World’s Largest Flying Boat, World War I Aviation Added to EAA AirVenture 2016 Lineup

News provided by

Experimental Aircraft Association

Apr 29, 2016, 22:45 ET


Oshkosh, Wisconsin (PRWEB) April 29, 2016 -- The world’s largest active flying boat plus airplanes from the World War I era have been added to the lineup for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016, the annual weeklong fly-in convention coming on July 25-31 to Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The event, known as aviation’s family reunion, annually welcomes more than 10,000 aircraft to the Oshkosh region, and an attendance from 70 nations that surpasses 500,000. It is also the annual convention for the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), a worldwide organization for those who enjoy recreational flying.

Among the added highlights this year are:

  • The Martin Mars, the largest flying boat ever flown operationally, with a height of 38 feet, a length of 120 feet, and a wingspan of 200 feet (approximately the wingspan of a Boeing 747). It is its first appearance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
  • World War I-era airplanes , including vintage aircraft and replicas from such legendary names as Sopwith, Fokker, and Spad. Activities will include four flying demonstrations: Early mornings on Wednesday, July 27 and Saturday, July 30, and following the daily afternoon air show on Monday, July 25, and Thursday, July 28. A special addition is a rare 1909 Curtiss Pusher aircraft, which has just been completed from a two-year restoration.

“These additions make this year’s edition of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh a can't-miss one for any aviation enthusiast,” said Rick Larsen, EAA vice president. “If something has flown, is flying, or will fly, it will come to Oshkosh. People will see examples from more than 100 years of flying history and a look at what’s to come.”

These latest aircraft highlights add to an unmatched list that already includes the Canadian Forces Snowbirds flying performances on July 29-31; a 75th anniversary commemoration of Pearl Harbor featuring dozens of World War II aircraft and re-enactors; the 100th anniversary of U.S. Coast Guard aviation; drone flying and demonstrations; and a 25th anniversary salute to the aircraft of Operation Desert Storm.

Along with the focused events for 2016, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh features daily afternoon air shows plus night air shows on July 27 and 30; more than 1,000 forums, workshops, and seminars covering all aspects of aviation; more than 800 exhibitors with the latest aviation innovations; evening presentations; and family activities.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at http://www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit EAA.org. Immediate news is available at http://www.twitter.com/EAA.

Dick Knapinski, Experimental Aircraft Association, http://www.eaa.org, +1 (920) 426-6523, [email protected]