With the ever famous Airventure 2016 Airshow in Oshkosh, Wisconsin rapidly approaching, here are some expertly compiled tips to help you plan your trip to EAA! Whether you’ve been a thousand times or this is your first time visiting EAA, we hope this will help you prepare and get excited for this year’s Airventure. Also, be sure to stop by the Pilot Training System booth this year and sign up for your free e-learning account!
Look Through the Master Schedule of Events
Like the Vatican Museums, Airventure has more sites to see than there is time to see them; prioritizing what you want to see will help you decide which days you want to attend EAA as well as make the most of the time you have at the convention.
Flying In? Review EAA’s Resources to be Prepared
Flying in to Airventure is no doubt a monumental experience for any pilot. However, flying into Oshkosh will require some planning and preparation, as it becomes the busiest control tower in the world during the airshow! How wild is that? If you’re planning on flying in for the first time, consider bringing another pilot with you. Two sets of eyes is always better than one in an airplane.
Make sure to review EAA’s fly-in resources on their website; these resources will help you ensure that you have all of the appropriate procedures on hand in the plane. You will be expected to understand the arrival procedures and follow instructions quickly and precisely as there will be a lot of traffic. You can also watch videos of other pilots flying into Oshkosh to help wrap your head around what it will be like to rock your own wings at KOSH for Airventure this year.
Use EAA’s Trip Planner
EAA has a comprehensive trip planning tool on their website; look up admissions prices, camping and lodging options for your stay, coordinate a ride-share, or access maps for driving up to Oshkosh. The trip planner also provides information on dining options, shuttle services, and maps of the convention grounds. Printing out maps of the grounds can help you plan your schedule and avoid walking in circles.
Check your Membership Status
If you’re a member of EAA, make sure your membership has not lapsed and if you’re interested in becoming a member you should consider joining before you go to get discounts on admission for daily and weekly fees. Also consider that joining EAA is likely to be offered to you at many junctures during Airventure and one of the easiest ways to avoid this bombardment is to already be a member. Check out the benefits of membership on EAA’s website.
Socialize!
Every booth and display will have something amazing to offer, whether you’re looking for aircraft parts, hoping to see some vintage planes, or learn more about flight training (hint, hint). However, the most valuable part of Airventure is no doubt the countless other pilots and aviation professionals and enthusiasts that you’ll meet and have the opportunity to network with. Make sure you take the chance to talk with people and share experiences and stories; also consider bringing some business cards for an easy way to swap contact information.
