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 host a year-long "Class of '46" celebration in 2026, culminating at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, to honor 80 years of postwar general aviation.
This event will highlight the tens of thousands of aircraft introduced in 1946, such as the Cessna 120/140 and Stinson 108, with over 8,400 still registered today.
The celebration will feature iconic aircraft exhibits, forums, presentations, and digital content, inviting type clubs and aviation enthusiasts to participate.
VAA President John Hofmann emphasized that the celebration is dedicated to the people, innovation, and spirit that defined general aviation's explosion in 1946.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.