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EAA announced on Wednesday the new Vertical Lift Center at AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, which will highlight rotorcraft and vertical lift technology.
Helicopters and VTOL aircraft will be the focus of the Vertical Lift Center, which was first announced at AirVenture 2025. The space in AirVenture's Aviation Gateway Park is meant to promote rotorcraft education, industry recruitment, and innovative technology in the vertical lift industry. It is made in partnership with the Robinson Helicopter Company and Vertical Aviation International (VAI), an organization dedicated to supporting the vertical lift industry.
"While homebuilt rotorcraft have long been a judged category at Oshkosh and we've always welcomed other rotorcraft, drones, and similar technology as part of the world of flight, the EAA Vertical Lift Center is a unique area that focuses on this unique segment and its potential," said Ren Scott, EAA's vice president of business development, sales, and events. "Working with Robinson Helicopter and VAI brings the expertise in this area that connects with the rotorcraft and vertical lift communities with the international visibility available only at Oshkosh."
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EAA states that members of the rotorcraft and vertical lift community view AirVenture as an opportunity to showcase its technology and innovations to a broader audience.
"The future of flight is vertical, and EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh is an ideal stage to sponsor and showcase the innovation happening across our industry, from traditional rotorcraft to the next generation of piloted, remotely piloted and unmanned systems," said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter and sponsor of the inaugural Vertical Lift Center. "As the demand for skilled engineers, Aandamp;P mechanics, and test pilots reaches an all-time high, Robinson is committed to supporting education and careers across vertical lift. We encourage everyone to visit the Vertical Lift Center to discover how these advancements are shaping the next era of flight and how they can become a part of it."