This year commemorates 100 years of airmail service.

The airshow schedule for the AirVenture Oshkosh event is like a carnival, a major sporting event and a camping trip all rolled into one and 2011 marks the 59th occurrence of this event that has grown to attract the attention of major airplane manufacturers and military air services alike. One of the highlights of this year’s show will be the arrival of the massive Boeing 787, which will be open for public tours for the first time.

The 2011 AirVenture will begin on Saturday, July 23 at 8:30 a.m.

AirVenture will cover two weekends and the week in between, with the last scheduled event taking place at 1:45 – 2:15 p.m. CDT on Sunday, July 31. During this week, there will always be something to see and do, whether it will be the Bonanzas to Oshkosh on Saturday, July 23 starting at 1:00 p.m. (the 21st annual arrival of 100 or so Bonanzas, flying in formation), or the Gary Sinise and Lt. Dan Band, whose repertoire includes everything from Bruce Springsteen to Linkin Park, Aretha Franklin and Jimi Hendrix on Friday, July 29 starting at 7:00 p.m. There’s always something to see and do at this premier event!

Go for a ride in the world’s largest airship.

The world’s largest flying airship will be offering 45 minute tours of the site of AirVenture, taking off and landing at Pioneer Airport. The Zepplin NT Farmers Airship is 246 feet in length, which is 15 feet longer than a Boeing 747 and 50 feet longer than any blimp currently in operation. With room to carry 12 passengers, the Farmers Airship is capable of a speed of 77 miles per hour with a 500 mile range. Other options that will get you airborne are to book a ride on a Ford Tri-motor, a beautifully restored B-17G or a Bell 47 Helicopter (like the ones seen on the television show M*A*S*H*).
Starting on Monday, July 25, there will be an airshow daily at 3:30 p.m. through Saturday, July 30.
Anyone who has ever been to AirVenture can tell you that the airshows at this event are not like anywhere else; the aviation experts know that they are performing in front of many fellow aviators and will go that extra little bit in order to shine for an appreciative crowd! There will be many types and kinds of planes flying in these shows, including many former combat designs. While some acts will participate in all airshows, their routines might differ from show to show—which makes it worthwhile to attend them all!

After a long day on the flight line, enjoy an evening’s entertainment.

Starting on Monday with REO Speedwagon performing for the annual opening concert, there will be the evening entertainment for which the EAA AirVenture has become known. Each night will find something happening at the Theater in the Woods, an open air pavilion-style theater with seating for 3500 and ample room to accommodate additional seating for those who bring blankets and lawn chairs. Whether planned or impromptu, there will always be something entertaining or informative happening here, including Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band on Friday July 29, and Aaron Tippin on Saturday July 30. Also, every night the weather permits, a giant, five-story outdoor movie screen will feature an aviation film introduced by a celebrity guest. To wrap up the evenings at AirVenture will be the Night Air Show and Daher-Socata Fireworks on Saturday, July 30, starting at approximately 8:45 p.m. You’ll want to stake your spot early, as this show draws tens of thousands to the flight line.

And don’t miss stopping by the Covington Aircraft booth – number 261!

With all the top aviation talent, so many new and interesting things to see and do, and the chance to share a love of flying with so many who share those feelings, this Oshkosh event is one that the whole family should experience.

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