How to Attend the Oshkosh EAA Fly in

EAA fly in causeway

You can attend the Oshkosh EAA fly in with your entire family. This aviation festival is also referred to as the EAA AirVenture. This event, held annually during the last week in July, promises something to entertain the entire family. Here you can learn about blimps, helicopters or watch an air race or spectacular stunt show by skilled pilots or experience more somber memorial events. Even if you have never flown a plane, you can enjoy your visit to the Oshkosh EAA fly in located within the EAA aviation museum.

Things You'll Need

• Transportation
• Money
• Time
• Hotel room
• Sunscreen
• Jacket
• Hat
• Sunglasses

Instructions

1. Determine at least six to eight months in advance where you will stay when you attend the Oshkosh EAA fly in. Hotel rooms, campgrounds and other accommodations fill quickly, so some advance planning is required. Book your stay as soon as you know, with the option of getting a partial or full refund on your accommodations should your plans change.

2. Visit the website or obtain a brochure to learn of the events being held at the Oshkosh EAA fly in. Special guests vary each year, many in plane form. You can also obtain advance tickets and maps, learn about lodging and transportation to and from the aviation event. Buying tickets in advance saves you time waiting in line. You can use your valuable time at the fly in to do other activities.

3. Map out where exactly you would like to go and when on the grounds. The EAA fly in grounds cover a large amount of square footage.

4. Decide which pilots you would like to see with the schedule you receive at the gate or by going online or consulting a newspaper. These pilots are sure to entertain, as each show is spectacular and unique. They all feature various plan designs and models, from the very old to the latest in flight. There will be many to choose from, so you will have to keep a close eye on the schedule.

5. During the evening at the EAA fly in, you can attend the headline musical act free of charge. Get there early as seating is limited, and the show begins before 6:00pm. Don't forget to catch the latest flick at dusk in the EAA's very own outdoor movie theater. Shows are all free, and no car is needed. If you like a slower pace, sit outside and catch a performance at the "Theater in the Woods."

6. Take part in the action by attending one of several workshops or presentations located on the EAA grounds. These are both for adults and children. They are further broken down by interest and then by group, such as women in flight or those looking to fly inexpensively.

7. Take a ride in one of the airplanes or helicopters. You will need to purchase tickets the day you would like to fly. The fly in also features shopping for another way to spend your money. Take home a souvenir of your visit to the fly in so you will not soon forget this event.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you take lots of photos.

• Call ahead and make arrangements if you would like to bring an aircraft to place on display.

• Never touch an aircraft unless you are invited to do so, especially when you are inside.

• Dress appropriately for the weather and your long walk.

• Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, a jacket or hat where applicable.

• If you are flying in to the fly in, use caution and consult with the tower before landing.

Resources

• EAA airventure website
• Click to save on fast Internet