EAA's AirVenture 2024, Oshkosh

[Dave Homewood]

Who from the WONZ Forum will be attending EAA's AirVenture this year?

I am excited to say that for the very first time, I am!

I have wanted to go to Oshkosh ever since I first heard about the place and the huge annual gathering when I was about 13 years old.

But I am worried, I have not yet been able to sort any accommodation.

I have been thinking about camping on site as that looks a lot of fun, are any groups from NZ camping and might have room for one more?

Or if you have any alternative suggestions for a cheap place to stay between for the nights of the 20th to 27th of July, I'd love to hear please.

Any other tips for making the airshow experience good are also welcome please. I freely admit I find it all a little bit daunting to plan by myself.

[Calum]

Nowhere cheap at that time around the area. You have to remember that 10’s of thousands of people attend daily. IRRC on the last 2 days when the big shows are on there was something like 60K people each day.

A mate and I went in 2017 and we stayed at the University. We stayed in a 2 person room and paid extra for air con as it gets quite hot there. We wanted to ensure a decent night’s sleep after a day out in sun. The air con was a window mounted thing and while it worked it was pretty noisy.

Most of the rooms at the Uni are like barracks with shared facilities. They were OK. There is a Laundry so you can wash clothes. And you can dine in the cafeteria for a pretty good price (IIRC dinner was all you can for about $15 USD, probably more now).

We booked via Tori Tours in Australia, but you may still be able to book online via the university itself. Bar Camping that is probably the cheapest accommodation. However the University is broke so have jacked the prices significantly this year for what I’ve seen.

Other advantages to the Uni is there is bar across the road where a lot of the people for the airshow socialise. You also just meet people in the hallways who are there for the same reason you are. Transport from the Uni is easy via a shuttle bus for a nominal few. Don’t drive.

The crowd is probably more aviation literate than your usual airshow crowd because there a re lot of trade event and industry stuff there. Plus the level of light aircraft use in the USA is massive and this a show run by the EAA so it draws heaps of experimental and GA owners

IIRC you must join the EAA so you can go on the Monday to Friday, only the Saturday and Sunday are for the ‘public’. You can do that online and it’s not expensive.

Getting the around the site is easy as they have a great system of shuttle trains that run on set routes that start at a terminus just inside the main gate.

If you want to sit you have to take your own chair, there is a Walmart a little out of town. There are busses, Uber etc to get there.

It’s the best run big event I’ve ever been too. Despite the crowd sizes it never felt crowded and getting to and from wasn’t an issue. Avalon here in Australia could learn a lot form the organisers of Airventure

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks Calum.

I have had a good look at the university option, but I am told they are full and there is a big waiting list of people waiting for cancellations, especially the rooms with aircon (which they don't all have). I did a calculation on the price and for the week I am there with their US$150 a night for the aircon two-bed rooms, plus the %10 tax, it was going to cost just under NZ$2,000, not counting food, etc. So tenting is the way I am looking now and a US mate has invited me to share their camping plot which is good. They go every year and camp under the trees at Vintage, apparently. So I just need to get a tent and airbed at some point I think.

I have joined EAA, by the way. Thanks again.

I hope a few Kiwi friends are going to be there too.

[Deleted]

That's outstanding Dave! Fantastic! I would say "the trip of a lifetime" but people seem to find it hard to stay away and do just one!

[aileronroll]

Dave, I did Oshkosh in 2017 and as noted above you will just love it! I’m just back from Sun n Fun in Florida. This is like a mini version of Oshkosh but still fabulous and easy to fill in the 6 days. I was very happy to meet Lee Lauderback who has over 10,000 hours in P51D Mustangs, very nice guy and very happy to have a chat. Also managed a quick visit to what is left of Kermit Week’s Fantasy of Flight Museum which is near by. Was very happy to see his P51D “ Cripes A’ Mighty 3rd’, which I think is an ex RNZAF aircraft, possibly ZK-CCG?

When you get to Oshkosh make sure you register at the International Visitors Tent. These folk will look after you very well and provide free water each day and a rest spot from the sun. They also put of an informal BBQ and Beers one evening for the overseas guests which is a fab event.

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks for that.

