FOND DU LAC – Five vintage warbirds from CAF Airbase Georgia are headed to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, giving aviation fans a chance to see rare World War II-era aircraft up close — and, for some, take a ride in one.
CAF Airbase Georgia, based in Peachtree City, Georgia, plans to bring five restored aircraft to the annual fly-in convention, which runs July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. Four of the aircraft will offer public rides from Fond du Lac County Airport from July 21 to 25.
Vintage warbirds are flying to Wisconsin for AirVenture
The lineup includes the P-51 Mustang “Red Nose,” a Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless dive bomber, an LT-6 Mosquito and a T-34 Mentor. Those four aircraft are scheduled for rides at Fond du Lac County Airport, near the AirVenture grounds.
The group also plans to bring its rare P-63 Kingcobra fighter for public display at EAA AirVenture, adding another historic aircraft to a week already packed with warbirds, homebuilt planes, aerobatics and aviation exhibits.
“EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is a highlight of our flying season,” Airbase Leader Mark Richards said in a news release. “We join with thousands of aviation enthusiasts to celebrate our restored warbirds and offer rides that give people an experience of a lifetime.”
How to ride a World War II-era aircraft near Oshkosh
Rides on the P-51 Mustang, SBD-5 Dauntless, LT-6 Mosquito and T-34 Mentor are scheduled July 21-25 at Fond du Lac County Airport, N6308 Rolling Meadows Drive, Fond du Lac.
CAF Airbase Georgia said rides can be reserved in advance through its website, https://airbasegeorgia.org/. Riders should review booking requirements before purchasing, including age and mobility requirements for entering and exiting the aircraft.
What is EAA AirVenture Oshkosh?
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is one of the world’s largest aviation gatherings, bringing more than 10,000 aircraft and hundreds of thousands of visitors to Oshkosh each summer. The 73rd annual event runs July 20-26 at the EAA grounds next to Wittman Regional Airport.
The week includes aircraft displays, forums, hands-on workshops, concerts, family activities and daily air shows. Afternoon air shows are scheduled for 2:15 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. Night air shows are scheduled for 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, and Saturday, July 25, with illuminated aircraft and fireworks.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 tickets, admission and location
What is CAF Airbase Georgia?
CAF Airbase Georgia was founded in 1987 and is one of the largest units of the Commemorative Air Force. The volunteer-run museum maintains and flies vintage military aircraft, including a P-51 Mustang, FG-1D Corsair, SBD Dauntless and P-63A Kingcobra, as part of its mission to preserve American aviation history.
Contact Brandon Reid at breid@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Ride a WWII-era plane near EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026
Reporting by Brandon Reid, Oshkosh Northwestern / Oshkosh Northwestern
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By Brandon Reid, Oshkosh Northwestern | USA TODAY Network
