Historic Piper Comanche No. 1 takes center stage at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

LOCK HAVEN -- Piper Aviation Museum President Ron Dremel and his wife, Cathy, traveled to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, this week to represent the Piper Aviation Museum at the Piper Aircraft exhibit at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, helping promote the museum and the annual Sentimental Journey fly-in in Lock Haven.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, known as "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration," is one of the largest and most important gatherings of aviation enthusiasts in the world. The annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention brings together pilots, aircraft owners, aviation historians, manufacturers, military personnel, families, and aviation enthusiasts from around the globe. The 2026 event, held July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport, marked the 73rd annual EAA fly-in convention. The event features thousands of aircraft, aviation exhibits, workshops, forums, historic aircraft displays and daily air shows that showcase everything from vintage and classic airplanes to the latest advances in aviation.

For the Piper Aviation Museum, the annual gathering provides an important opportunity to share the story of Piper Aircraft and its deep roots in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, while connecting with the worldwide aviation community.

This year's Piper Aircraft exhibit featured a particularly significant piece of Piper history--the very first Piper Comanche PA-24, Serial Number One, an airplane with a special connection to Lock Haven and the history preserved by the Piper Aviation Museum.

Comanche No. 1 was built in 1956 at Piper Aircraft's Lock Haven plant facility, making its appearance at AirVenture especially meaningful to the Lock Haven community. The aircraft represents an important chapter in Piper's history and in the development of the PA-24 Comanche, an airplane that would become one of the company's most recognized and respected high-performance aircraft.

The historic aircraft was rescued several years ago and lovingly restored by the late Norm Johnson of Mill Hall, Pennsylvania. Norm's dedication and craftsmanship helped preserve this important piece of Piper history and return the aircraft to flying condition.

Following Norm's passing, the airplane was purchased by Tony Urbano of Gilbert, South Carolina. Thanks to Urbano's continued care, Comanche No. 1 remains flying today, allowing future generations of aviation enthusiasts to see and appreciate an airplane that holds such an important place in Piper Aircraft history.

The historic Comanche was also entered in aircraft judging during AirVenture in the Vintage category, where it received the Contemporary Most Unique Award. The recognition was a fitting tribute to the aircraft's unique history, its restoration, and the individuals who worked to preserve it for future generations.

For Ron and Cathy Dremel, seeing Comanche No. 1 displayed at AirVenture was a special opportunity to highlight the connection between the aircraft, the Piper Aircraft legacy and the community of Lock Haven.

"Aircraft like Comanche No. 1 tell a story that goes far beyond the airplane itself," said Ron Dremel, president of the Piper Aviation Museum. "This airplane was built right here in Lock Haven in 1956. It was rescued and restored by Norm Johnson, and today, thanks to Tony Urbano, it is still flying. It is a wonderful example of how preserving aviation history keeps the past alive for future generations."

The Dremels also used their time at AirVenture to promote the Piper Aviation Museum and the Sentimental Journey to Cub Haven fly-in, encouraging aviation enthusiasts from across the country to visit Lock Haven and experience the birthplace of Piper Aircraft.

The Sentimental Journey Fly-In celebrates the legacy of Piper and the many aircraft that were designed and manufactured by Piper in Lock Haven. The annual event brings together historic aircraft, pilots, aviation enthusiasts, families and friends who share a passion for aviation history.

The Piper Aviation Museum continues to preserve and share the story of Piper Aircraft, its employees, its airplanes, and the important role the company played in the development of general aviation. The museum's collection helps visitors understand the remarkable aviation heritage of Lock Haven and the generations of people who contributed to Piper's legacy.

As Comanche No. 1 continues to fly, it serves as a living reminder of that history--linking Piper's Lock Haven manufacturing heritage of the 1950s with today's aviation community.

For more information about the Piper Aviation Museum, its collection and upcoming events, visitors are encouraged to visit the museum in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, and follow the museum on Facebook or at www.pipermuseum.com.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the annual convention and fly-in of the Experimental Aircraft Association. First held in 1953 and held in Oshkosh since 1970, the event has grown into a worldwide celebration of aviation, attracting pilots and aviation enthusiasts from around the world. The weeklong event combines aircraft displays, educational programs, workshops, forums, entertainment and spectacular daily and evening air shows, making Oshkosh a destination where aviation history, today's aircraft and the future of flight come together.