EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015: Exhibitors - Vicki Cruse Educational Pavilion

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo

The Aero Experience continues our year-round coverage of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015, sponsored by Air Associates, with a look back at the aerobatic homebuilt aircraft that gathered following the AirVenture Cup Race all during the week.  The centerpiece of the gathering was the Vicki Cruse Educational Pavilion near Boeing Plaza, the nexus of the daily activities on the grounds.

The Vicki Cruse Educational Pavilion was dedicated by the International Aerobatic Club (IAC) July 29, 2010 in honor of aerobatic pilot and IAC President Vicki Cruse who lost her life in an aircraft accident in 2009 while a member of the U.S. Unlimited Aerobatic Team.  During EAA AirVenture, the lobby area contains interesting exhibits and the IAC holds seminars in the meeting rooms daily.  A memorial stands outside of the front entrance, often adorned with flowers and messages.       

A wide variety of mostly homebuilt aerobatic aircraft gathered around the pavilion as the week progressed, giving the many visitors at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015 a renewable source of new aircraft to view daily.  Pitts Special/Christen Eagle fans had a great display of their favorite aircraft as many arrived for the marking of the type's 70th anniversary.  The AirVenture Cup racers added their unique aircraft to the display.  The Aero Experience captured these images progressing from the AirVenture Cup racers to the Pitts Specials: