EAA AirVenture Oshkosh: A Must-Attend Event for Aviation Enthusiasts
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Dive into the world of aviation at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, where the sky is not the limit but just the beginning.
My First Oshkosh (2024)
Attending Oshkosh for the first time in 2024 was honestly mind-blowing—and this is coming from an aerospace engineer. From the time we spotted our first plane in the sky on the drive up, we were utterly captivated.
What's more shocking—how much we were able to see in only a day and a half.
Day 1:
We arrived in Oshkosh just before dinner time (4 pm) and stopped by Culver's on our way to the festival grounds. While eating we saw the daytime show in the distance and quickly finished up so we could figure out where to park and start our exploration.
Even parking was fun because we could see and hear the Snowbirds overhead as the day show was ending. My passengers were nearly hanging out the windows in excitement. It two took attempts to figure out how to park because we missed the turn into the open lot the first time, but we made it into the Grey lot and quickly made our way into the festival grounds.
An unplanned bonus of arriving after the day show on a Friday? Everyone was leaving and we were able to explore without the wait and hassle of the crowds (and boy was it crowded in the daytime). We spent the better part of 5 hours exploring the static displays of planes: venturing through the military displays, ultralights, experimental, vintage, and homebuilder aircraft. The weather was gorgeous and we were able to take as many photos with the planes as we wanted (often completely unobstructed by other people).
We were also there when someone's landing of their personal plane went badly and they ended up with a wingtip on the runway and a grass landing. Luckily the pilot was alright and was quickly helped by emergency response.
We closed out our day with a pretty sunset over the planes and a dark trek to the car.
Day 2:
We arrived late morning (11 am) and parked in the Yellow lot by the museum, KidVenture experience, and helicopter ride field. It was fantastic to see the helicopters taking off and landing as we were parking and walking to the buses outside of the museum.
Note for if you park in the Yellow lot: you do not need to take the bus, the walk is just under a mile and only takes about 10 minutes.
After bag check and setting up our lawn chairs/blankets on the lawn (you can stake out your spot as early as you want, but there wasn't a bad view on the entire airstrip. You could see pretty much everything but take-off and landing from the highway even), we spent the morning exploring the forums, buildings, and displays we hadn't gotten to the day before (the buildings and tents are closed after the day show).
By 2 pm we were back at our spot on the lawn along the runway for the day aerial acrobatics airshow, and WOW! The number of planes we were able to see, the skill of the pilots, and the demonstration of air domination were incredible. We saw a helicopter barrel roll!!!
Note: I highly recommend bringing ear protection (even with it I had my hands over my ears at times).
After the day show, everyone grabbed their stuff and waited for the volunteers to move the safety rope up for the night show. When allowed we staked out our spot for the night show (which wasn't for another 2 hours). We spent our break finding dinner and doing a little leftover exploring before all meeting back at our chairs.
The night show was incredible. It began at dusk with some acrobatics and fireworks shot/trailing from experimental planes. Then moved into pyrotechnics and drones set to music. They had some of the bomber planes fly by like they would in war scenarios and set off explosions on the ground as a mock strike. It was the most spectacular and intricate show of its kind that I've ever had the privilege to see. The drones were such a cool addition, and you could feel the heat of the pyrotechnics from where we were sitting.
If you have the chance to go, I highly recommend the trip. I got the 2-day adult pass for $102 a few months prior, and parking was $15/day when purchased ahead of time. I know when you are an EAA member (yearly membership) the pricing goes down. More information can be found at the EAA official website here.
Tip for anyone considering going: you can bring in bottled water and snacks, and I highly recommend you do! The food options at the festival are numerous, and they even have celiac-friendly dining options, but they can be quite expensive.
What Makes EAA AirVenture Oshkosh a Unique Event?
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh stands out as a premier event in the aviation calendar, drawing enthusiasts from around the globe. It's not just an airshow; it's a celebration of flight that combines education, entertainment, and community spirit. The event offers a rare chance to connect with pilots, engineers, hobbyists, and aviation legends, all sharing their passion for flight and craft.
The variety of aircraft, from vintage biplanes to cutting-edge military jets, creates an unparalleled assortment of aviation history and technology. The inclusivity of the event, welcoming individuals of all ages and backgrounds, ensures that the festival can be experienced by everyone, making it a truly unique gathering.
Exploring the Wide Range of Aircraft on Display
The array of aircraft at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is staggering. Attendees can marvel at everything from homebuilt marvels to ultralight flying machines to experimental craft to (my favorite) historic warbirds. Generous aircraft owners often open their cockpits to visitors, allowing for an up-close and personal experience with these flying machines.
The opportunity to see aircraft in such diversity and volume is rare, and the event becomes a living museum, showcasing the evolution of flight. Whether you're an aviation aficionado or a curious newcomer, the sights and sounds of the festival offer an immersive experience for an assortment of interests and backgrounds.
Interactive Experiences and Educational Opportunities
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is more than a spectator event; it's an interactive experience that fosters learning and inspiration. With workshops, forums, and lectures, attendees can delve into the technical aspects of aviation, from aerodynamics to aircraft maintenance. On the days that I attended this year, there were helicopter rides, tack welding workshops, a kid's AirVenture experience area where drones and other UAVs were piloted, presentations, lectures on certain planes and histories, and much more!
The presence of knowledgeable individuals and industry experts makes it an invaluable resource for learning (and somewhat of a networking opportunity). For aspiring pilots and engineers, the event is a treasure trove of information and a chance to connect with mentors and peers.
