AirVenture 2022 Highlights Future of Aviation

Around 650,000 people attended EAA’s AirVenture Oshkosh 2022, a clear sign of aviation’s rebound from the COVID-19 crisis and reportedly record attendance for the event. In addition to the famed air show events, Oshkosh goers were treated to demonstrations of innovative technology and a focus on sustainability.

Oshkosh is a somewhat unique event; while other aviation events cater mainly to aviation industry professionals, Oshkosh attracts a wide range of people, from industry pros to those who aren’t affiliated with the industry but just love airplanes. This creates an opportunity to share sustainability efforts and other initiatives with the general public in a hands-on way that is hard to replicate on such a big scale.

Aviation as a whole contributes less than 3% of global carbon emissions. However, much of the industry has committed to being carbon neutral by 2050, leading to the development of sustainable aviation fuel; alternative propulsion systems such as electric, hydrogen, and hybrid systems; and more efficient aircraft design, including light-weight composites.

In addition to mock-ups of several electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing aircraft (eVTOL), Boeing’s ecoDemonstrator, a 777-200ER, was on-site and available for public tours. The ecoDemonstrator is a test platform currently evaluating numerous sustainability efforts, including the use of hand-wash grey water to flush lavatories, which reduces weight and saves on fuel; single-engine taxi procedures; and vortex generators, small vertical vanes on the wing that improve aerodynamic efficiency during takeoff and landing.

AirVenture also looked to the future of pilot and aviation professional development, celebrating the new EAA Education Center, which opened earlier in July. It features a Pilot Proficiency center, a youth education center, and the EAA conference center in a 30,000-square-foot facility. Numerous exhibitors provided attendees an opportunity to fly in simulators or flight training devices, and Redbird Flight Simulations demonstrated its mixed reality training concept.

While the overall vibe of the show was one of positivity and optimism, aviators mourned the passing of EAA’s retired president Tom Poberezny. His death breaks the last link between EAA and its founding family. The record-breaking turn-out at AirVenture 2022 speaks to the legacy of the Poberezny family, the strong foundation of the industry, and the enduring love of aviation.