Thunderbird 8 Making Weeklong Visit to AirVenture 2026
By EAA Staff
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The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company will return to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh with its iconic blimp, Wingfoot One, continuing a tradition of airship appearances over Oshkosh. This year’s annual fly-in convention is July 20-26, with the blimp scheduled to arrive Thursday, July 23.
AirVenture week is a rare week off for the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Team, the Thunderbirds, this year, but at least one of them will still be in the public eye at Oshkosh! USAF Maj. Samuel “RaZZ” Larson returns to EAA AirVenture in 2026 with his “work vehicle,” the Thunderbirds No. 8 F-16 Fighting Falcon, for a weeklong stay at Oshkosh. That appearance is part of the Air Force’s involvement in the America 250 celebration at AirVenture this year.
RaZZ will be joined by SSgt. Sovann Din, the dedicated crew chief for the No. 8 jet. The aircraft will be parked primarily on Boeing Plaza near the Air Force pavilion following its July 20 arrival, creating a great, up-close photo opportunity for AirVenture visitors all week.
As Thunderbird No. 8, RaZZ is in his first year as the team’s advance pilot and narrator for the legendary team’s aerial performances. He is no stranger to Oshkosh, however, having flown the F-22 Raptor during AirVenture air shows as part of his three-year stint as the F-22 demo team pilot.
More about the USAF Thunderbirds and their remaining 2026 schedule is available at the team’s website.
