PRESS RELEASE
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 will shine a spotlight on the dawn of powered flight with the display of three rare pioneer-era replica aircraft, offering visitors a glimpse into the roots of aviation. The trio of aircraft, representing designs from the 1900s and 1910s, will be exhibited in the Vintage area during the 72nd edition of the world’s largest aviation gathering, set for July 21–27 at Wittman Regional Airport. The pioneer era, spanning from the Wright Brothers’ first flight in 1903 to the outbreak of World War I in 1914, marked a period of extraordinary innovation and experimentation in aviation history.
“The pioneer era laid the foundation for everything that followed in aviation,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs. “The aircraft on display this year will pay tribute to the visionary individuals who dared to imagine powered flight and made it a reality.” Leading the lineup is a replica Santos-Dumont Demoiselle, constructed by Club Aéro des Garrigues in France. The lightweight bamboo-framed monoplane, originally designed by aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont in 1907, will be shipped across the Atlantic specifically for the event.
Joining it is EAA’s own replica of the Bleriot XI—the iconic aircraft flown by French aviator Louis Bleriot during his groundbreaking 1909 English Channel crossing. EAA’s version is airworthy and powered by an original Anzani engine, echoing the spirit of early aviation exploration. Also featured is a replica Morane-Saulnier Type L, one of the first World War I aircraft equipped with a forward-firing machine gun synchronized to shoot through the propeller. Built by volunteers, including former Morane-Saulnier employees, the aircraft was gifted to EAA by the Morane-Saulnier Heritage Association after its appearance at AirVenture 2017.
Currently on display at the EAA Aviation Museum’s Pioneers of Flight exhibit, both the Bleriot XI and Morane-Saulnier Type L replicas will be temporarily relocated to the AirVenture Vintage area to help tell the story of aviation’s bold beginnings. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s membership convention. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at www.EAA.org/airventure. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or visit www.EAA.org.
