Phillips 66 Aviation caught all of the only-in-Oshkosh sights at EAA AirVenture
Oshkosh, Wis. – EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018 was one for the record books, yet again. Organized and hosted by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), the annual fly-in convention is the world’s largest gathering of aviation pilots and enthusiasts. During July 23 – 29, 2018, 601,000 attendees visited the EAA fly-in convention grounds, located adjacent to Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, which is nearly two percent above of 2017’s record total attendance. This year’s event also attracted more international visitors than ever.
The event, which relied on the help of more than 5,000 volunteers, featured more than 800 exhibitors with the latest aviation innovations, nearly 1,500 forums, workshops and seminars, daily afternoon air shows with the world’s finest aerobatic performers, and up-close sessions with top aviation personalities. More than 10,000 airplanes flew into the convention this year.
Some of the highlights of this year included a surprise visit from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels during Wednesday afternoon’s air show and the Bally Bomber, a one-third scale replica of a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. Additionally, the Air Force Reserve celebrated its 70th anniversary at Oshkosh, bringing its impressive fleet of military refueling aircraft.
Phillips 66® Aviation was there for all of the action and documented some of the highlights on social media with #P66atOSH18. The Phillips 66 team handed out branded swag, which included hot weather must-haves like sunglasses, hats and fans, as well as drawstring bags and T-shirts. But of all the freebies that were distributed, the popsicles were the hit of the show. Distributed every afternoon Monday – Thursday, the frozen treats were a crowd favorite, as convention goers melted in the sunny, 85-degree weather.
Additionally on Tuesday morning, Phillips 66 and Afton Chemical (Afton), sister company to Ethyl, teamed up to present an update on the team’s development of an unleaded Grade 100 aviation gasoline (UL100). This UL100 is meant to serve as a future replacement for 100LL to meet future industry needs. Read more from the presentation on AIN.
Phillips 66 was also proud to serve as presenting sponsor of the EAA Young Eagles Banquet, and on Wednesday night, Eric McMurphy, Director of Sales, General Aviation, U.S., awarded the Phillips 66 Leadership Award to Joe Corragio, a second-generation Young Eagle. Joe is a true testament to the program and the impact it can have on young people’s lives. Read Joe’s full story here.
The Phillips 66 team is already looking forward to AirVenture 2019, which will be the convention’s 50th year in Oshkosh since it moved from Rockford, Illinois, in 1970.