The Experimental Aircraft Association was founded by aviation enthusiasts looking to build their own airplanes. Their driving force was a desire to participate in the aviation world at large. Since its inception, the EAA has continued to support inclusiveness and encourages people to participate in aviation however they can. Their love for all things aviation can best be experienced at the annual EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI. This year, “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” takes place from July 23-29, 2018, at the Wittman Regional Airport.
AirVenture has become the world’s premier aviation convention. In 2017, more than half a million enthusiasts and professionals from all backgrounds in aviation were in attendance. This year, thousands of pilots will make the trip to America’s Dairyland to take in all things aviation (and tons of cheese curds). During the convention, Wittman Regional will become the world’s busiest airport as more than 10,000 aircraft fly in. Aircraft of all types make the pilgrimage to AirVenture, from hot air balloons and one-of-a-kind homebuilts to vintage warbirds and military transport airplanes. Of course, the latest production models from nearly every manufacturer will be showing off their newest aircraft and options.
There’s no shortage of activities at AirVenture. For those who love seeing planes in action, there are airshows every afternoon, including performances by celebrity aerobatics pilots like Gene Soucy and Teresa Stokes. Groups such as the Red Bull Air Force and Paradigm Aerobatic Team take a more human approach to flying, with members soaring across the night sky in wingsuits and powered paragliders.
When you’re not staring at planes in the sky, take time to explore the convention grounds. When it comes to the sheer number of planes on display, there really is no other airshow like AirVenture. Military aircraft will be on display both on the ground and during fly-bys. For a look into the past, visit Warbird Alley, another aircraft area (or “neighborhood,” as the EAA likes to call it); it serves as a tribute to veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Event goers interested in seeing a different side of aviation and challenging their ideas of what constitutes an aircraft should look no further than the Fun Fly Zone. The main attraction here is the 1,200-foot, grass Ultralight Runway. Homebuilt helicopters, powered parachutes, and weight-shift trikes rule the skies here. Once you’re inspired by what other people have created, go to the Homebuilder’s Hangar to find out how easy it is to join the homebuilt community. If you’re into unmanned aircraft, drone enthusiasts and remote pilots are encouraged to test their skills at the obstacle and speed course presented by Embry-Riddle.
AirVenture is also host to over 800 exhibitors this year, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to learn more about the products and services available to you as an aviation enthusiast. The Aeromart is a swap meet for pilots to sell tools and parts they no longer need. If you need a few parts for your aircraft, you’re almost guaranteed to find bargain deals.
Visit Gleim Aviation at Booth 1105/1106 in Hangar A. Meet with our instructors and development team and try your hands (and feet) at the Gleim Virtual Cockpit™, an affordable flight simulator for VFR and IFR pilots looking to build proficiency and confidence. The Gleim Virtual Cockpit is enhancing training programs and saving students time and money at flight schools and high schools with STEM aviation programs around the country. Plus, you can try out the Gleim X-Plane Flight Training Course, which is helping students build proficiency and become safe, competent pilots.
Want to learn more about supplementing flight training with simulation? Don’t miss our presentation, “Practical Simulator Use as a Training Aid,” on Saturday, July 28th at 1:00 p.m. at the NAFI Professional Development Center. Gleim instructors will explain various types of simulators and training devices, FAA approvals, how to build your own flight simulator, and recent changes in regulatory relief that could make flight training and maintaining your pilot certificates more affordable. As part of our goal of promoting simulators as a learning tool to practice safe flying, for a limited time, Gleim Virtual Cockpit Ultimate Sets purchased during AirVenture will also include X-Plane 11 and the Gleim X-Plane Flight Training Course for FREE.
Throughout the event there will be deals on other Gleim products, many of which have been recently revised for 2019. Sport, private, instrument, and commercial pilot training kits are eligible for a FREE Deluxe Kit upgrade, which gets you the Online Ground School at no additional charge! Take advantage of additional savings on flight simulation, maintenance training, and refresher courses by following this link to the promotions or calling our aviation training consultants at 800.874.5346, ext. 471.
Learn more about EAA AirVenture!
Written by Austin Scott, Marketing Assistant for Gleim Aviation
About Gleim Aviation
Since 1980, Gleim Aviation’s team of pilots, instructors, writers, designers, and programmers has helped aviators pass millions of FAA knowledge and practical tests using the unique Gleim Knowledge Transfer System. Gleim is an environmentally-friendly company headquartered in Gainesville, FL.