Oshkosh’s EAA AirVenture wraps up 7-day run

OSHKOSH, WI (AP) — The chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association says the organization met several goals with this year’s AirVenture.

The annual fly-in and convention wrapped up Sunday. Chairman Jack Pelton says one of the top goals was to have a safe event — and that occurred. Pelton says another objective was to actually have an air show in light of the Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic control fee. The EAA paid the $447,000 fee to the FAA, but has petitioned for a refund in federal court.

Pelton says improvements to the grounds, additional restroom facilities and more diverse food items with better pricing was a goal aimed at proving a better experience for attendees.

A record 821 exhibitors attended this year’s air show held July 29 to Aug. 4.