Record Crowds Descend on EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019
For a week that was preceded by torrential rainstorms and flooding, causing saturated aircraft parking areas and uncertainty among pilots, the 2019 edition of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh generated the best attendance in the event’s long history. Approximately 642,000 people and more than 10,000 aircraft attended the event, marking the 50th year it was held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
There was just as much excitement at our display along Celebration Way. The exhibit featured four aircraft: a G500 TXi-equipped Cessna 182, a G3X Touch-equipped Van’s Aircraft RV-8, another Cessna 182 equipped with our G3X Touch for certificated aircraft, and ambassador Mike Patey’s legendary DRACO — a highly modified turboprop Wilga featuring our TeamX G3X Touch avionics for experimental aircraft.
Inside our exhibit, our latest avionics technology generated just as much buzz, ranging from our new GSB 15 USB charger and GNC 355 GPS/Comm radio to new features for our popular G5 electronic flight instrument and G3X Touch flight displays for experimental aircraft.
Seminars and Pilot Training
Each day our avionics experts and training team educated hundreds of aircraft owners and pilots on our latest technology. They hosted numerous seminars and courses tailored to different aircraft types and aviators. Our G3X Touch Academy taught amateur aircraft builders the ins and outs of installing our avionics in experimental aircraft, and we hosted hands-on GTN 750/650 series pilot training courses using real avionics and real-world scenarios. Plus, our team presented daily seminars showcasing our latest avionics solutions — everything from Garmin Pilot and ADS-B to the latest upgrade avionics like our GFC 500/GFC 600 retrofit autopilots and G500 TXi/G600 TXi touchscreen flight displays. If you didn’t have a chance to attend, we’ve got you covered. We regularly host regional seminars, and training courses throughout the United States, as well as an online webinar series covering our product line. Check out our schedule to find one near you!
Ambassador Trent Palmer: STOL Demos
Garmin Ambassador Trent Palmer made his way to Oshkosh in his G3X Touch-equipped Kitfox “Freedom Fox.” The STOL (short takeoff and landing) competitor participated in STOL demonstrations on the AirVenture ultralight runway, delighting crowds to landings and takeoffs measuring tens of feet rather than hundreds.
Mike Patey and DRACO: Fan Favorites
Adults and kids alike couldn’t help but stop and stare at the creation guarding the entrance to our exhibit. The one-of-a-kind aircraft DRACO created by Garmin Ambassador Mike Patey invited a steady crowd throughout the week. This STOL record-breaking aircraft has gained a reputation as one of the best performing aircraft in its category. Patey took time to visit with fans, take pictures and sign autographs. DRACO temporary tattoos and stickers could be seen all over the airshow grounds as he delighted his fans with free swag.
One Week Wonder
One year after the EAA’s One Week Wonder Van’s Aircraft RV-12iS went from a box of parts to a flying aircraft in only seven days, the airplane was once again on display along Celebration Way. A stunning paint job highlighted the Garmin-equipped aircraft, featuring volunteers’ names scribed on the wings. This project represents a beacon for current and future amateur aircraft builders, demonstrating what can be accomplished in the kitplane arena.
Thank you to all of our loyal customers and fellow aviation enthusiasts for visiting with us! We’re already counting the days to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2020, so stay tuned for our latest announcements, news and stories. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and tag your Garmin-inspired pictures with @GarminAviation and #flyGarmin!
