Happy Anniversary

July 25, 2016 - Numerous anniversary milestones are being celebrated at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016, marked with forums, flybys, and commemorative ceremonies. Plan now to join the festivities!

Van’s Aircraft RV-6, the most successful kit aircraft of all time, with more than 2,500 built, turns 30 this year. The F-16 Fighting Falcon, the multirole fighter designed by General Dynamics, is celebrating here 40 years since its entry into service. Marking the golden anniversary (50 years) of its first flight is Mustang Aeronautics’ Mustang II, the two-place aerobatic and sport aircraft. Additionally, several single-engine general aviation aircraft, introduced immediately after World War II, are marking 70 years of service: the Cessna 120/140, which ultimately racked up some 7,500 sales; the de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk, the standard primary trainer of the Royal Canadian and several other air forces; the two-place Globe/Temco Swift sport aircraft; and North American Aviation’s Navion. Celebrating their diamond jubilees of service entry (75th anniversary) are the Interstate Cadet and the Stinson Grasshopper, aka the L-Bird. The Spartan Executive, often referred to as the Learjet of its era, turns 80 this year, still robust as ever — the eight Executives that appear here this year represent history’s largest gathering of these aircraft, of which 34 were built. Finally, rounding out and capping the milestone celebrations, Boeing marks its centennial — 100 years since the company, now based in Chicago, was founded in Seattle, Washington, on July 15, 1916. A big AirVenture congratulations to all! EAA.org/schedule will get you to where it all happens.