AirVenture 2026 Commemorates 50 Years of Ultralights

Ultralight aviation legend John Moody and his original Icarus II aircraft will be the centerpieces of a special half-century celebration of this segment of flight during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026.

In 1976, Moody brought the Icarus II to Oshkosh and flew it as a demonstration of the then-emerging pursuit of powered ultralight aviation, which grew out of the hang gliding fervor of the early 1970s. Moody will present a retrospective on his flying experiences on Wednesday, July 22, at 11:30 a.m. at the Fun Fly Zone forum tent.

In 2025, Moody donated his Icarus II — in need of restoration — to EAA. The Michigan Ultralight Association (MULA) volunteered to complete the painstaking restoration to his original specifications and will have it on display in the AirVenture ultralight area throughout the week. Moody will make regular appearances at the aircraft to talk with fellow enthusiasts and answer questions. Following AirVenture 2026, the aircraft will become part of the EAA Aviation Museum’s collection.

In addition, owners of Icarus and Easy Riser ultralights are invited to bring their aircraft to Oshkosh this year. Those owners should contact Ultralights@EAA.org to express interest and arrange aircraft parking and other details.

The AirVenture Ultralight area, later known as the Fun Fly Zone, has become a popular area with the “low and slow” flying audience over its 50 years of existence. It hosts the popular Twilight Flight Fest throughout the week and features flight demonstrations of ultralights, light-sport aircraft, powered parachutes, and more. In addition, there are dozens of presentations and more than 100 exhibitors in that area each year.

EAA brought ultralight aviation to the forefront in the early 1980s with the development and support for FAA Part 103, which was established in 1982 and still serves as the basis of ultralight regulations in the U.S.