Oddball Pilot has covered EAA AirVenture Oshkosh over the past few years, telling you about networking opportunities, activities, and the one-day job fair.

To get an overview of the event, listen to our 2016 interview with EAA’s Senior Editor Hal Bryan and Director of Communications Dick Knapinski. They reveal the inside-scoop on what EAA AirVenture is all about … and much more.

After you’ve listened to the interview, scroll down and see what’s happening for 2019.

In this episode of Oddball Pilot Radio, Hal and Dick share their thoughts about:

• The memories AirVenture creates, and how each one is somewhat familiar yet always unique
• What EAA and AirVenture are, how the event has evolved, grown, and improved over the years, and why it’s grown into what it is today
• How all facets of aviation are represented at AirVenture
• How EAA loves the problem of more attendees coming to the event than there are members
• The thousands of aircraft that come to AirVenture … and how they handle that
• What it’s like to put on an aviation event of this size … and the essential element that a staff of less than 200 counts on to pull this event off
• How the history of the event itself allows them to do this
• The international angle on AirVenture … he flew a what across the Atlantic? He’s here on our doorstep … now what?? (And how the EAA staff embraces such incredible attendees.)
• When you’re flying in, Hal and Dick have some very wise advice: “Read the NOTAM!”
• Where you can find important info on logistics for visiting Oshkosh and AirVenture … accommodations, camping, transportation, etc.
• How the people of Oshkosh become hosts … it has to do with pride, and a friendly midwest attitude
• The many details … what’s it like, what to expect … about flying into AirVenture, and some details that dispel the anxiety some pilots might feel about it
• The NOTAM … essential reading for every pilot arriving and departing
• Landing on … a dot?
• IFR ops. Limited but not impossible … you got it: Read the NOTAM!
• How to get an IFR reservation
• What’s on tap for this coming event. Stuff that’s never been to OSH before … and a lot is Canadian
• WWI and the lack of throttles in those aircraft … ok we digress, but it’s dang interesting!
• What the experience of AirVenture can mean for anyone developing a career as an oddball pilot
• How to easily find an interesting story: show up and start talking to people
• Planning your schedule … with tons of resources and over 1000 forums, it’s easy to learn new stuff
• The job fair is expanding to an every day event because of its popularity last year
• How to distinguish yourself as a job applicant at AirVenture … well, maybe not
• Advice for attending as a first-timer including the importance of Chapstick and sunscreen, and other sage advice

In addition to using the player above to listen to this episode, you can:

• Subscribe to Oddball Pilot Radio on iTunes
• Download this episode as an MP3 file (right-click and choose “Save As”)

What to Expect at AirVenture 2019

For AirVenture 2019, there was a lot to see and do … as usual. But given that this is the AirVenture 50^th anniversary, as well as the 50^th anniversary of other notable airplanes and events, you can bet it’s going to be a special year. Here are some highlights you might want to plan for this year. Be sure to download the AirVenture 2019 app. It helps you plan and find what you need during your visit.

And if you’re flying in, don’t forget to review the NOTAM. (Even if you aren’t flying in, it’s a rather interesting read.)

You can expect to see more than 10,000 airplanes and 2,500 warbirds, homebuilt, aerobatic, vintage, ultralight, and military aircraft on display. As if that’s not enough, here are some other highlights:

• A variety of Burt Rutan designed airplanes will be attending. They are expected to fly together at some point too.
• A squadron of restored D-Day C-47’s is flying from Normandy to Oshkosh.
• The 109^thAirlift Wing of the New York ANG will display their Herc on skis.
• Programs in the Theater in the Woods will include influencers in aviation, the Rutan brothers, as well as talks about the Concorde and 747 (it’s also the 50^th anniversary of the Boeing 747).
• Astronaut Mike Collins will be a guest to commemorate the 50^thanniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar mission.
• AirVenture 2019 is featuring the “Year of the Fighter” where fighters from WWII to today’s sophisticated jets will be on display. Demo teams will perform in the F-35 Lightning II, A-10 Thunderbolt II, and F-22 Raptor. Talk about turning jet fuel into speed and noise!
• A P-51 reunion will feature WWII ace and National Aviation Hall of Fame member Clarence “Bud” Anderson.
• The U.S. Forest Service and other aircraft operators and manufacturers will highlight aerial firefighting.
• There’s more info on AirVenture Highlights.
• The week offers more than 1,000 forums and hands-on workshops. As always, this is a place to learn, whether it be from the experiences of a wise aviator or new skills like fabric covering or welding.
• Be sure to check out the 900 industry-leading exhibitors in attendance.

More Information

Here are some important links about EAA and AirVenture.

AirVenture.org
Specific details about the event … all the other stuff we didn’t get a chance to talk about with Hal and Dick.

EAA.org
All about the organization, membership, and other useful info.

Plan Your Trip
All the info you need to get there and have a great time.