By Daniel Guevarra

July 27, 2009, today EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration, kicks off its 57^th annual convention of showcasing the best of aviation innovation and heritage. This event will run through August 2^nd.  

Each year, EAA AirVenture welcomes more than 10,000 aircraft to the weeklong celebration, along with a total attendance of more than 500,000 visitors from 65 nations. “Simply put, Oshkosh is the place to be for anyone who enjoys flight, innovation and the best aviators’ gathering in the world, and this year it is an unmatched lineup of people, airplanes and programs,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. “EAA AirVenture is the international crossroads where people enjoy and celebrate the freedom of flight, and this year numerous improvements have been made throughout the grounds so the experience is even more enjoyable.”  

EAA AirVenture’s aircraft lineup is filled this year with the latest flight and space innovations along with the legendary aircraft of aviation’s first 100 years. The lineup includes a number of aircraft never before seen at Oshkosh, including Virgin Galactic’s VMS Mothership “Eve” and the massive Airbus A380.  

In addition, EAA AirVenture 2009 will offer nearly 1,000 forums, workshops and seminars; special activities for young people and families; aviation personalities and notables; and more than 2,500 showplanes of all descriptions. All of these activities are included in AirVenture admission, as are top-flight entertainment options throughout the week. 

EAA AirVenture 2009’s features and attractions include:  

Virgin Galactic’s VMS Mothership “Eve”, the next generation of space tourism launch vehicle, which will be on the grounds July 27-August 1;                          

The Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger airliner, making its first North American public air show appearance July 28-31;  

Hear from the “Miracle on the Hudson” cockpit crew in command of US Airways flight 1549, as pilots Sully Sullenberger and Jeff Skiles recount their experiences that day last January;  

Recognition of aviation’s important humanitarian work around the world in the weeklong Fly4Life activities;                          

The Erickson S-64F Aircrane helitanker, nicknamed “Elvis”; a heavy-duty, twin-engine firefighting helicopter that will make aerial displays;                          

More than 400 Warbirds that include aircraft from World War II and classic fighter jets, many flying in spectacular shows throughout the week (expanded programs July 31-Aug. 1);                          

Modern military aircraft such as the C-5M and C-17 transports, and A-10, F-16 and F/A-18 fighters, including the popular Heritage Flights combining old and new aircraft;                          

A variety of special anniversaries, from the centennial of flight in Canada, 80th anniversary of the Pietenpol, 60th anniversary of the T-28 warbird, and 50th anniversary of the Cessna 150;                          

Upgraded areas throughout the grounds, including new pedestrian walkways, flush toilet facilities on the flight line and in the campgrounds, increased Wi-Fi coverage, and more;                          

Top-flight entertainment such as the Doobie Brothers on July 27, presented by Ford Motor Company; pilot/comedian Jeff Dunham on August 1, presented by Rotorway International; and nightly aviation movies under the stars July 26-August 1 at the Fly-In Theater.  

More than 2,500 showplanes that include homebuilts, vintage models, ultralights, and seaplanes.  

The variety makes EAA AirVenture an outstanding value for individuals and families, with nearly every activity on the grounds, including the evening programs and concerts, part of admission.