According to EAA Chairman, Jack Pelton, "You could feel the energy as thousands of airplanes arrived early and stayed longer, pushing aircraft camping to capacity for most of the event. The aviators and enthusiasts who attended were engaged, eager and passionate, demonstrating how Oshkosh is the best example of why general aviation is so vitally important to the country."
As it has year after year, attendance for the week-long event went up, attracting to approximately 590,000 persons and more than 10,000 aircraft to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Fly-In Convention Grounds (located adjacent to Wittman Regional Airport).
Phillips 66® Aviation was there in a prime tent located right by the flight line, welcoming guests with fun games, activities and giveaways, including a photo booth, meet and greets with Captain Phillips 66 and the Aerostars Formation Aerobatic Flight Team and the very popular afternoon popsicle happy hour. Additionally, the famed 1939 Plymouth Radial Air Truck was situated right by the tent. The chrome beauty runs on a huge 757 ci (12.4 L) Jacobs R-755-A2 radial aircraft engine. The truck caught the eye of many attendees who took advantage of the fun photo opportunity.
Pilots who took a quick survey could take home a Phillips 66 Aviation drawstring backpack or a 90th anniversary logo branded T-shirt. And no one left empty-handed, with lapel pins, stickers, patches, aviator sunglasses, nylon fans and more available for the taking.
Two big announcements were made public at the EAA Young Eagles Banquet dinner. Ben Van Handel was named the first recipient of the Phillips 66 Aviation EAA Flight Training Award. Ben will receive $13,200 to pursue his dream of earning a pilot’s license. Also during the dinner, Eric Whyte was named EAA Young Eagles Leadership Award winner. Annually Phillips 66 recognizes a volunteer who has gone above and beyond for the program.
Is it too early to start looking ahead to AirVenture Oshkosh 2018? We think not! Our eyes are to the skies, as we anticipate OSH18!