Oshkosh News

eVTOL Insights

High activity

Low/Zero-emissions propulsion accelerates: Heart’s all-electric ES-30 roadmap, ZeAero hydrogen Caravan retrofit, Dovetail electr

Heart Aerospace is preparing its first test flight of the full-scale X1 all-electric demonstrator, targeting a hybrid-electric ES-30 entry into service by 2031. ZeAero is launching the hydrogen-powered ZERA-LITE retrofit for Cessna Caravans. Meanwhile, Dovetail Electric Aviation signed a binding customer deal for an electric Caravan conversion, and Air One was unveiled at EAA AirVenture.

Flying Magazine

Tornado strikes near Oshkosh within a day of EAA AirVenture’s end

A destructive storm and tornado hit the Oshkosh area roughly 24 hours after the EAA AirVenture convention wrapped, underscoring how quickly conditions can shift after large aviation events. The incident highlights the need for rapid emergency response and tightly coordinated contingency planning around airshow operations.

eVTOL Insights

Electra.Aero’s short-takeoff electric concept moves toward production as Airbus and MTU push hybrid-electric and fuel-cell power

Electra.Aero says its nine-passenger Ultra Short uses eight electric motors and blown-lift technology for takeoff/landing in under 150 feet, progressing from prototype toward production. Separately, Airbus is advancing its LEIA hybrid-electric testing while MTU develops flying fuel-cell engine technology with Airbus and pursues EASA approval, and books ~$500M in Farnborough engine orders. In the West US, Fundamental Advisors acquired firefighting-and-utility operator BlueSky Helicopters.

AeroTime

Elixir Aircraft unveils Elixir+ training variants at EAA AirVenture 2026; teases larger Equinox aircraft

Elixir Aircraft presented an expanded training lineup—Elixir+—in three versions at EAA AirVenture 2026, targeting U.S. flight schools. The company also used the show to preview a larger aircraft it calls Equinox, signaling a next step beyond its current trainer offering.

AINonline

Pipistrel unveils Voyager next-generation two-seat trainer to meet MOSAIC certification requirements

Pipistrel has revealed the Voyager at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 as a new, two-seat training aircraft aimed at modern flight schools. The company says the trainer is designed to meet MOSAIC certification regulations for advanced, next-generation pilot training.

AINonline

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 kicks off amid Canadian wildfire smoke impact

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 begins Monday at the Brown Arch with sunrise ceremonies and a memorial path for aviation-connected loved ones. Ahead of opening, attendees and aircraft repositioned around regional wildfire smoke, which eased Sunday afternoon, July 19.

Flying Magazine

Wildfire smoke degrades visibility for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh arrivals, threatening pilot operations in Wisconsin

Canadian wildfire smoke is reducing visibility across Wisconsin, complicating inbound flight planning for pilots traveling to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. With hazardous air quality and low-visibility conditions affecting arrival operations, event organizers and carriers face added operational risk for incoming aircraft.

eVTOL Insights

Electric Aircraft Symposium returns to Oshkosh July 18-19 with 15% ticket discount for eVTOL Insights readers

The Vertical Flight Society’s Federal City Chapter will host this year’s Electric Aircraft Symposium (EAS) at the University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh on July 18-19, two days ahead of EAA AirVenture. eVTOL Insights readers are eligible for a 15% discount on tickets as the event returns to the Wisconsin show circuit.