AirVenture never ceases to amaze me, or the hundreds of thousands of visitors that make the annual pilgrimage to Wisconsin each summer (approximately 590,000). This year was no exception as EAA presented a stellar lineup of performers, events, and programs that resulted in record crowds.

“Oshkosh” is an opportunity for my team and I to celebrate our partnership with Whelen Engineering. Our Whelen Demo Center showcases their latest products and innovations that continue to revolutionize aviation lighting with the use of LED technology. AirVenture attendees could examine Whelen’s Parmetheus Plus landing and taxi light; as well as their new Chroma series of LED plug and play position lamps. Customers who purchased a Whelen product on site were invited to attend the Whelen Wednesday night air show party on Wednesday. Over 300 people attended the annual party.

Our newest partner, Alpina Watches, made their AirVenture debut. As the official watch of Sun ‘n Fun earlier in the year, Alpina continued to introduce their line of pilot and adventure watches to pilots and enthusiasts alike. The Alpina flags flew high during the Saturday night air show, as Alpina hosted a welcome celebration for its local dealers and customers.

Aviall brought their Flight Deck VIP Experience program to AirVenture for the first time. Having hosted events at some of the most popular air shows in the country, as well as at several Red Bull Air Races around the globe, it was only fitting that the Flight Deck appear at aviation’s largest gathering. A Thursday afternoon party offered Aviall’s customers a chance to relax, watch the air show, and catch up with some of the Aviall team in attendance.

Personally, this year’s Oshkosh had almost too many highlights to name. Flying in the Cirrus Vision Jet with my family, celebrating Hartzell Propeller’s 100th anniversary, enjoying the time spent with my long-time partners, Goodyear, Lycoming, Champion and CJ Aviation, spending time with my friends of the Blue Angels, meeting up with longtime friends and meeting new ones. They say that “you come to Oshkosh for the airplanes, and you stay for the people.” That couldn’t be more true.

Watch our AirVenture wrap up video and scroll through our photo gallery below.