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Each year, hundreds of thousands of people worldwide look forward to the chance to walk through this gate and into the epicenter of aviation's biggest and best event.
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We brought as many products as possible to display.
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One great thing about AirVenture is that it's so family-friendly. Here, Paul and Sherry take Evan and Ethan out to see some of the show.
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There was an impressive lineup of Skybolts and Firebolts in the IAC area this year.
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The other side of teh lineup.
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This Pitts looks like it's ready to go out and have some fun.
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Steve Jones' Skybolt is an Oshkosh regular.
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This is Chuck Ellis' 260 hp Skybolt.
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This new 260 hp Skybolt belongs to Jim Woolworth from Michigan.
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Pete Clinton and his Skybolt are Oshkosh regulars.
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This stunning Firebolt was flown weeks ago, but actually finished the Saturday before Oshkosh. Owned by Chris and Sarah May, it was built with the help of George Wheeler. George became terminally ill and passed away before the plane flew, but he did get to see the engine run. George asked Chris to try to finish the plane for Oshkosh. It was a squeaker, but they were very happy that they were able to fulfill George's request.
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Many admirers surrounded the May's Firebolt. The plane is a serious contender for this year's Grand Champion, Plans-Built award.
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The cockpit is extremely neat.
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Look closely. Every screw is turned to precisely the same orientation. They also fit perfectly. It would be very hard to find a flaw on this beautiful aircraft... we couldn't!
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Another new plane that is a contender for an award is Mike Marrin's Firebolt. This plane was in our tent at Sun 'N Fun.
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There were a fair number of Pitts S1's in the acro area.
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There were several Stardusters and Acrodusters like this one.
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The homebuilding world lost an icon recently with the death of Ed Marquardt. There were at least two Marquardt Chargers there, as if to pay tribute to their designer.
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A really fast-looking Pitts Special.
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Aviat had their entire lineup on display.
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The Hiperbipe is a lesser-known, but fairly capable, acro plane that can also cruise really well. (Plus, it just plain looks really cool!)
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There were quite a few advanced monoplanes in the acro area as well.
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... and another Acroduster!
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Of course, the Decathlon is a little different approach... and still a capable machine for the kind of acro that most people actually do.
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Bill Stein's Edge awaits it's turn to fly in the airshow.
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Of course, Sean D. Tucker was there.
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We're proud to be able to be a part of Sean's team!
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Bill and Sean get ready for their upcoming flights.
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Greg Poe's all carbon-fiber plane flies on ethanol. As gasoline prices continue to skyrocket, alternative fuels are becoming more and more attractive despite the development and difficulties to be overcome... even if only in getting people to accept them.
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A very unique way of decorating the plane... use the pattern of the carbon fiber in the wing as part of the design. Really neat paint job!
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UAV's are even making appearances at AirVenture nowadays. This one clearly owes much of it's heritage to modern electric-powered RC competition planes.
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Cirrus unveiled it's Sport Pilot aircraft early in the morning. They've been so busy they didn't have time to design it from scratch, rather they're going to modify and "Cirrusize" the FK14 from Europe. CEO Alan Klapmier told the crowd that it's the first time they've ever faced the problem of trying to make a plane fly slower rather than faster!
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One of our favorites, the Aeroshell Team, puts on their usual great performance for the crowd. This is the view from our display area.
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This new T-28 formation acro team really impressed a lot of people. The R-2800s have a very distinctive and unique sound.
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This newly-repainted B-24 attracted large crowds.
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The Berlin Airlift Foundation has a neat museum right inside their plane.
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This Tigercat is one of the best restorations we've seen in a long, long time. It's not just a rare aircraft, but an incredibly beautiful design to boot. This plane races at Reno.
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The Perlan sailplane that Steve Fossett and Einar Enevoldson recently set their altitude record in is on display in Aeroshell Square. Yes, those are real pressure suits... but no, Steve and Einar weren't really sitting there!
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Eclipse surprised everyone by rolling out a new 1-engine personal jet. It's VERY pretty!
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If an F-4 screaming down the runway doesn't get your juices flowing, you better see a doctor.
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Two USMC Harriers arrived... let's just say I was VERY glad I remembered to put some earplugs in my pocket that morning!
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Two classics... Greg Herrick's awesome Ford 4-AT-A Trimotor provides a nostalgic atmosphere next to the stage for the evening Beach Boys concert.
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News crews from throughout the area were on hand... AirVenture is a BIG deal not only for aviation enthusiasts, but for the entire area. The people of Oshkosh and surrounding areas really go out of their way to make all the visitors feel at home and help us have a very enjoyable stay!
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