Is EAA Worth It? Our First-Time Experience at the World’s Biggest Air Show
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									<h2>Is EAA Worth It? </h2><p>We finally did it — we made our first trip to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, and let’s just say, <strong>it lives up to the hype</strong>. If you&#8217;re wondering whether it&#8217;s worth the trip, the short answer is <em>yes</em>. But like any major event, your experience will depend a lot on your expectations, <a href="https://wiscolens.com/2025/07/15/10-must-have-items-to-bring-to-eaa-airventure/">planning</a>, and ability to roll with the punches.</p><p>Here’s what we learned from attending the world’s largest air show — and why it should be on every pilot’s or aviation enthusiast’s bucket list.</p><h3><img src="https://wiscolens.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/EAA-Fly-In.jpg" alt="eaa fly in" width="1067" height="800" />Set Expectations — and Have a Plan</h3><p>First things first: EAA is <strong>huge</strong>. We knew it was big, but it still exceeded anything we imagined. This isn&#8217;t your average weekend fly-in — it’s an aviation city that springs to life for one incredible week every July.</p><p>There are <strong>hundreds of aircraft on display</strong> ranging from vintage warbirds to experimental builds, iconic jets, ultralights, and everything in between. Combine that with multiple airshows daily, educational forums, workshops, movie nights, and evening events, and it&#8217;s easy to feel overwhelmed if you don’t have a game plan.</p><p><strong style="font-size: 1.4rem;">Tip:</strong><span style="font-size: 1.4rem;"> Use the </span><a style="font-size: 1.4rem;" href="https://www.eaa.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EAA website</a><span style="font-size: 1.4rem;"> to check the daily schedule. You can sort by type of event, presenter, or location. Whether you&#8217;re into STOL competitions, hands-on workshops, or just drooling over historic planes, knowing where to be — and when — will help you make the most of your time.</span></p><hr /><h3>Expect Crowds — And Be Kind</h3><p>There are <strong>a lot of people</strong> at EAA. Like, <em>hundreds of thousands</em>. But the crowd is part of the charm. It’s a passionate, tight-knit community where everyone has at least one thing in common: a love for flight.</p><p>The volunteers are the unsung heroes that make this entire event run smoothly. Be patient, be kind, and thank them. They&#8217;re there because they love aviation too — and because they want to help you have a great experience.</p><hr /><h3>Weather: Hot, Humid, and Unpredictable</h3><p>If you&#8217;re heading to Oshkosh in the summer, plan for <strong>heat and humidity</strong> — and possibly sudden storms. We experienced all three in our day there. Hydration and shade are non-negotiables. Wear breathable clothes, bring sunscreen, and <a href="https://wiscolens.com/2025/07/25/how-to-stay-cool-at-eaa-airventure-in-oshkosh-from-a-first-timer-who-went-on-a-scorcher/"><strong>have a plan for staying cool</strong></a>. Cooling stations and misting stations are your best friends.</p><p>If you’re camping (a popular choice for attendees), pack with all-weather in mind. A tent fan and a tarp can go a long way.</p><p><strong>TIP</strong>: Check out our blog <a href="https://wiscolens.com/2025/07/25/how-to-stay-cool-at-eaa-airventure-in-oshkosh-from-a-first-timer-who-went-on-a-scorcher/">&#8220;How to Stay Cool at EAA&#8221;</a></p><hr /><h3>Parking, Camping, and Getting Around</h3><p>EAA draws tens of thousands of cars and campers every year. <strong>Plan your parking</strong> in advance — and if you’re flying in, understand the arrival procedures well ahead of time. The NOTAMs for EAA are legendary for a reason!</p><p>There’s a shuttle system to help you get around the massive grounds, but even with that, expect to <strong>walk a lot</strong>. Comfortable shoes are a must.</p><hr /><h3>So… Is EAA Worth It?</h3><p>If you&#8217;re a <strong>pilot, student pilot, builder, mechanic, aviation enthusiast — or just someone who loves flight</strong> — absolutely. It’s not just an event, it’s an <strong>experience</strong>. You&#8217;ll see <strong>world-renowned performances</strong>, aircraft that only exist in museums or private collections, and meet people from all over the globe who share your passion.</p><p>We saw everything from the awe-inspiring F-35A roaring overhead to one-of-a-kind experimental aircraft that left us speechless. And we walked away inspired, sweaty, sunburned — and already planning our return.</p><hr /><h3>Final Thoughts</h3><p>EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is <strong>something every aviation lover should experience at least once</strong>. It’s equal parts thrilling, educational, nostalgic, and just plain fun. But to make the most of it, go in with <strong>a plan, a flexible attitude, and a lot of water</strong>.</p><p>And don’t forget to look up — you never know what might be flying by.</p>								</div>
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