The Vintage Aircraft Association (VAA) has announced plans for a year-long commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the postwar general aviation boom of 1946. The “Class of ’46,” as it is known by some, brought more than 30,000 newly built aircraft into the general aviation market and was an important turning point in the accessibility of flying during the mid-20th century. This will be an ongoing celebration for the VAA throughout 2026, although its most notable feature will take place at a major showcase at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
Special programming during AirVenture will feature historic aircraft on display, supported by type clubs and their owners. Visitors can expect dedicated forums and presentations on the designs that helped define the postwar years. Classic aircraft entering the market at the time included the Cessna 120/140, Stinson 108, North American Navion, and Piper Super Cruiser. Others like the Piper J3 Cub, Aeronca Champ and Chief, and Swift enjoyed high levels of continued popularity during this time as well.
“This celebration is about more than just the airplanes — it’s about the people, innovation, and spirit that soared in 1946,” said John Hofmann, president of the Vintage Aircraft Association, in a press release. “The Class of ’46 represents a pivotal time when general aviation came alive for everyday Americans. We’re thrilled to shine a light on these aircraft and their communities at Oshkosh and all year long.”
My dad was the FBO operator at the Globe, AZ. airport (Cutter) shortly after WW2. (Ex-AT6 instructor at Willy AFB…then CAA examiner) At 4 years old I vividly remember many of those airplanes listed. One that made a big impression was the Stinson. I thought it was the most beautiful airplane I’d ever seen.
Mom also used me as ballast in the Aeronca. (She was working on her CFI and you couldn’t fly the Aeronca solo from the back seat. I did not appreciate spins unannounced.) Later we put our Cocker Spaniel in as ballast…he didn’t care about anything.
(FYI: When the CAA announced that spins were not required to get your private license…he went ballistic…saying they should not cowtow to airplane manufacturers who did not want spin requirement for the Private Pilot license. They said it was scaring away customers. He quit the CAA quickly afterwards…was ahead of his time on that issue. He never “soloed” anyone without spins…much less for the private license.