Air show is a mainstay of AirVenture

OSHKOSH - AirVenture is known by most people for its daily air show and Friday's show honored the men and women who've served our country.

It's not all AirVenture has to offer, but the daily air show is important.

"It centers around the air show, there's a trade show part of it, but really, the core is the airs how," said Jim DiMatteo, EAA's Vice President.  He  told FOX 11 Friday's show is especially meaningful.

"A tribute to the veterans and so we highlight the veterans and warbirds at the Friday show," said DiMatteo.

This display included a recreation of the film "Torra, Torra, Torra," showing the attack on Pearl Harbor.

"I'm very patriotic by nature and I think it brings out the patriotic side of a lot of folks that get to see this as well," said pilot Ken Barnhart.

And behind the scenes, EAA officials told us a lot of planning goes into a successful show.

"After this event, we'll start planning for next year," said EAA Ground Operations Coordinator, Dick Hanusa said.

There have been accidents at past air shows so those involved said they strive to make sure the future is as safe as possible.

It starts with coordination.

"They set up the show depending on an airplane's speed or capability, that even if something came off an airplane or if something strange happened, you wouldn't have any issues for the crowd," said pilot Michael Rambo.

Pilots told us aircraft are grouped by speed levels and performers' ability and EAA's ground-coordinator said  he has minute-by-minute contact with the people in the sky.

"It's very important, because if we didn't talk to each other, things would get very confused and we'd have aircraft in places they don't need to be," said Hanusa.

For pilots, performing in any show at Air Venture is an honor.

"I got into this when I was a young kid watching air shows.  I wanted to fly," said Barnhart.

And what makes all of the planning worth it?  A good review.

"I thought the airshow was actually really good!" exclaimed spectator Grant Klusman.

The "International Council of Air Shows" holds a convention each year.  That's where air show coordinators meet and choose the performers they want to highlight.