable tricycle undercarriage and a spacious enclosed cabin.
Zlin Aviation Savage N867SA gathers speed for take-off at AirVenture 2013, its tailwheel already clear of the runway. Finished in traditional Cub yellow with a black lightning-bolt stripe, this high-wing, strut-braced light aircraft combines classic taildragger styling with modern recreational flying appeal.