The people you meet

July 21, 2026 By AOPA ePublishing staff

Smoke from Canadian wildfires brought hazy skies to Wisconsin but did not stop pilots and aircraft enthusiasts from descending on Wittman Regional Airport for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

Attendees gather near vintage Stinson aircraft including a Reliant SR-7B gull-wing model with a Pepsi-Cola paint scheme during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh at Wittman Regional Airport in Wisconsin on July 18. Photo by David Tulis.

AOPA Senior Photographer David Tulis was on hand to capture the sights as the 2026 edition of the world’s largest airshow began.

Click on the images below to enlarge and view captions.

A uniquely painted Daher TBM 900 aircraft known as "Valkyrie" honoring those participating in the Veterans Airlift Command makes its debut at Boeing Plaza and serves as the backdrop for Patrick Svoboda and Kathleen LaBonte of Kansas City. Photo by David Tulis.

Pilots flying de Havilland Chipmunks greet well-wishers after arriving. Photo by David Tulis.

Airshow attendees greet one another on the flight line. Photo by David Tulis.

North American Aviation T-28 Trojan pilot Chris Birrell of Iowa polishes his aircraft on display at the Swift Fuels exhibit. Photo by David Tulis.

A couple walks past vintage aircraft. Photo by David Tulis.

Airshow attendees sport a festive look. Photo by David Tulis.

Attendees document the Cirrus Aircraft mass arrival. Photo by David Tulis.

The massive nose of a Lockheed C-5 Galaxy military transport reveals a cargo bay as it is ramped on Boeing Square. Photo by David Tulis.

AOPA Board Chair Luke Wippler serves coffee to member Harlin Hawkins during a Morning Brew event at the AOPA campus on July 20. Photo by David Tulis.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires paints the sky gray as airshow attendees walk past a folded-wing Douglas A-1 Skyraider on July 19. Photo by David Tulis.

A group of Fuji pilots from Apalachicola, Florida, relax in the warbirds area after making the trip north. Photo by David Tulis.

Brian Schiff of "The Schiff Show" greets 2026 National FAA Safety Team Representative of the Year Mike Jesch during a Redbird Flight Simulations welcome party on July 19. Photo by David Tulis.

Attendees participate in the Cirrus Aircraft welcome party. Photo by David Tulis.

Attendees enjoy the Cirrus Aircraft welcome party. Photo by David Tulis.

Attendees participate in the Cirrus Aircraft welcome party on July 19. Photo by David Tulis.

Cirrus Aircraft pilots Dale Klapmeier (right), Folds of Honor founder Dan Rooney, content creator Sarah Daniels, and actor Ian Somerhalder are recognized at a welcome party. Photo by David Tulis.

Cirrus Aircraft pilot and content creator Sarah Daniels is recognized at a welcome party. Photo by David Tulis.

Cirrus Aircraft pilot, aerospace engineer, and NFL football player Josh Dobbs (center) joins airshow performer Michael Goulian and others as they are recognized at a welcome party. Photo by David Tulis.

Howie D (Howard Dwaine Dorough) of the Backstreet Boys and a student pilot flying a Cirrus aircraft performs for a welcome event. Photo by David Tulis.

Campers relax under a Cessna. 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.

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Topics: EAA AirVenture

The people you meet

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