Why EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is Important for Student Pilots

You might have heard the buzz surrounding the “World’s Greatest Aviation Event,” better known as EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.  The largest aviation event of its kind, EAA AirVenture hosts around 500,000 people each year. During EAA AirVenture, the Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin becomes the busiest airspace in the world, landing over 10,000 aircraft throughout the weeklong event.

But Oshkosh isn’t just a fun aviation event – it’s an invaluable aviation mecca, with networking and job opportunities that student pilots and young aviation professionals should take advantage of. Many have compared Oshkosh to Disney World for aviation enthusiasts, but for pilots young and old, the experience goes beyond just a good time.

Cindy Luft/EAA

The opportunities available to Oshkosh attendees are countless.  From networking to industry exhibits and information sessions, the event has something for everyone. Here are a few things about Oshkosh that student pilots might find beneficial:

1. Airplanes!

Not only do attendees get to witness air show performances from some of the best performers in the world, but Oshkosh might be the only place in the world where aircraft of almost every kind are on display. You’ll see neighborhoods of different aircraft types from warbirds to the latest fighter jets, including hot air balloons, blimps, light sport aircraft, homebuilts, rotorcraft, vintage aircraft, seaplanes, military aircraft, electric airplanes and even paper airplanes!

2. Networking

You may not believe that networking is a big deal, but at Oshkosh, you’ll meet new pilots, old pilots, air show performers, war heroes, authors, engineers, and aviation enthusiasts from all walks of life. You’ll interact with industry representatives from small and large companies throughout the world. Widening your circle of aviation friends can only help you in your future aviation career.

3. Forums and Workshops

The learning experiences available at Oshkosh are too numerous to list. You can learn how to build an airplane, take a flight in a new aircraft, or attend an FAA safety seminar. There are forums and workshops for almost anything you can imagine: You can listen to industry experts speak on a number of different topics, like how to pass your check ride and weather hazards.

4. The Latest Technology

A walk around EAA AirVenture will allow you to see the latest in aviation technology, from the newest aircraft designs (a flying car!) to state of the art avionics. You’ll see everything from mock-up business jets, aircraft landing gear, smart phone-powered airplanes, brand new GPS systems, apparel, books, watches, sunglasses and the newest and best pilot supplies. It’s a pilot’s shopping dream, and it’ll keep you up to date on what the industry has to offer.

5. Lifelong friendships

Events like this are known to bring people together, an Oshkosh is no exception.  Without a doubt, the biggest benefit for Oshkosh attendees is reportedly the friendships made during the week. Whether you spend your time at the campground, attending concerts and air shows or just wandering around, you’ll meet new friends that you automatically share a common bond with. The people you’ll meet at Oshkosh will probably become lifelong friends, and you’ll look forward to seeing them at Oshkosh every year.