Apr 18, 2024 8:58:26 GMT 12 aileronroll said:

Also managed a quick visit to what is left of Kermit Week’s Fantasy of Flight Museum which is near by. Was very happy to see his P51D “ Cripes A’ Mighty 3rd’, which I think is an ex RNZAF aircraft, possibly ZK-CCG?

It is indeed, ex-NZ2417

Apr 18, 2024 8:58:26 GMT 12 aileronroll said:

When you get to Oshkosh make sure you register at the International Visitors Tent. These folk will look after you very well and provide free water each day and a rest spot from the sun. They also put of an informal BBQ and Beers one evening for the overseas guests which is a fab event.

That's a great tip, thanks for that!

[Dave Homewood]

Youth and Family Activities Expand for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024
Ages 18 and under receive free admission, supported by the Boeing Company

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (June 11, 2024) — A new youth aviation activities area located in the Vintage Aircraft Association area on the EAA grounds is the latest edition to the expanding youth and family activities taking place at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024. The 71st edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s fly-in convention and air show is July 22 through the 28.

“Nearly all of us involved in aviation today were inspired at some point in our younger years,” said Paul Maloy, EAA’s director of education. “When we began welcoming those 18-and-under at no charge beginning in 2021, we immediately noticed an increase in the number of families at AirVenture. With that, we wanted to create and expand possibilities for families to encourage them to visit and engage with everything AirVenture has to offer.”

The Charles W. Harris Youth Aviation Center in the vintage aircraft area gives youth the chance to have a “hands-on” experience by using hammers, pliers, and other tools to discover how aircraft are maintained. Kids will also have the opportunity to talk to pilots and hear their flying stories, as well as get a tour of the pilots’ airplanes. The center will officially open to the public at 9 a.m. on Monday, July 22, AirVenture’s opening day.

In addition to this new experience, families are encouraged to visit the Youth Welcome Center located at the main Four Corners intersection to receive information on all the other activities for youth and families happening through the week. Some of those activities include:

KidVenture – Entering its 25th year, KidVenture invites kids to get hands-on with riveting, engines, electrical wire circuits, propeller design, wooden rib building, RC airplanes, space exploration, and more. (Ages 3-14). Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

AeroEducate Center – Located at the south entrance to Aviation Gateway Park, will again host fascinating morning forums focusing especially on youth ages 10-18, and a full slate of fun, fast hands-on activities held in the afternoons of each day throughout AirVenture. Come play the games and learn more about how you can explore all things aviation through the AeroEducate program and open doors to exciting aviation/aerospace career opportunities (Ages 10-18) Monday – Sunday 9am – 5pm.

NASA STEM Zone – Kids can enjoy hands-on activities, demonstrations, and exhibits that highlight some of NASA’s missions and programs. Find out more about NASA’s X-59, Artemis mission, and Sustainable Flight Demonstrator, with different activities running each day. Earn your AirVenture endorsement codes for NASA’s Flight Log program and start building your virtual flight log (Ages 5-17). Monday – Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

In addition, flight simulators are open to young people in the EAA Warbirds of America area and various exhibitors throughout AirVenture offer activities and items for young people.



About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s membership convention. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at www.EAA.org/airventure. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or visit www.EAA.org.

[Dave Homewood]

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 daily air show schedule includes jet teams, aerobatic champions, warbirds, and more

Night air shows on July 24 and 27 feature lighted drone performances and fireworks

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (June 12, 2024) — The daily lineups for the popular afternoon and evening airshows are set for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024, the annual fly-in convention for the Experimental Aircraft Association. The 71st edition of the event is July 22-28 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

“‘Oshkosh’ is a word that for aviators means the best of the best, and that includes the air show performers who fly here,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. ‘Whether the performances come from jet teams, aerobatic champions, or new technology, flying at AirVenture is known as a singular achievement for these aviators.”

