OSHKOSH, Wis. — A school district and bus contractor here are donating the use of some of their propane school buses to transport thousands of visitors for the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA’s) AirVenture event this week.

While air shows filled the skies, the alternative-fuel buses, contracted from Kobussen Buses Ltd., demonstrated the value of emissions-reducing school bus transportation, according to a news release from propane systems supplier Roush CleanTech. During the school year, the buses service Oshkosh Area School District.

“It was a natural fit to help out AirVenture’s transportation efforts by using local school buses during the summer down time,” said Dan Kobussen, vice president of Kobussen Buses. “These innovative propane buses reduce emissions and run on a domestically-produced fuel.”

Equipped with Ford Motor Co.’s 6.8L V10 engine, each Blue Bird Vision propane school bus is powered by a Roush CleanTech propane fuel system. Nearly 25% of Kobussen Buses’ fleet are propane models, according to the supplier.

“Our district partners with EAA to provide students insight into the history and understanding of aeronautics,” said Susan Schnorr, executive director of business services for Oshkosh Area School District. “We are happy to share our technologically advanced propane buses for their annual event to show attendees that this technology is working for districts every day.”

Along with the propane school buses, Roush CleanTech’s sister company, Roush Performance participated in the event by displaying and auctioning off a tribute vehicle commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to EAA’s Aviation Foundation, which encourages and educates the next generation of pilots.