Austria’s legendary Flying Bulls just made history. This week, they crossed the Atlantic for the first time in their 27-year existence and landed at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin — marking their first-ever public performance on American soil.
The journey took them through the United Kingdom, Iceland, Newfoundland, and Canada, delivering two of Europe’s most meticulously restored warbirds to Wisconsin. Both aircraft will make their only scheduled U.S. air show appearance in 2026. A pristine Douglas DC-6B and the continent’s sole airworthy Lockheed P-38 Lightning are now on the line-up for EAA AirVenture’s 73rd edition, running July 20–26 at Wittman Regional Airport.
The Aircraft — and Why They Flew Together
The DC-6B served as the transatlantic workhorse. Built in 1958, this presidential transport once carried Yugoslav marshal Josip Broz Tito. The Flying Bulls spent three years comprehensively restoring it and re-engined it with Pratt & Whitney R-2800 “Double Wasp” powerplants. It’s become a fixture of European air show circuits — but had never before made the Atlantic crossing.
Flying her wing is the P-38 Lightning. Only 10 airworthy examples survive from the 10,037 Lockheed built during World War II. This particular F-5G-6-LO reconnaissance variant spent decades racing at Reno as “White Lightning” before an engine fire forced it down in Mississippi in 2001. The Flying Bulls acquired the wreckage in 2007 and invested three years in a total restoration, polishing the twin-boom airframe to museum quality.
Eskil Ambal, CEO of the Flying Bulls, explained the decision to keep both aircraft together. “The moment has arrived — we are crossing the Atlantic and we’re coming to Oshkosh,” he said. “Our ride across the Atlantic is in a DC-6, just as she was meant to do. But we couldn’t let her go alone. You never, ever, ever leave your wingman. So the P-38 is coming with her.”
Simon Pircher, head of projects and events, discussed the routing. The P-38’s more restrictive range required multiple refueling stops rather than a direct crossing. The team plotted a journey through the United Kingdom, Iceland, and Newfoundland before entering North American airspace — ensuring both aircraft remained supported throughout.
What to Expect at Oshkosh
Both aircraft will occupy premium real estate on Boeing Plaza. They’re scheduled to perform during the afternoon air shows on Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday. The 2026 performer roster already includes newly restored P-51 Mustangs, a fresh Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, USAF Heritage Flight formations, and the U.S. Army Golden Knights precision parachute team.
The significance of the P-38’s appearance is hard to overstate. Airworthy examples are so rare that gathering three operational Lightnings in one location — including the Flying Bulls’ P-38, Oshkosh is expected to do this summer — constitutes a once-in-a-generation event. Many enthusiasts will travel considerable distances just to witness the Flying Bulls’ machine perform.
Rick Larsen, EAA Vice President, put it in perspective. “The Flying Bulls aircraft are another example of the world coming to Oshkosh to celebrate flight every summer,” he said. “These airplanes are among the finest restorations of their type anywhere on earth, so an Oshkosh stop was a necessity during their American tour.”
What’s Next
AirVenture Oshkosh runs July 20–26, 2026. Admission and air show details are available at eaa.org. The Flying Bulls have confirmed no additional U.S. air show dates for 2026 — making this their sole American public appearance this year.
For transatlantic warbird enthusiasts and P-38 devotees, the window is now open.
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