Burt Rutan to be featured at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

Renowned aircraft designer and aerospace engineer Burt Rutan will be honored and celebrated at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019. The 50th consecutive EAA fly-in convention at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is July 22-28, 2019, at Wittman Regional Airport.

Rutan is highly regarded among the aviation community after founding two ground-breaking aerospace companies: Rutan Aircraft Factory and Scaled Composites, where he designed and developed 48 different aircraft. He is a two-time recipient of the Collier Trophy and has also been inducted into the International Air and Space Hall of Fame as well as the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

"I'm looking forward to returning to Oshkosh and taking part in EAA AirVenture 2019," Rutan said. "Since debuting the VariViggen at EAA Oshkosh in 1972, Oshkosh has been an important part of my career and life and I always enjoy interacting with homebuilders, EAA members, and aviation enthusiasts in general."

Rutan will be featured during the Theater in the Woods evening programming on Thursday, July 25, while also joining in other events during the convention such as the Homebuilts in Review session and participating in three additional forums throughout the week.

Rutan’s passion and innovations in aviation has continued to draw him back to AirVenture nearly every year. From 1972 to 2010, Rutan and his companies unveiled 24 separate research prototypes at EAA fly-in conventions.

"We're thrilled to honor Burt Rutan, who has been at the forefront of aerospace innovation for decades, this year at AirVenture," said Rick Larsen, EAA vice president of communities and member programs, who also coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. "His work in the aviation industry has continuously pushed the envelope in terms of design and energy efficiency and has inspired many to think outside the box."