Being an Owner Takes Oshkosh to Another Level

The first trip to EAA AirVenture with his own aircraft turns out to be all that this pilot had imagined.

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 09:29 AM ET

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Experiencing EAA Airventure in Oshkosh, Wisconsin is memorable for any visitor…but experiencing it as a new aircraft owner is that much more special. [Photo: Adam Stiffler]

Key Takeaways:

EAA AirVenture ("Oshkosh") is a highly anticipated and enchanting event for pilots, universally considered "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration."
The experience is profoundly enhanced for aircraft owners, particularly those with vintage or experimental planes, who benefit from preferential parking close to the main show grounds.
Attending as an owner provides practical advantages such as using the aircraft as a convenient basecamp, fosters a stronger sense of community, and allows for in-person evaluation of modifications.
This "owner experience" transforms participation from spectator to engaged participant, adding deeper layers of connection, pride, and discovery to the event.

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Known as “Oshkosh” to older generations of pilots, EAA AirVenture to newer ones, and simply as “EAA” to nonflying Wisconsin residents, the annual, weeklong July fly-in is billed as The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration…and it never disappoints.

It’s rare to encounter a pilot who, after their first visit, has left without becoming completely enchanted. Perhaps we piled into a car and got there via an epic road trip with friends, or perhaps we bummed a ride from a fellow pilot. Maybe later, after learning a bit about the arrival procedures and lay of the land, we reserved a 172 from the FBO and flew in for the first time on our own.