Vintage Events At AirVenture
There’s always something going on in Vintage Village during AirVenture! Throughout the day you’ll find workshops, forums, interviews, and more. A list of daily events is posted here in the months and weeks leading up to AirVenture, and is finailzed as we get closer to the begining of the convention. Be sure to check this page before leaving for Oshkosh so you can get the most out of your trip!
Vintage AirVenture 2021 Events Schedule
Check back often, as the schedule will continue to update with the latest information as we get closer to AirVenture.
Pre-Convention:
If you plan to arrive in Oshkosh early and would like to help with last minute preparations, visit our Volunteer Center located at the corner of Wittman Road and Vern Avenue outside the Red Barn. We have jobs for all skill and experience levels. Become an active part of Vintage AirVenture!
Tall Pines Café, our permanent facility on Wittman Road by the Ultralight runway, will be open for breakfast from 6:30 to 9:30 on Saturday and Sunday Pre-Convention. Tall Pines is operated 100% by Vintage Volunteers to serve our members and guests. Check with Steve Nesse at Tall Pines if you can give some volunteer hours.
New for 2021- Grab & Go Food! Have a bite to eat without missing out on the action on the field and overhead!
Ongoing Events Throughtout the Week:
Vintage Forums
Sponsored by B&C Specialty Products
Monday through Friday at 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00 in the Vintage Hangar
Vintage in Review
Monday through Friday in Rose Plaza, just east of the Vintage Hangar. Ladies for Liberty will be back in 2021 to perform popular music from the WWII era daily from 10:30 to 11:00. At 11:00 Ray Johnson interviews the owners and restorers of exceptional and unique vintage airplanes.
Daily Headliners are listed in the schedule below. Other daily interviews TBD.
Type Clubs
Monday through Friday 12:30 – 5:00 in the Vintage Hangar. Type Club representatives will be available to answer questions about specific vintage aircraft such as Aeroncas, Bellancas, Cubs, Cessnas, Navions, Pipers, Wacos, and many more. View our affiliated Type Clubs here.
Hand Propping Demonstration
“Prop it Right and Save a Life”- Dion Carr, A&P, AI assisted by Mary Carr will demonstrate the Safe and Legal way to hand prop an aircraft engine. Many vintage airplanes must be started by hand propping because they have no electric starter. Dion and Mary have taught over a thousand visitors how to safely hand prop engines at AirVenture over the past years since Dale Gustafson suggested and conducted the first demonstrations here at Oshkosh. Demonstrations are at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Metal Shaping Demonstrations
See metal shaping of aircraft cowlings and other compound surfaces performed by experts Dave and Maxwell Wenglarz. Watch closely and you may be given a chance to try your hand at it! Located outside the south side of the Vintage Hangar. Demonstrations every day from 8:00 am.—12:00 noon, Monday through Friday.
Paul’s Vintage Workshop
A&P’s Jim Hamilton and Don Bartlett will demonstrate a variety of workshop activities each day, Monday through Friday, in the northeast corner of the Vintage Hangar. See the schedule posted in the Hangar for specific times of each activity.
Vintage Red Barn Store
Shop our vast selection of VAA merchandise ranging from clothing, accessories, home decor, gifts, kids items, and more! Vintage Aircraft Association members receive 10% off all purchases!
Vintage Bookstore
Located just south of the Vintage Hangar in Rose Plaza, the Vintage Bookstore has accumulated a large and varied inventory of used and/or out-of-print aviation books through generous donations. We have categories that include The Golden Age, Pre-War, Post-War, Children/Young Adult, Biographies, Manuals/Technical, Better Books, paperbacks and more! Donations are accepted during AirVenture and are tax deductible.
Red Barn Welcome Center
Your headquarters for information, emergency phone numbers, schedule of events, popcorn, and lemonade. You can pick up your participant plaque if you flew an aircraft into the Vintage area, or purchase tickets for the Vintage Picnic held on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Tall Pines Café. Our volunteers can also help arrange transportation on and off the field.
Vintage Aircraft Tram Tours
Get an up close and personal look at rows and rows of rare and unique vintage aircraft! Tours are 45 minutes long and depart on the hour in front of the Vintage Red Barn. No reservations– first come, first served.
Daily Schedule
Monday, July 26
6:30 AM – 9:30 AM – Breakfast at Tall Pines Café
8:00 AM – VAA Town Hall Meeting
Presented by Susan Dusenbury
Meet and talk with the VAA officers and directors over free coffee and donuts. Vintage leaders will discuss recent activities of the association, current plans, and goals for the future. This is your opportunity to express your thoughts and our opportunity to hear them.