The current daily schedule includes daily afternoon air shows plus night shows on July 24 and 27. The roster of daily performers as currently confirmed, with the exact daily time schedule set each day (and subject to change without notice):

Monday, July 22 (2:15-6 p.m.): Chuters Skydiving Team; Showcase – NORAD; Rutan Aircraft; Jarrod Lindemann (Jet Waco); EAA Warbirds of America; Scott Urschel (BO-105 helicopter); International Aerobatic Club aircraft; USAF F-16 Viper demo; Heritage Flight; A-10 demo team; Kyle Franklin (Super Cub); Vicky Benzing (P-51 Mustang); Skip Stewart (Prometheus); Susan Dacy (PT-17); Rob Holland (MXS-RH); Titan Aerobatics Team (T-6); Kyle Fowler (Long-EZ).

Tuesday, July 23 (2:15-6 p.m.): SOCOM skydivers; Technology Showcase – AG UAS, eVTOL; Jerry Kerby (T-28); Bill Stein (Edge 540); EAA Warbirds of America; Jarrod Lindemann (Jet Waco); Matt Younkin (Beech 18); Jim Peitz (Beech Bonanza); USAF A-10 demo team; Heritage Flight; WWII Airborne Demo/D-Day Squadron (C-47); Italian Frecce Tricolori team departure; Bernie Vasquez (P-47); Philipp Steinbach (Gamebird); David Martin (Temco Super Pinto).

Wednesday, July 24 (2:15-6 p.m.): SOCOM skydivers; Showcase – NORAD; Homebuilt Review; International Aerobatic Club aircraft; EAA Warbirds of America; Greg Koontz (Decathlon); Scott Urschel (BO-105 helicopter); WWII Airborne Demo/D-Day Squadron (C-47); Canadian Victory Flight (P-51/Spitfire/Hurricane); Jerry Kerby (T-28); Jim Tobul (Corsair); Rob Holland (MXS-RH); Patty Wagstaff (Extra 330SC); Susan Dacy (PT-17); Vicky Benzing (P-51 Mustang); USAF A-10 demo team; Heritage Flight.

Wednesday night, July 24 (8-10 p.m.): Doc/FIFI B-29s with Avro Lancaster; USAF F-35A demo; USAF F-22 demo; Titan Aerobatics Team (T-6s); Bob Carlton (Jetfox); Matt Younkin (Beech 18); Kyle Fowler (Long-EZ); Ken Reider/Nate Hammond (RV-8/DHC-1 Chipmunk); Starlight Aerial Productions (drones); Fireworks with Reider/Hammond.

Thursday, July 25 (2:15-6 p.m.): SOCOM skydivers; Showcase – JAARS and Vintage Aircraft; Michael Goulian (Extra 330SC); EAA Warbirds of America; Greg Koontz (Decathlon); Jim Peitz (Beech Bonanza); Class of ’45 (Corsair/P-51 Mustang); Skip Stewart (Prometheus); Philipp Steinbach (Gamebird); USAF C-17 demo; USAF F-22 demo; Matt Younkin (Beech 18); U.S. Navy EA-18 Growlers; Red Bull Airforce; Canadian Victory Flight (P-51/Spitfire/Hurricane).

Friday, July 26 (2:15-6 p.m.): Canadian Forces Skyhawks skydivers; Showcase – Seaplanes; U.S. Navy EA-18 Growlers; Patty Wagstaff (Extra 330SC); EAA Warbirds of America; Bill Stein (Edge 540); Wisconsin National Guard demo; RJ Gritter (Decathlon); Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 demo; Canadian Forces Snowbirds; Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight return.

Saturday, July 27 (2:15-6 p.m.): Canadian Forces Skyhawks skydivers; Michael Goulian (Extra 330SC); Red Bull Airforce (Aaron Fitzgerald, Kriby Chambliss, and Kevin Coleman); EAA Warbirds of America; Rob Holland (MXS-RH); Kyle Franklin (Super Cub); Bernie Vasquez (P-47); David Martin (Temco Super Pinto); USAF F-16 Viper Demo; Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 demo; Canadian Victory Flight; Canadian Forces Snowbirds.
Saturday night, July 27 (8-10 p.m.): U.S. Navy EA-18 Growlers/Legacy Flight; David Martin (Temco Super Pinto); Titan Aerobatics Team (T-6s); Bob Carlton (Jetfox); Matt Younkin (Beech 18); Kyle Fowler (Long-EZ); Ken Reider/Nate Hammond (RV-8/DHC-1 Chipmunk); Starlight Aerial Productions (drones); Fireworks with Reider/Hammond.

