Every year, hundreds of thousands of aviation enthusiasts from around the globe gather in Oshkosh to celebrate and promote their passion — aviation in all its forms. During this special time of the year, Oshkosh serves as the epicenter of the aviation industry as aircraft manufacturers and aviation-related companies unveil their latest airplanes, avionics, and other products.

Innovation is a dominant theme every year, but this year it’s even more so. Here’s just a sampling: The Martin Jetpack, billed as the "first practical jetpack," will be launched at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29, at AeroShell Square. Get a glimpse of rocket-racing planes with the first public flights of the Rocket Racing League on Tuesday; electric aircraft; the latest on space tourism; the world’s most unorthodox cargo hauler; the gargantuan Boeing Dreamlifter; the world’s most sophisticated military aircraft; and astoundingly well-crafted amateur-built and restored aircraft. As you’re walking the grounds, you will also notice the new air traffic control tower located next to AeroShell Square. The 525-square foot tower is significantly larger than that of the old tower and provides air traffic controllers a greater view of the runways.

In addition to aviation innovation, EAA AirVenture serves as an important aviation-policy summit. This year members of the House Aviation Subcommittee will present a panel-discussion forum, which will begin on Monday, at 11:30 a.m. in Pavilion 6. The forum will give EAAers an opportunity to address their questions and concerns, with EAA President Tom Poberezny serving as the discussion moderator. A special EAA/FAA Forum discussing EAA’s fight to protect the 51 percent rule will also take place on Monday, at 1 p.m. at Forum Pavilion 9.

With the price of fuel on the rise, economical flying has never been more important. Making its AirVenture debut this year, EAA’s new Affordable Flying Center will offer a full lineup of practical, dollar-saving forums. Located in the former NASA building north of the old control tower, these forums will offer practical tips and ideas to help you achieve your dream of flight, even on a limited budget.

"When you add to these innovative attractions the opportunity to experience the opening-night concert by Foreigner, presentations by Harrison Ford and John Travolta, the comedy of ventriloquist Jeff Dunham, and a concert performance by Gary Sinise’s Lt. Dan Band, AirVenture’s value as a vacation destination is unparalleled," said EAA President Tom Poberezny.