Surely I've reviewed this? Maybe I just reviewed one specific year I went, and the museum, and Oshkosh the city, and Ardy and Ed's, and all the other things that make up the background for the airshow.
Airventure." "The EAA Airshow." "The Oshkosh Airshow." Or even just "EAA" or "Oshkosh," for those who go all the time, since it is that important in their lives (and to those two entities.)" Of course it's more than just an airshow, or even a week of daily (and sometimes nightly) airshows. There are demonstration flights, forums on all sorts of topics, talks by authors and famous pilots, movies, concerts, and hours and hours of walking through exhibit buildings and along the flightline. 10000 or more planes. Hundreds of thousands of people. It's kind of a big deal.
I've been coming for more than 35 years. Almost every year for about 20 of them; less frequently as I get older and now that I have a kid. (She'll come when she's a few years older.) At first I camped, and that is still an option, and a good one since it puts you right on the site. Be prepared for a big rain during your stay, the kind that makes people talk about arks. You can stay at a hotel, if you book far enough out (years.) You can rent a house from a local who gets out of town to avoid the crowds. Or if you're lucky, like me, you can stay with friends or family. Whichever way, you wake to the sound of planes. Not just any planes, but often T-6s, or P-51s, or a B-17. Ah, the sound of Merlins and radials in the morning.
Spend a few days at the show. Seriously. There is so much to see and do. It ain't cheap, but it's worth it. Use the buses and tractor trolleys where you can; there is a lot of walking. Bring your comfy shoes, sunscreen, a hat, maybe a light folding chair and a backpack. Prepare to be outside all day. Yes, duck into buildings or visit the museum, but you will be outside amongst planes and plane nuts most of the time.
Food is on site, and a bit expensive, and not always great- though there are better options nowadays. Water is available at fountains throughout the grounds, so bring a bottle to refill. And hydrate! Portapotties are all over.
Visit warbirds, antiques, ultralights, whatever you like. Watch the show from the crowded center, or the less-populated ends of the flightline. Go to some forums (check the schedule- there are tons.) Oh, and go to the seaplane base for a break. There's a free bus, and it is peaceful, quiet, less crowded, and cooler.
It's amazing. It's Mecca for anyone interested in aviation. And it happens for a whole week every year. read more