Learn to Fly Center Planned for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2020

March 19, 2020 - Attendees at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2020 who have always thought to themselves, "I would love to learn to fly someday; I wonder what steps I need to take to begin flight training?" can now leave the convention with their questions answered, and a kickstart to their flight training journey.

As EAA continues to prepare for a full AirVenture event in July, a new feature in 2020 will be EAA's Learn to Fly Center, located on the southwest corner of the Four Corners, the central hub of the AirVenture grounds. This is the same location where the One Week Wonder, Give Flight, and EAA's Spirit of Aviation Mobile Experience have been located in years past.

Within the Learn to Fly Center, there will be multiple stations, each dedicated to helping individuals take a step forward in their desire to learn to fly. Certified flight instructors (CFIs) will be on hand to help answer any questions about the flight training process. Special attention will be given to helping visitors select the correct certificate that fits their flying desires, finding an Aero Medical Examiner in their area, and showing them how EAA can help them through their training process.

A unique opportunity will be located at the kiosk dedicated to registering for student pilot certificates. CFIs will help process the necessary paperwork with the FAA, so that visitors can walk away from AirVenture with this item check off their list. Shortly after visitors return home, they should expect to receive their plastic certificate in the mail.

Near the rear of the tent will be four Redbird TD simulators. Visitors will have the opportunity to sit down with a CFI and fly a short introductory scenario, such as basic maneuvers and flying the traffic pattern. The Redbird TD has been approved by the FAA as a Basic Aviation Training Device, so time spent with a CFI in the simulator will be logged for the attendee in an EAA-provided logbook.

During their visit, attendees will walk away with their questions answered, a student pilot certificate in hand, and their own pilot logbook with their first entry endorsed by a CFI.

In addition to the resources on hand for aspiring aviators, each afternoon there will be a hangar flying session with a CFI. These sessions will provided a relaxed environment for CFIs to chat with visitors about the many different types of flying that EAA members participate in. Steve Krog, a regular contributor to EAA Sport Aviation, will be one of the CFIs on hand to hangar fly with attendees. Keep an eye out for additional CFIs to be announced in the coming weeks!

If attendees want to take their visit even a step further, EAA will be offering abbreviated Flying Start events each morning at the EAA Blue Barn. The Flying Start events will consist of a short presentation designed to provide an even more in-depth look at the flight training process, answer questions, and break down barriers.

Typically, Flying Start events are held by EAA chapters, with the goal of providing interested adults a pathway to flight training and involvement with their local EAA chapter. Since these abbreviated events will be held in Oshkosh, EAA is going to help visitors connect with their local EAA chapter and get them scheduled for a free introductory Eagle Flight with a mentor in their local area.

The ultimate mission of the Learn to Fly Center is to motivate, excite, and show attendees a clear pathway to earning their pilot certificate. However, to accomplish this mission, EAA will need a great team of volunteers. Whether you are CFI, student pilot, recently passed your check ride, or simply passionate about getting others involved in flying, we will have a volunteer slot for you. Register as a Learn to Fly Center volunteer.

As the countdown to AirVenture continues, look for more announcements about the Learn to Fly Center.