Vintage Aircraft Association to Celebrate 80 Years of General Aviation

Enthusiast organization plans to salute classic aircraft year-round in 2026, with special programming planned for Oshkosh.

Caleb Revill

Wednesday, September 03, 2025 at 05:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Dubbed the ‘Class of ’46,’ tens of thousands of aircraft were introduced worldwide following the end of World War II. [Courtesy: Vintage Aircraft Association]

Key Takeaways:

The Vintage Aircraft Association (VAA) will launch a year-long celebration culminating at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 to mark 80 years of postwar general aviation.
The event will honor the "Class of '44", recognizing the significant boom in general aviation with over 30,000 aircraft, such as the Cessna 120/140 and Stinson 108, introduced after World War II.
The celebration will feature iconic aircraft exhibits, forums, and presentations by dedicated type clubs, alongside stories in *Vintage Airplane* magazine and digital content on owning and restoring classic aircraft.
VAA President John Hofmann stated the celebration highlights the pivotal role of these planes, the people, innovation, and spirit that shaped general aviation for everyday Americans in 1946.

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The Vintage Aircraft Association (VAA) is set to honor 80 years of postwar general aviation next year with a year-long celebration and aircraft showcase at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026.

Headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the VAA is inviting its dedicated type clubs across the country to participate in iconic aircraft exhibits, forums, and presentations about the legendary designs that helped shape modern aviation.