9:00 AM – American Navion Society Forum
Presented by Gary Rankin
Come to hear everything Navion. Presented by Gary Rankin, President of the American Navion Society, this forum will discuss current topics with the Navion and recent activities of the club.
10:00 AM – Ercoupe Owners Club Forum
Presented by Syd Cohen
Join Syd Cohen and others of the Ercoupe Owners Club to talk about everything Ercoupe. Come to ask maintenance questions, hear about the club, and learn why so many love flying this aircraft.
10:30 AM – Vintage in Review at Interview Circle
Headliner: Scott Glover & Doug Smith
1929 Travel Air 6000
11:00 AM – History of Unusual Aeroncas
Presented by Craig MacVeigh
Aeronca was never afraid of exploring new ideas. Presented by Craig MacVeigh, President of the National Aeronca Association, this forum will look back at some of the early developments and unusual prototype aircraft, along with some that never made it past the drawing board.
Tuesday, July 27
6:30 AM – 9:30 AM – Breakfast at Tall Pines Café
8:00 AM – International Cessna 195 Club Forum
Presented by Darren Butcher
Come to hear everything about the Cessna 195, as well as ask any questions you have regarding this aircraft. Presented by Darren Butcher of the International Cessna 195 Club, this forum will discuss current topics with the Cessna 195 and showcase why so many love to fly this aircraft.
9:00 AM – Hatz Biplane Association Forum
Presented by Jeff Orear
Come to hear everything about the Hatz Biplane. Presented by Jeff Orear, President of the Hatz Biplane Association, this forum will discuss the rich history of this beautiful airplane and current activities of the club. Bring any questions you have about purchasing, maintaining, or flying these beautiful aircraft and Jeff will help you get them answered.
10:00 AM – Aeroncas
Presented by Bill Pancake
Bill Pancake, A&P IA, will be discussing anything and everything related to Aeroncas. Bill has a strong passion for repairing and restoring small vintage airplanes and was honored as the FAA’s 2018 National Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year. This is the first of two forums Bill will be hosting on Aeroncas in the Vintage Hangar this week, with the second one Friday, July 30th at 10:00 AM.
10:30 AM – Vintage in Review at Interview Circle
Headliner: Roger James
1934 Waco YKC
11:00 AM – Swift Museum Foundation Forum
Presented by Jim “Frog” Jones
Join Jim “Frog” Jones, President of the Swift Museum Foundation, to talk about everything Swift. Come to ask maintenance questions, hear about the foundation, and learn why so many love flying this aircraft.
Wednesday, July 28
6:30 AM – 9:30 AM – Breakfast at Tall Pines Café
8:00 AM – Youth Forum
Presented by Charlie Waterhouse
Calling all kids who are interested in aviation! This forum is being put on by our Vintage Youth Ambassadors – all young people with a wide variety of involvement in aviation, from flying to maintenance to engineering. Come hear their stories and learn how you can get involved in the aviation world, too! This forum is for the young and young at heart – all are welcome. Free donuts provided!
9:00 AM – Maintaining Short Wing Pipers
Presented by Steve Pierce
Join Steve Pierce of the Short Wing Piper Club to discuss anything and everything related to maintaining short wing Pipers. These airplanes have an extremely loyal following due to their ease of maintenance and excellent parts availability. Steve will provide helpful tips and answer any questions you may have regarding these aircraft. Come join us for this forum as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of one of the most iconic short wing Pipers, the PA-22, at AirVenture this year!
10:00 AM – Stinson 108 Series, the Best Value in Aviation
Presented by Bret Chilcott
If you’re looking for an aircraft that’s both fun and affordable, look no further than a Stinson. We will explore the many advantages of the Stinson 108 Series, including its utility, performance, and cost. The Stinson 108 rivals the capabilities and flight characteristics of well-known Cessnas and Pipers with some unique features that these popular brands don’t have. Founded in 1920, the Stinson Aircraft Company celebrated its 100th anniversary last year – come learn about this aircraft’s exciting heritage and why it continues to be considered the “best value in general aviation.”
10:30 AM – Vintage in Review at Interview Circle
Headliner: Jessica Cox
World’s First Armless Pilot
1946 Ercoupe
11:00 AM – Fairchild Club Forum
Presented by Mike Kelly
Join Mike Kelly, President of the Fairchild Club, to talk about everything Fairchild. Come to ask maintenance questions, hear about the club, and learn why the Fairchild continues to be so popular.
