Aviation’s Biggest Week Underway in Oshkosh

Hello from Oshkosh! EAA AirVenture is in full swing and it’s been a great week so far. I’ve had the chance to meet some fantastic people and talk airplanes non-stop. If you’re here, swing by Hangar D—Flybuyer Aircraft Sales is set up at booth 4133 and we’d love to meet you. Also… the mighty C-2 Greyhound made a surprise appearance this year. And as a former COD guy, I’ve got to say—it totally made my week.

-Rob Roy

In today’s email:

• Where the Skies Go to Party: Inside EAA AirVenture

• Around the Skies: NASA’s supersonic jet takes first steps toward flight, AirVenture ignites local business boom, Cessna hijack halts Vancouver flights, WAI scholarship program takes flight, Bill could extend ATC careers, Tecnam's bold move into modern flight training

• PilotTube: The Best Week in Aviation: Highlights from Oshkosh '24

THE BUSINESS OF AVIATION

Oshkosh Takes Flight: The World's Busiest Airport for One Wild Week

This is the week when the skies over Wisconsin come alive. Welcome to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s greatest celebration of flight. Each summer, Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh transforms from a quiet Midwest airfield into the busiest airport on Earth as more than 10,000 aircraft and over half a million aviation enthusiasts from more than 80 countries gather to share their love of flying. Hosted by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), AirVenture honors the past, embraces the present and looks to the future of aviation.

AirVenture isn’t just an airshow. It’s a full-on aviation festival. From daily aerobatic performances and military flyovers to the jaw-dropping Night Air Show packed with pyrotechnics and thunderous engines, the excitement never stops. Aircraft of all kinds are on display: warbirds, homebuilts, ultralights, vintage taildraggers and experimental designs. Some are one of a kind, others carefully restored by passionate owners. If it has wings, odds are it’s here.

Beyond the flightline, hundreds of educational forums, hands-on workshops and family-friendly attractions round out the experience. You might learn how to rivet sheet metal, wire your own avionics or hear stories from aviation legends at Theater in the Woods. KidVenture and the open-air Fly-In Theater offer even more to explore.

Whether you’re a longtime pilot, a first-time builder, a curious kid or someone who just loves the smell of avgas at sunrise, there’s something unforgettable waiting for you. For many, Oshkosh is a rite of passage. And once you’ve been, it’s easy to see why people return year after year. Because here, you don’t just watch aviation history—you become part of it.

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AROUND THE SKIES

🛩️ NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic jet has officially entered its next phase, completing its first low-speed taxi test at Plant 42 in California. The milestone marks the start of final ground checks before the futuristic jet takes to the skies. Engineers validated steering, braking and stability systems as the X-59 moved under its own power. Part of the Quesst mission, this sleek bird aims to replace the sonic boom with a gentle “thump” and bring quiet supersonic travel one step closer to reality.

🛩️ EAA AirVenture doesn’t just light up the skies—it supercharges the local economy. According to a new study by the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, the 2024 fly-in brought a staggering $257 million in total economic impact to the Fox Valley region. That includes $171 million in direct spending, more than 2,000 jobs created and a ripple effect across everything from hotels and restaurants to landscaping crews. As Oshkosh 2025 lifts off, it’s clear this isn’t just an airshow—it’s one of Wisconsin’s biggest economic engines.

🛩️ In a bizarre and dramatic turn of events, a former Canadian airline pilot was charged with hijacking after allegedly stealing a Cessna 172 and flying it into Vancouver International’s airspace. The unauthorized flight triggered widespread delays, scrambled NORAD fighter jets and brought arrivals at YVR to a halt for nearly 40 minutes. The pilot, identified as Shaheer Cassim, landed safely before being surrounded by police on the tarmac. It’s the kind of stunt you’d expect in a movie—only this one unfolded over Canada’s busiest airport.

🛩️ Women in Aviation International has launched its 2026 scholarship program, offering more than $200,000 across 50+ opportunities in flight training, maintenance and aerospace. Open to all experience levels, applications are due by October 15, with winners recognized at the WAI conference in Dallas next March. It’s a powerful boost for anyone looking to launch or level up their aviation career.

🛩️ Senator Marsha Blackburn has introduced the Control Tower Continuity Act, a bill that would allow qualified air traffic controllers to work past age 61 if they meet medical standards and renew certifications twice a year. With the U.S. short about 3,000 controllers, the move aims to ease delays and keep seasoned pros on the job. It’s a practical fix with high stakes and just the kind of clearance the system needs.

🛩️ Tecnam and Evionica have partnered to launch a next‑generation digital flight training platform built around the Tecnam P-Mentor. The new CBT program blends real-world scenarios with upgraded graphics and intuitive design, covering everything from private pilot to upset recovery. It aims to streamline instruction and lighten the load for instructors through a more interactive, immersive learning experience. It’s a bold step into the future of aviation training.

PilotTube

With Oshkosh 2025 now underway, it’s the perfect time to look back at the magic of last year’s show. AirVenture 2024 delivered clear skies, massive crowds and an unforgettable lineup of aircraft, speakers and surprises. From sunrise departures to the roar of the Night Air Show, each day brought something new. Here’s a look back at the highlights from a record-breaking year at the world’s greatest aviation celebration.

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