A collection of early aircraft that showcase the inaugural years of powered aviation will be a special attraction at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, as the 73rd Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention comes to Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh on July 20-26.
The “Pioneers of Flight” collection features original and reproduction aircraft from the first 25 years of flight that followed the Wright brothers’ initial success at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in December 1903. The group that will be based in AirVenture’s vintage aircraft area represents innovations by American and international designers.
“The earliest designs were conceived by individuals and appear fragile by today’s standards, but they accomplished many of the first milestones in flight,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “The pace of innovations during aviation’s first quarter century is astonishing as one looks at where it started to where it was by the late 1920s.”
Among the original aircraft, reproductions, and replicas initially confirmed for the display are:
- 1907 Demoiselle – Alberto Santos-Dumont design, replica built by Club Aéro des Garrigues in France
- 1909 Blériot XI – First aircraft design to successfully fly the English Channel
- 1915 Morane-Saulnier Type L – Replica WWI fighter built by Daher and Moraine-Saulnier employees
- 1916 J-1 Standard – restored to flying condition by EAA volunteers in 2013-14
- 1927 Swallow biplane – Early air mail biplane that still flies passengers at EAA’s Pioneer Airport
- 1927 Spirit of St. Louis reproduction – Built by EAA to flying condition to honor Charles Lindbergh
Other vintage aircraft are expected to join this lineup in the coming months. Activities planned include forums hosted by EAA’s Vintage Aircraft Association, evening programs about aircraft of the era, engine run-ups, and select aircraft demonstrations during the afternoon air shows. A complete schedule of events will be released as it is finalized.
Editors Note: Be sure to check out last month’s Destination article “A Moment in Time: December 17, 1903 in Kitty Hawk, NC“.
