Wednesday's at Airventure Oshkosh means night airshow and normally a slower start to the day. I elected to conduct some housekeeping, I visited the on-site laundromat and did a quick wash of some clothing. Rates are very reasonable, and the equipment works perfectly, no need to worry when you visit Oshkosh with AirAdventure tours then all and every need is provided for in Camp Scholler. Laundry duties complete I took a walk to the bus park to take a short ride to the Seaplane Base. The beauty of the Airventure experience is that everyone is keen to chat and share stories and experiences. The bus ride to the seaplane base was over in a flash!
Walking down the path towards the Seaplne base I remembered why this is one of my favourite spots at Airventure. The woods smell fresh, and the foliage is green and lush. Just an idyllic setting.
The conditions on Lake Winnebago were quite rough and it was for this reason that seaplanes were being diverted to other nearby lakes for landing. So unfortunately, no landing or flying action but some stills of the seaplanes lying in wait. With the news that there would not be much movement, I elected to take the bus to the South 40 on the airfield to make my way to my spot for the afternoon airshow.
Settled in for the afternoon airshow, it was announced on the PA system that there was a surprise fly-by. It was from none other than the Blue Angels. They appeared so quickly, and I was unprepared, but I got a single shot that I can share with you.
The customary opening ceremony commenced with the singing of the American national anthem and a parachute drop with the American flag. It is always impressive how much care is taken that the flag is not dropped on the ground unnecessarily.
A homebuilt showcase was launched, and several flypasts were made by some interesting aircraft including a Delta Dyke as well as two Breezy's.
A large display of ex-military aircraft followed that included the Bird Dog, Navion, Cessna 337 and Chipmunks.
Greg Koontz flies a Cherry Red Citabria, and he does so with enthusiasm! His display was tight, keeping the aircraft in front of the crowd all the time, fantastic showmanship indeed!
Another surprise was on the horizon for the crowd, a lone Thunderbird had made its' way to Oshkosh. It made a couple of passes before disappearing into the blue.
Mustang, Hurricane and yes Spitfire. A dream formation at EAA Airventure 2024. I had never seen a Spitfire flying in the flesh. It did not disappoint!
In another simulation of days gone by, a C47 had loaded a flight of paratroopers and were to dispatch them overhead EAA Airventure. Their round parachutes have limited steering and they all managed to land on their designated spots.
In the late afternoon sun, there was another demonstration of American airpower with an A10 Warthog, F16, F35 and F22 joining in several flypasts.
With the afternoon airshow ending, the Canadian Snowbirds made their appearance and arrival at Airventure before their first show on Saturday.
Wednesday night at Airventure also means night airshow and fireworks, but before that come around another unique and special formation flypast took place. Two B29 Bombers with an Avro Lancaster. Just incredible!
I captured the following images of aerobatic displays with pyrotechnics as well as a drone, pyrotechnic and aerobatic combination, which was magical!
What an incredible day at EAA Airventure, I look forward to the rest of the week and the action that awaits us! We will bring you all of it here on PilotsPost.
