Pioneer Era of Aviation to Be Showcased at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 will pay homage to the earliest days of powered flight with a trio of replica aircraft from the pioneer era of aviation that will be displayed in the Vintage area of the AirVenture grounds. The pioneer era of aviation is recognized as the period between the Wright brothers’ first flight in December 1903 and the start of World War I in August 1914. The 72nd edition of EAA’s fly-in convention is July 21-27 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

“The pioneer era of aviation laid the framework for the entire industry through experimental designs and the willingness to push the boundaries of current technology,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “The three airplanes on display at AirVenture will serve as our tribute to the people who paved the way for the aviation industry.”

A replica Santos-Dumont Demoiselle, built by Club Aéro des Garrigues in France, will be transported overseas to Oshkosh to be displayed in the Vintage aircraft area. The Demoiselle is a lightweight monoplane designed by Alberto Santos-Dumont and features a fuselage built from bamboo. The first Demoiselle was built in 1907 and weighed less than 300 pounds.

A replica Bleriot XI from EAA’s collection will join the Demoiselle on display. The Bleriot XI was created by French businessman Louis Bleriot who famously flew over the English Channel in July 1909. The flight helped grow the popularity of the Bleriot XI with demand quickly exceeding the capacity of the original French factory. EAA’s flyable replica is built around an original Anzani engine.

The third airplane to be displayed is a Morane-Saulnier Type L replica, also part of EAA’s collection. The Type L was one of the first fighter aircraft from World War I. Fitted with a machine gun that fired through the propeller arc, the Type L became the first type to shoot down an enemy aircraft through the propeller. EAA’s replica was built by a team of volunteers which included former Morane-Saulnier employees. The aircraft was donated to EAA by the Morane-Saulnier Heritage Association following an appearance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017.

Both the Bleriot XI and Morane-Saulnier Type L replicas are currently on display in the Pioneers of Flight exhibit of the EAA Aviation Museum.