Sunday, July 28 (1-4:30 p.m.): Canadian Forces Skyhawks skydivers; Red Bull Airforce (Aaron Fitzgerald, Kirby Chambliss, Kevin Coleman); Bill Stein (Edge 540); Jim Peitz (Beech Bonanza); Jeff Boerboon (Extra 330SC); Titan Aerobatics Team (T-6s); RJ Gritter (Decathlon); Scott Yoak (P-51 Mustang); USAF F-16 Viper demo; Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 demo and Avro Lancaster; Canadian Forces Snowbirds.

Daily afternoon air shows at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh are presented by Daher and Pratt & Whitney, an RTX Business. Night air shows are presented by Covington Aircraft (July 24) and PenFed (July 27).

[Dave Homewood]

Vintage in Review to highlight stories of antique and classic aircraft during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (June 13, 2024) — Vintage in Review, an informal and interactive presentation series during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh that showcases unique airplanes built between the dawn of powered flight and 1970 will take place July 22-26 adjacent to the Vintage Hangar. This year’s headline presentations will focus on antique and classic aircraft from the 1920s to the 1940s and is open to all attending AirVenture.

“Vintage in Review offers attendees an opportunity to see a rare selection of airplanes up close, and hear stories about them directly from the owners, pilots, and other aviation personalities,” said Ray Johnson, Vintage in Review Chairman. “Several of this year’s headline aircraft are more than 75 years old, making them quite rare to see airworthy today.”

Three pilots will be interviewed each day with their unique aircraft. Each day will also see a performance by “Ladies For Liberty” at 10:45 a.m. followed by antique engine runs at 11 a.m. The current lineup of headliners includes:

Monday, July 22

· Jim Hammond – 1931 Aeronca C-3

Tuesday, July 23

· Kelly Mahon – 1929 Cabinaire Biplane

Wednesday, July 24

· Edwin Remsberg – 1949 Stampe Biplane

· Ron Johnson – 1938 Buhl Pup

Thursday, July 25

· Laura Benton – Ladies Love Taildraggers

· Jeri Barrientos – 1929 Rose Parrakeet

Friday, July 26

· Ben Templeton – 1937 Spartan Executive



Additional Vintage in Review sessions will be added to the schedule as they are finalized. More information can be found on the Vintage Aircraft Area page of the EAA website.

[dodgy]

Hi Dave

I am going the Thursday - Saturday.

Very last minute for me, I am off to Washington DC for a work conference the following week, and I changed my flight bookings and added in extra flights to get from Houston to Appleton via Chicago and then up to Washington. Cost about $2k extra in re-ticketing fees and exta flights, but I am flying premium for most of it.

I only booked accomocation yesterday on Airbnb. NZ$200 per night in Appleton, so I am happy with that. I still need to sort minor details like how to get ot the show and tickets...

Ideally i would have gone for longer. I see it as a taster and if I really like it, I will go again in a couple of years and add in a motorcycle ride along Route 66.

Let me know if you end up going, be good to meet up.

[Calum]

Jul 18, 2024 11:50:13 GMT 12 dodgy said:

Hi Dave

I am going the Thursday - Saturday.

Very last minute for me, I am off to Washington DC for a work conference the following week, and I changed my flight bookings and added in extra flights to get from Houston to Appleton via Chicago and then up to Washington. Cost about $2k extra in re-ticketing fees and exta flights, but I am flying premium for most of it.

I only booked accomocation yesterday on Airbnb. NZ$200 per night in Appleton, so I am happy with that. I still need to sort minor details like how to get ot the show and tickets...

Ideally i would have gone for longer. I see it as a taster and if I really like it, I will go again in a couple of years and add in a motorcycle ride along Route 66.

Let me know if you end up going, be good to meet up.

Man $200 NZD in Appleton is a steal . Appleton is where the B-17 rides leave from IIRC. Highly recommended .

[Dave Homewood]

Jul 18, 2024 11:50:13 GMT 12 dodgy said:

Let me know if you end up going, be good to meet up.

All going well, I should be camping on the grounds from Saturday 20th to Sunday 28th.

[Dave Homewood]

I have sent you a PM, Dodgy.