With the clean-up after Airventure 2016 at Oshkosh well underway, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has released statistics that point to a industry on the verge of recovery.
EAA President Jack Pelton said the atmosphere was one of optimism right across Wittman Regional Airport.
“It was a magical week at Oshkosh this year," he said. "You could sense the enthusiasm throughout the grounds no matter where you were. From the aviation anniversaries we celebrated, to the magnificent performances by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, to the airplanes and aviators who were here, there was an energy that reinvigorated everyone involved in aviation.
"[the] attendance was particularly outstanding, since we had some weather challenges mid-week compared to seven perfect days in 2015. Our grounds crew and our volunteers, who number more than 5000, did a superb job keeping the site ready for visitors and campers who arrived by ground or by air.”
Vital Statistics
Attendance: Approximately 563,000, an increase of nearly one percent over 2015.
Total aircraft: More than 10,000 aircraft arrived at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh and other airports in east-central Wisconsin.
Total aircraft on show: 2855 (up 7%): 1124 homebuilt aircraft (up 11%), 1032 vintage airplanes (up 7%), 371 warbirds (up 6%), 135 ultralights and light-sport aircraft, 101 seaplanes, 31 rotorcraft, 41 aerobatic aircraft, and 20 non-categorized aircraft.
Exhibitors: Final total of 891 (up 10%)
Forums and Workshops: 1050 sessions attended by more than 75,000 people.
Guests registered at International Visitors Tent: A record 2369 visitors registered from 80 countries. Top countries represented: Canada (578), Australia (340), and Argentina (167). [NOTE: Actual international attendance by country is undoubtedly higher, since these are self-reported figures only.]
The growth will prove a challenge to match next year, but Pelton and his team are on the ball already.
"The planning for EAA’s 65th annual fly-in convention begins now," he said. "There are people already coming forward with ideas that we’ll consider in the coming weeks. Next year, for instance, is the 80th anniversary of the iconic Piper Cub airplane and the 70th anniversary of the US Air Force.
"We also want to continue to be the place where new aviation technology and innovations are unveiled to the world."