EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017: Exhibitors - Light Sport and Experimental Aircraft

By Fred Harl

The Aero Experience coverage of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017 exhibitors continues with a look at light sport and experimental aircraft on display. Light Sport Aircraft from Aerotrek, Flying Legend, Pipistrel and Tecnam are featured here, along with experimental aircraft from Kitfox, Rans and Vans. These aircraft generally accommodate two people for local pleasure, and with some models, outback flying excursions. Each model has it's subtle advantages, and each can be fitted with the latest cockpit displays if desired. While nothing in aviation is cheap, these aircraft offer a more affordable entry into aircraft ownership, and with the experimental types, a chance to build them from an FAA approved kit. 

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015: Exhibitors - F Is Full of Fun

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015 was full of exhibitors with names beginning with the letter F.  Included are several government agencies together in what we call the "Federal Hangar," some aircraft manufacturers, forums and workshops and a major sponsor, Ford Motor Company. 

Federal Hangar

There were several federal government agencies included in one large hangar space, and so they are grouped together here.  The Department of Homeland Security brought assets from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency, including a Cessna 550 Citation, Airbus EC-120B and a 42-foor Invincible Interceptor boat.  The Federal Aviation Administration provided an altitude simulation chamber, and a couple is seen here experiencing the effects of a reduced oxygen environment.   Other agencies, including the National Park Service, were also represented.

   
Flight Design, Florida Institute of Technology and Flying Legend Italia

Several other exhibitors, including Flight Design, Florida Institute of Technology and Flying Legend Italia were open to visitors.  Flight Design, the German-based producer of Light Sport Aircraft (LSA), has been a leading producer of hang gliders and LSAs for over 25 years.  Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, FL has been producing aerospace and scientific professionals since the dawn of the space age.  Flying Legend Italia has been marketing warbird replica kits of the Tucano and Hawker Hurricane aircraft through dealers around the world. 

Forums and Workshops

Forums and Workshops are offered throughout the week to assist aircraft builders in completing their projects and educate attendees on a particular aircraft or regulatory issue.  Here we capture the Homebuilders forum hangar.

Ford Motor Company

It was hard to miss the Ford exhibit tent off Boeing Plaza, and it was fun to visit the exhibit several times throughout the week.  The Ford GT and Apollo Space Program edition Mustang were the most popular displays, though the other custom livery cars and outdoor family fun areas were also popular.  Autograph sessions were also hosted by Ford, including those with the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team and Jessica Cox featured here.