EAA AirVenture 2024 takes to the skies of Oshkosh July 22-28

OSHKOSH, WI – (WISS & WGBW) – Temporary workers are hired. Preparations are made. Excitement is growing. EAA AirVenture 2024 takes to Wittman Airport in Oshkosh in less next week bringing in an estimated 600 thousand people to the area. 

Dick Knapinski is the Director of Communications for EAA AirVenture. He said last year 677 thousand people attended the festivities and about 12 thousand airplanes descended on Wittman Field.

“A lot of friends will show up at the house, that’s for sure! Starting in just two weeks!” said Knapinski. And now things are starting to get hectic prior to the largest aviation gathering in the world.

“This is the time when you’ve got about 80% done, and it feels like you’ve got about 80% to go,” said Knapinski. “Because, you’re sitting there, and a lot of the big things are checked off the list, but there’s a million little things. Everything from ‘Are the trash containers here yet?’ to ‘Those aren’t the golf carts we wanted– we need these golf carts.’ You know those types of things.”

EAA AirVenture takes place from July 22nd to 28th in Oshkosh. But Knapinski says people are already showing up to the EAA Grounds.

“Some of the early arrivals start coming in. Pull into the campground, and get themselves set out. They help us out for a couple of weeks, and help us get ready to go for opening day on the 22nd,” said Knapinski.

EAA brings aviation to next generation

This year’s theme for EAA Air Venture 2024 is preparing for the next generation of aviation. Knapinski says universities from all over with aviation programs will be recruiting students, and companies and airlines will be recruiting employees throughout the EAA grounds.

“There’s still a need for pilots out there. Air traffic controllers – There’s a big need for that. There is opportunity for technicians,” Knapinski said. “If you have an engineering bend, or like to take things apart and put them back together, there is a spot out there for you out there.”

Knapinski says EAA is ready to inspire not only individuals but also new technology.

“Trying to inspire the next generation to look at aviation and all the things that are possible,” said Knapinski. “Really incredible stuff that they are working on right now. And you’ll see some of that technology coming to Oshkosh during the week. There are times over the past couple of years something’s gone up. And you’d literally say ‘What the heck is that!?”’

Knapinski said some of the most exciting advances include electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. electric-powered aircraft, high-altitude research aircraft, and electric air taxis.  

Aviation variety on display

“When you get the people, who might fly the one-person ultralights, all the way up to when an airliner. Or C17 suddenly lands. Or this year, we’re getting a B-52 that will be on display all week,” said Knapinski. “All of these things come in and it’s like, ‘Wow! What a mix!” 

There will be 9 airshows taking place over the 7 days of EAA activities. The EAA AirVenture expects visitors from 92 countries to come through the Oshkosh airport. All visitors have varied interests in aviation. Knapinski said it’s enough to make Oshkosh famous worldwide.

“If you go around the world and talk to a pilot and say the word ‘Oshkosh,’ they know exactly what you are talking about. Either they’ve been there. Or they know someone who’s been there. Or they want to get there. Because there is no place that puts this scale and scope of people and aircraft in one place like we do at EAA AirVenture.” Knapinski said.

For information on tickets and the event schedule for EAA AirVenture 2024, visit the website.