EAA AirVenture provides a look at United States history and the future of aviation
OSHKOSH, Wis. (CBS 58) – Tuesday, July 22 was day two of the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Event (EAA) and thousands of people packed Wittman Regional Airport to take in a glimpse of the aviation world.
“EAA is the mecca of the airplane world,” B-29 Quadrant Tour Leader Burney Baskett said.
One of the planes featured was the Boeing B-29 Superfortress, which is one of two B-29 Bombers that are still flying in the world.
“It is really special that we’re able to bring her out here and see hundreds of thousands of people,” Baskett said. “Show this plane off to them and let them look at her and do tours of her.”
The plane was built in 1945 and was used during World War II, it will officially turn 80 at the end of the month.
Boeing B-29 Superfortress
“This was the height of technology in in 1944-45,” Baskett said.
Right across the runway from the B-29 was a CX-300 that was built this year.
It’s a little different than the 80-year-old B-29, because it is fully electric powered.
CX-300
“Electric aviation is real,” Beta Pilot Ella Brisson said. “We flew this aircraft from Burlington, Vermont and they’re flying just like airplanes should.”
The plane has five battery packs in the belly of the plane.
“Like any pilot with fuel calculations we do our range calculations and how much power draw we’re going to be using in flight,” Brisson said.
Whether you like the old school or new school, the EAA Airventure will run until Sunday July 27.
“It’s to honor the people who build these things, the men and women who flew these and educate and inspire the next generation of aviators,” Baskett said.