EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, WI 2021by Editor - Daniel Brindley | August 4, 2021

This was a special year for EAA Oshkosh with the first ever miss due to Covid-19 last year and with many people being vaccinated and it being primarily an outdoor event there was a lot of excitement and anticipation about the show. And with the event being outdoors not too many concerns (if any) related to Covid-19. Many Pilots, Owners, Enthusiasts, OEMs and Aviation Companies were excited about the event. The opportunity to meet people, network and do business and be part of the fun EAA Spectacle in sunny Oshkosh WI.

One of the great things that EAA did this year was to make the event free to youth aged 18 and under, to encourage more families and support the notion that the more youth who experience aviation the more likely they are going to get involved in the future. This was supported by Boeing, and I think a great success. EAA stated that over 600,000 were in attendance – one of only a few times in its history that number has been reached. As well as the many educational opportunities (Free and Paid) that are provided both by the EAA and many of the OEMs that exhibit. EAA said there were over 1,000 Forums, Workshops, and Presentations through the week.

Unlike many Aviation Events there is a unique mix of Exhibitors including OEMs, Suppliers and Gift and Souvenir related sellers taking advantage of the large B2C, enthusiast market that makes Oshkosh so special. Talking to many of the maintenance and B2B exhibitors (Ice Shield, Lamar, Wilco and Lee Aerospace) in the four major hangers at the event most said business was great. Ely Luna from Lee Aerospace said that the first 3 days were very successful, and business focused, and more enthusiast/ family focused on the final w/end.

EAA said there were more than 10,000 aircraft arrived at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh and other airports in east-central Wisconsin. At Wittman alone, there were 16,378 aircraft operations in the 10-day period from July 22-31, which is an average of approximately 116 takeoffs/landings per hour when the airport is open. A larger number indeed. I would love to be a fly on the wall in the Aircraft Control Tower at Oshkosh. Many say it’s the busiest in the world over that 10-day period.

EAA has announced the dates for July 25th to 31st 2022!