The Unmatched Logistics of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh: A Temporary Aviation Metropolis

Every summer, aviation enthusiasts from around the globe converge in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh event, a spectacle that transforms Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) into the world’s busiest airport. This extraordinary gathering of aircraft showcases not only the passion for aviation but also the remarkable logistics that allow for over 10,000 aircraft movements in just one week, surpassing even major international airports like Chicago O’Hare and Atlanta Hartsfield.

During this annual event, the airport undergoes a dramatic metamorphosis, with even the taxiways being converted into temporary runways. Taxiway Alpha, typically used to guide aircraft to and from the main runway, is upgraded to meet FAA safety standards, temporarily becoming known as Runway 18L/36R. This transformation involves rigorous inspections, the addition of runway markings, and specialized training for air traffic controllers to manage the unique demands of AirVenture.

In addition to the main paved runway, designated as Runway 18R/36L during the event, a third grass runway accommodates ultralight and vintage aircraft, referred to as Runway 18/36 Grass. This intricate setup allows for simultaneous takeoffs and landings, with aircraft often touching down on different colored “dots” painted on the runway, a hallmark of the Oshkosh experience.

To the untrained eye, the skies over Oshkosh may appear chaotic, with planes converging from all directions and multiple aircraft landing at the same time. However, this apparent disorder is meticulously orchestrated by a dedicated team of air traffic controllers, often hailed as the best in the business. These professionals operate temporary control towers and radio facilities specifically for the event, ensuring that the flow of air traffic remains seamless and efficient.

Pilots arriving at Oshkosh must adhere to a specially issued Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), which outlines detailed arrival procedures. These guidelines include segments where radio communication is not permitted, speed restrictions, and visual checkpoints such as the nearby town of Ripon and Fisk Avenue, which serve as navigation aids for incoming flights.

In 2023, the FAA reported an astonishing 21,000 aircraft operations during the week of AirVenture, averaging about 121 takeoffs or landings every hour — or roughly one every 30 seconds. This remarkable achievement underscores the event’s status as more than just an airshow; it is a celebration of aviation that draws pilots and aircraft from every corner of the world.

The transformation of Wittman Regional Airport into a bustling aerial metropolis, even if only for a week, is a testament to the flexibility of aviation infrastructure and the unwavering passion of the flying community. As the sun sets over Oshkosh each evening, it becomes clear that this annual event is not just about aircraft; it is about the shared love of flight that unites people from diverse backgrounds and locations, making EAA AirVenture Oshkosh a true highlight in the aviation calendar.