EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

You Gotta Be There !

The gates open at 7 a.m., but you'd better get there earlier ... you can't see it all in one day.

As you arrive, the number of people, size of the site and the rows and rows of magnificent aircraft are simply overwhelming.  If you were to walk past ... not down ... each row of airplanes, you would cover 5.2 miles!  Typically about 2,500 show aircraft participate at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, including homebuilts, antiques, classics, warbirds, ultralights and rotorcraft.

The first thing to look at is airplanes on the flight line. As an EAA member, you can inspect firsthand the craftsmanship and design advancements that come from the hands and minds of EAA members. If you're interested in a particular airplane chances are you'll find it in Oshkosh. As you walk along the flight line you'll see many of the newsmakers and personalities who make the world of aviation so exciting.

Traveling across AeroShell Square, AirVenture's main display ramp, you might see anything from the Spirit of St. Louis to a Stealth fighter. 

Don't miss KidVenture! Since landing at Wittman Regional Airport, KidVenture has attracted thousands of participants young and old alike with its hands-on, educational—and fun—aviation-based demonstrations and presentations. After all, kids get to build their own gliders and rockets, fly simulators, see aviation legends tell their stories, ride in a tethered hot-air balloon, and so much more.

From the flight line it's on to the Forums Area. During the week over 500 forums are conducted by aviation leaders and NASA researchers, along with FAA personnel, aircraft designers and a host of others.

After taking in a couple of forums, let’s visit the Exhibit Buildings. Just about everything available in aviation is there. Instruments, avionics, insurance, aircraft parts . . . the list goes on and on. Over 800 exhibitors participate at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

Want to learn how to fly?  Then stop and visit the NAFI Pavilion. You'll meet some of the nation’s top flight instructors who will provide their advice on how to get started in flying or upgrade your ratings. It's not as difficult as you might think.

The EAA Chapter House introduces you to over 1000 Local Chapters worldwide. There's bound to be one in your area . . . if not, they'll help you start one. Chapters provide the opportunity to meet people who have the same aviation interests that you have. It’s a great way to whet your aviation appetite.

Then comes one of the most eagerly-anticipated highlights of the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh . . . the Afternoon Air Show...

It starts off with showcase flying.  Many unique aircraft, from early air racers to historical airplanes, participate. That's followed by the finest air show you will see anywhere. Top performers such as Sean Tucker, Patty Wagstaff and others take part in a nearly three-hour spectacular. The sun is setting, but the action is just beginning.  Now it’s time to visit the Theater in the Woods. Each night over 4,000 people enjoy superb aviation programs and entertainment. Typical programs may feature NASA astronauts, top test pilots and world-famous aviation personalities.

EAA AirVenture is a 24-hour event. And after a few hours of sound sleep it starts all over again.  Yes, it’s been a great day at Oshkosh ... the World's Greatest Aviation Celebration.