Welcome to The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration—EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007. Photo by Dave Higdon

Aviation enthusiasts from around the world are here or on their way to the 55th annual convention of the EAA, The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration. Some will arrive at Wittman Regional Airport for the first time this year, but most of the people you see walking around the grounds are repeat attenders. What is it that brings them back, year after year?

That depends on what rocks their wings. For some, it’s the hundreds of timeless warbirds they can see here, all together in one spot. (More than 300 of them will be here this week, and the big warbird air shows are Friday and Saturday.) Others will cite the exhibit areas, where they can see—and purchase—the latest technological wonders that are often unveiled at Oshkosh (and adopted later throughout the aviation industry). More than 800 exhibitors are here, and the exhibit space is officially "sold out."

Still others can’t wait to arrange their schedules to select from AirVenture’s more than 1,000 presentations and workshops, where they can learn new homebuilding skills or something new from one of the more than 500 aviation experts sharing their know-how—free.

AirVenture also is the only place on the planet outside Washington, D.C., where so many FAA officials gather in one place for an entire week. It’s been said many times by those from our nation’s capital that they can learn more about the state of aviation and what’s important to their constituents in one week at Oshkosh than they can the rest of the year combined.

Then there’s the daily air shows, featuring world-class pilot performers deftly defying the laws of physics; the major industry announcements (see story on this page); unique evening programs…and the list goes on.

(See all the scheduled presentations, workshops, exhibitors, and much more information in the Info Guide.)

"Simply put, Oshkosh is the place to be for anyone who enjoys flight, innovation, and the best aviators’ gathering in the world," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. "EAA AirVenture is not only aviation’s family reunion, but also the place where nearly every facet of flight is on display, as Oshkosh is the international crossroads where people enjoy and celebrate the freedom of flight."

So this year, like every year, more than 10,000 aircraft will fly in, and throughout the week more than 600,000 people from 65 nations will pass through the admission gates. The flightline will be filled with the latest flight innovations, along with the legendary aircraft of aviation’s first 100 years.

New light-sport aircraft will be unveiled here, as will new jets and several other new types, unique homebuilts, and newly restored vintage airplanes. More than 2,500 showplanes including homebuilts, vintage, ultralights, seaplanes, and rotorcraft will vie for coveted Lindy trophies. You’ll see more aircraft of every size, shape, and origin here than anywhere else in the world!

So settle in and enjoy the week. And remember, AirVenture is what you make it. Have fun creating your own World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration!