EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017: Unique Events

By Fred Harl

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017 continued the tradition of bringing unique opportunities to experience the best of aviation to the hundreds of thousands of attendees this summer.  Along with the world-class airshows, corporate exhibits, and mind-boggling array of warbirds, vintage and general aviation aircraft, there are opportunities to experience aviation and space history and development that are not found at other national events.  Here we feature several highlights of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017 that stand out from the rest.

Our first feature includes one of the events honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo Space Program.  Hosted by Dick Knapinski, EAA's Director of Communications, the program included guests NASA Flight Director Gene Kranz, Apollo 15 Command Module Pilot Al Worden, and Apollo 8 Command Module Pilot and Apollo 13 Commander Jim Lovell.  The legendary panel discussed their experiences and encouraged the development of a robust U.S. manned space flight program.
   

 
 

Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight returned to EAA AirVenture 2017 for it's fifth time in honor of Vietnam Veterans.  The veterans flew to Washington, D.C. early Friday morning and returned to a parade and hero's welcome that afternoon.  An American Airlines chartered Boeing 737 was used for the trip.  

NASA T-38A Talon No. 23 was on static display.  The 1966 N923NA has been used by NASA as a chase plane for the Space Shuttle program, pilot proficiency and other missions.

Super hero creator Stan Lee and some friends arrived to announce that the Stan Lee Foundation will partner with the EAA Young Eagles Program to promote education and careers in aviation.  Here we see even super heroes need a lift sometime!

Where can you see and ride in two different 1920's Ford Trimotors in one place?  Yes, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017.  The EAA's 1929 Trimotor was joined by the Liberty Aviation Museum's aircraft to keep up with the demand of daily flights around the area.  

Rounding out this look at the unique experiences of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017 are a few views of the ultralight and light sport aircraft gathering near the grass ultralight runway.  Powered parachutes are also users of this runway during the early morning hours.