EAA AirVenture kicks off

OSHKOSH (AP) - The Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture starts Monday in Oshkosh, attracting an estimated half million people for its seven-day run.

It's a far cry from the handful of mostly homebuilt and modified aircraft and 150 registered visitors it had in its first year in 1953.

Among this year's highlights are the US Airways crew that crashed landed in the Hudson River, the world's largest passenger airliner - the Airbus A380 - and an appearance by actor and pilot Harrison Ford.

Arguably one of the most anticipated highlights is Virgin Galactic's WhiteKnightTwo, or "Eve." It's the carrier aircraft that could launch tourists into space in the next two years.

It arrives on opening day Monday and makes four appearances.

AirVenture chairman Tom Poberezny predicted a "solid to very good year" for attendance.