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EAA AirVenture 2017 kicks off

General aviation's main event is revving up to full throttle in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where EAA AirVenture draws an eclectic mix of eye candy for aviation enthusiasts. AOPA photographers prowled the grounds just ahead of and after the July 24 opening with their eyes peeled for some great moments and unusual aircraft.

  • A carbon fiber two-seat tandem Tarragon is staged near the Brown Arch entrance during EAA AirVenture at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh July 23. Photo by David Tulis.
  • Recently restored B-29 "Doc" shines during its first visit to EAA AirVenture. Across Boeing Centennial Plaza is a younger and larger cousin, also manufactured by Boeing--a B-52 Stratofortress. Photo by Mike Collins.
  • Attendees view a Piper Super Cub on amphibious floats in front of the AOPA exhibit tent July 24. It's standing in for the association's next sweepstakes airplane, which is currently being refurbished. Photo by David Tulis.
  • Maxwell Kelsey of Bemidji, Minnesota, applies temporary lettering to the C-47 "That's All, Brother." The Commemorative Air Force is restoring the airplane, which led troop carriers on D-Day, and plans to fly the airplane to Normandy in 2019 for D-Day's seventy-fifth anniversary. Photo by Mike Collins.
  • This gorgeous Howard 500 executive aircraft is on the EAA AirVenture flightline. By the time it was certified in 1963, turboprops dominated the business-aircraft market and only 30 of the model were built. Photo by Mike Collins.
  • A Questair Venture taxis to parking during EAA AirVenture at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh July 23. Photo by David Tulis.
  • Aircraft are lined up in the parking area during EAA AirVenture at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh July 23. Photo by David Tulis.
  • As EAA AirVenture 2017 spools up, attendees talk in one of the aircraft campgrounds. Photo by Mike Collins.
  • Afternoon clouds frame 'Cloud Nine' nose art on a Thunder Mustang during EAA AirVenture at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh July 23. Photo by David Tulis.
  • A pilot secures his Sonex at the homebuilt camping area during EAA AirVenture at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh July 23. Photo by David Tulis.
  • Highly polished aluminum on this Lockheed 12A Electra Junior provides a mirror image of the right engine cowling. The aircraft is registered in Vermont. Photo by Mike Collins.
  • Tail art on a Glastar is framed by late afternoon clouds during EAA AirVenture at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh July 23. Photo by David Tulis.
  • Randy Butt, 17, of Wilmington, North Carolina, poses behind a minigun in a MH-47C heavy assault helicopter. His father, Michael Butt, wanted to re-create a photo taken when Randy was five. The helicopter is operated by the U.S. Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Photo by Mike Collins.
  • Enjoying some free time at EAA AirVenture 2017, Nick Hopkins of Longmont, Colorado; Michael Magdaleno of Whittier, California; and Kenny Kressin of Orange, California, play cornhole at the NATCA exhibit. Photo by Mike Collins.
  • Dallas Mavericks head basketball coach and pilot Rick Carlisle takes a self portrait with fellow pilot and 2016 National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Ken Griffey Jr. at an event for Cirrus owners and guests during EAA AirVenture at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh July 23. Photo by David Tulis.

AOPA ePublishing staff

AOPA ePublishing Staff editors are experienced pilots, flight instructors, and aircraft owners who have a passion for bringing you the latest news and AOPA announcements.
Topics: EAA AirVenture

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