There Will Be No More AirVentures for Me

Final fly-in to Oshkosh wasn't exactly a pleasant experience.

Martha Lunken

Friday, October 03, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

The author shares an aerial photo from arrival to a previous AirVenture at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. [Courtesy: Martha Lunken]

Key Takeaways:

The author chronicles their evolving relationship with AirVenture, from an awe-inspiring first visit in 1968 (at Rockford) to later experiences as an FAA inspector at Oshkosh, including a contentious presentation on new airspace regulations.
The article contrasts periods of privileged access and perks at Oshkosh with persistent concerns about flight safety during arrivals and the logistical challenges of navigating the massive event.
A final, exasperating visit—marked by poor marshaling, inconvenient parking, rude staff, and overall frustration—led the author to leave early and vow never to return to Oshkosh.

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It’s been a volatile love affair beginning in 1968 when “Oshkosh” still happened at Rockford, Illinois.

Ebby let us use one of his Midwest Airways DC-3s with friend and Proctor & Gamble pilot Will Adams up front. Early in the morning, with a full load of local pilots fortified with a bunch of sweet rolls and coffee, we arrived about 10 a.m. I was overawed with everything, especially watching for the first time Bob Hoover fly that piston Aero Commander, disappearing into low clouds at the top of his vertical maneuvers.