By any measure, the Experimental Aircraft Association’s just-concluded AirVenture fly-in was a success. According to online sister publication AVweb.com, official attendance was “approximately” 677,000—a new record handily blowing past last year’s count of 650,000. According to EAA CEO and President Jack Pelton, “We had record-setting totals of campers, exhibitors, volunteers, and more. It was also a challenging year at times with weather, logistics, and other factors, which makes me even more proud of the efforts by our volunteers and staff to organize an outstanding event.”
Also according to AVweb, more than 10,000 aircraft flew into KOSH and other nearby airports for the show. The FAA logged 21,883 aircraft operations at Wittman Field in the 11-day period from July 20 to July 30. That’s an average of some 148 takeoffs/landings per hour when the airport is open, according to EAA. Other stats include 3365 show planes on display, including 1497 in the vintage aircraft parking area (a new record), 1067 homebuilts and 380 warbirds.