5:00 PM – Vintage Annual Membership Meeting – Tall Pines Café
All VAA members are invited to attend.
6:30 PM – Vintage Annual Picnic – Tall Pines Café
Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available at the Information Center in the Red Barn. Shuttle service to Tall Pines Café is available starting at 5:30 from the Red Barn.
Picnic Cancelled due to capacity restrictions
9:00 PM – Evening Air Show and Fireworks Display
Thursday, July 29
6:30 AM – 9:30 AM – Breakfast at Tall Pines Café
8:00 AM – Taylorcraft Owners Club Forum
Presented by John Hofmann
Come to hear everything Taylorcraft. Presented by John Hofmann of the Taylorcraft Owner’s Club, this forum will discuss current topics with Taylorcraft airplanes and current activities of the club.
9:00 AM – Franklin Engines
Presented by Tim Hogan
Presented by Tim Hogan of the International Stinson Club, this forum will cover anything and everything pertaining to Franklin engines. While these engines are popular among Stinson 108 owners looking to upgrade their powerplant, STCs are also available for several other models, including Cessna 170, 172, and 175. Come to learn more about these engines and ask Tim any questions you may have.
10:00 AM – American Waco Club Forum
Presented by John Gerth
Join John Gerth, President of the American Waco Club, to talk about everything Waco. Come to ask maintenance questions, hear about the club, and learn why so many pilots enjoy flying Waco airplanes.
10:30 AM – Vintage in Review at Interview Circle
Headliner: Ladies Love Tailddraggers
Laura Doombon
Cessna 170-A
11:00 AM – Aeronca Aviators Club Forum
Presented by Robert Szego
Come to hear everything Aeronca. Presented by Robert Szego, President of the Aeronca Aviators Club, this forum will discuss information on the various models (Champ, Chief, Sedan, etc.), as well as cover maintenance topics. They will again have Joe Smokovitz, A&P/IA, as their guest speaker, who has extensive experience with Aeroncas and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Friday, July 30
6:30 AM – 9:30 AM – Breakfast at Tall Pines Café
8:00 AM – Grandpa’s Guest Book
Presented by Joe Baker
Starting back in the 1930s, Joe Baker’s grandfather managed the Detroit City Airport FBO, out of which he operated a restaurant. From 1933 through the war years, many famous people came through the joint and signed the guest book, ranging from Hollywood actors to musicians, and of course key figures in aviation. Joe has identified about one hundred notable signatures and has been investigating each person’s accompanying story. One example is Helen Richey, the first female airline pilot, who ate at the restaurant after flying in from DC after her first day on the job! Take a step back in history and come hear the many stories this restaurant holds.
9:00 AM – Buying Short Wing Pipers
Presented by Steve Carruthers
Join Steve Carruthers, President of the Short Wing Piper Club, to discuss everything to consider when buying a short wing Piper. These airplanes have an extremely loyal following due to their delightful flying characteristics, ease of maintenance, and economical operation. Steve will provide helpful tips and answer any questions you may have regarding these aircraft. Come join us for this forum as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of one of the most iconic short wing Pipers, the PA-22, at AirVenture this year!
10:00 AM – Aeroncas
Presented by Bill Pancake
Bill Pancake, A&P IA, will be discussing anything and everything related to Aeroncas. Bill has a strong passion for repairing and restoring small vintage airplanes and was honored as the FAA’s 2018 National Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year. This is the second of two forums Bill will be hosting on Aeroncas in the Vintage Hangar this week, with the first one Tuesday, July 27th at 10:00 AM.
10:30 AM – Vintage in Review at Interview Circle
Headliner: Rusty Morris
1964 Cessna Skyhawk
11:00 AM – History of Early Aeroncas
Presented by Craig MacVeigh
Come learn about the origins of the beloved “Air-Knocker”! Presented by Craig MacVeigh, President of the National Aeronca Association, this forum will discuss how Aeronca grew to be a leader and innovator to the civil aircraft market and a strong contributor to the War effort.
Saturday, July 31
6:30 AM – 9:30 AM – Breakfast at Tall Pines Café
6:00 PM – Vintage Awards Ceremony in the Vintage Hangar
Awards will be presented to 2021 winners in three categories- Antique, Classic, and Contemporary. All are welcome!
9:00 PM – Evening Air Show and Fireworks Display