Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 27, 2025
News Summary
The Spirit of Kentucky, a restored 1929 Curtiss Robin aircraft, is showcasing the crucial role of aviation in Kentucky’s economy at AirVenture 2025 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Piloted by Dorian Walker, the aircraft represents a pivotal moment in aviation history and has become a highlight at the event, which attracts over 500,000 attendees. The display emphasizes the significant impact of the aviation industry, which contributes over $23.7 billion to Kentucky’s economy and provides over 100,000 jobs, solidifying the state’s position as a leader in the aviation sector.
Oshkosh, Wisconsin – The Spirit of Kentucky is making waves at AirVenture 2025, showcasing the significant role aviation plays in Kentucky’s economy. The vintage aircraft, a 1929 Curtiss Robin, is on display by the Friends of Vintage Flight, a nonprofit organization based in Bowling Green, Kentucky. This iconic airplane, similar in appearance to Charles Lindbergh’s famous Spirit of St. Louis, has attracted significant attention at one of the world’s largest aviation events, which is expected to draw approximately half a million attendees.
The Curtiss Robin, designed by aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss and produced by the Curtiss-Robertson Airplane Manufacturing Company, reflects a pivotal time in aviation history, specifically the period between World War I and World War II. Its presence at AirVenture not only aims to celebrate its historical significance but also to educate the public about advancements in aviation during this era and the considerable impact on the Kentucky economy, which ranks third in the nation for aviation-related activities, trailing only California and Washington.
Dorian Walker, the chair of the Friends of Vintage Flight, piloted the aircraft to the event and provided insights about its history and importance as a speaker at the event. The Curtiss Robin was thoughtfully restored over three years by Walker and his wife, Elaine, after they acquired it in California. The aircraft stands out as the most produced civilian plane between the World Wars, celebrating numerous world records and historical events, including an unauthorized transatlantic flight attempt by Douglas Corrigan in 1938, which earned him the moniker “Wrong Way Corrigan.”
At AirVenture’s Vintage Red Barn, the robust display of the Spirit of Kentucky educates festival-goers on the critical connections between early aviation and modern advancements. The Kentucky aviation sector currently generates over 100,000 jobs and contributes a staggering $23.7 billion to the state’s economy, demonstrating the vital economic role aviation has in the region.
The annual AirVenture event hosts over 10,000 aircraft and attracts visitors from around the globe. Participants can enjoy daily airshows featuring various performers and aircraft, including celebrated military planes and historical models. There are numerous workshops, attractions, and exhibits available throughout the event, aimed at aviation enthusiasts of all ages. The event provides a variety of ticket pricing options that include discounts for veterans and children, ensuring accessibility for a wide audience.
Attendees can look forward to dining options, gift stores showcasing aviation memorabilia, and a charity fun run/walk scheduled for July 26. Workshops on aircraft restoration and construction, featuring presentations from industry leaders, are available daily, enhancing the educational aspect of the event.
Economic studies suggest that AirVenture generates an impressive $257 million for the Fox Valley region each year, further underscoring the event’s importance to local and national aviation interests. From historical aircraft to modern innovations, AirVenture encapsulates the spirit of flight while also emphasizing the economic vitality of the aviation sector.
FAQ
What is the Spirit of Kentucky?
The Spirit of Kentucky is a 1929 Curtiss Robin aircraft, representing an important period in aviation history and is currently being showcased at AirVenture 2025 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
How does aviation contribute to Kentucky’s economy?
Kentucky’s aviation industry is the third-largest in the U.S., providing over 100,000 jobs and contributing $23.7 billion to the state’s economy.
What can visitors expect at AirVenture 2025?
Visitors to AirVenture can enjoy daily airshows, various aircraft displays, workshops on aircraft construction, and access to attractions like the EAA Aviation Museum. Special pricing options are available for families, veterans, and children.
Key Features of AirVenture 2025 and the Spirit of Kentucky
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Location | Oshkosh, Wisconsin |
| Aircraft Showcased | Spirit of Kentucky (1929 Curtiss Robin) |
| Expected Attendance | 500,000+ visitors |
| Economic Impact | $257 million for the Fox Valley region |
| Workshops Available | Aircraft restoration and construction |
| Contribution to Kentucky’s Economy | $23.7 billion; 100,000 jobs |
| Unique Historical Fact | Douglas Corrigan’s unauthorized 1938 flight in a Curtiss Robin |
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Additional Resources
- AIN Online: FAA Announces Final Mosaic Rule for Oshkosh Event
- USA Today: EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is Big Summerfest, NFL Draft
- Simple Flying: Cirrus Aircraft Content Creator Fired for Not Wearing Bra at Oshkosh
- Travel and Tour World: Rare Boeing 747SP Turns Heads at Oshkosh Air Show 2025
- Flying Magazine: Garmin Adds Fisk Arrival in Preparation for EAA AirVenture
- Wikipedia: AirVenture
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
