EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
An Annual Celebration of Flight
With its humble beginnings in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, the Experimental Aircraft Association had its first fly-in in September of 1953 with just 150 registered visitors. The event grew, officially adopting the name "AirVenture Oshkosh" in 1998 and continuing to present day. Of course, things are a bit bigger now, with over 10,000 aircraft and 700,000 people attending each year from nearly 100 countries. In addition to a variety of aircraft, from homebuilt single-engine aircraft to commercial and military designs, EAA AirVenture offers forums, exhibitors, shopping, hands-on experiences, and much more. It's impossible to see everything in a single week, and every year offers new and exciting opportunities. Check out more at www.airventure.org.
Aviation Exploration Base
Carl and Adele Helmle were Post 218 leaders in 1992 when they connected with Illinois leaders Jim and Donna Bildilli to bring Explorers up to AirVenture Oshkosh. They worked with EAA to establish an official base camp, where Explorers could stay during the convention while they volunteered on the flightline. Like AirVenture itself, the AEB has grown over the years and now hosts an annual group of about 150 Explorers providing over 5000 hours of volunteer service to AirVenture.
Post 218 and AEB
In addition to helping found the AEB, Post 218 continues to enjoy our close connection. Several members of the AEB staff came through Post 218, including current Post 218 leaders Alex and Cheryl Clement-Reichling. We consider it a privilege and an honor to be part of such an important place for Aviation Explorers.
Life at AEB
During the week of AirVenture, Explorers and their Advisors camp at the AEB, which is right on the grounds of the Oshkosh airport. While most participants stay in tents, the camp does have a kitchen that provides three hot meals per day, along with games and activities and a space to use them. Each day, Explorers spend one or more 2-hour shifts at various locations on the flightline, directing traffic and ensuring the safety of pilots, planes, and visitors.
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In their off time, Explorers can travel around the extensive grounds of AirVenture to see what there is to offer. Not only is this a great place to get immersed in aviation, it's also the easiest place to connect with Explorers from around the country and see what they've been doing.
