Flying Into Oshkosh for AirVenture: A Pilot's Complete Guide
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh draws more than 650,000 people and over 10,000 aircraft to Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) in Wisconsin every summer. During the week of the show, KOSH becomes the busiest airport in the world by operations count. For the GA pilot, flying in is a bucket-list experience — and with the right preparation, it's completely manageable.
This guide covers everything you need to know to fly into Oshkosh safely and confidently.
The NOTAM: Read It, Then Read It Again
The FAA issues a special NOTAM for AirVenture that governs all operations in the Oshkosh area during the event. This NOTAM is detailed, specific, and mandatory. It covers:
- Special flight rules area (SFRA) boundaries and altitudes
- Arrival routes for different aircraft types and home directions
- Transponder requirements (VFR aircraft squawk 1200 in the SFRA)
- Radio procedures and frequencies
- Prohibited areas and restricted airspace
The NOTAM is published several months before the event and updated as needed. Download it, print it, and brief it thoroughly before you fly. EAA also publishes the AirVenture NOTAM guide, which translates the official NOTAM into more pilot-friendly language with diagrams.
Arrival Routes
Oshkosh arrivals are managed through designated arrival routes that vary based on where you're coming from. The most common routes:
Fisk Arrival (most common for VFR aircraft): The Fisk arrival is the primary VFR arrival procedure for most light aircraft. It requires flying over the Ripon VOR at specific altitudes and airspeeds, then following the railroad tracks to the Fisk water tower, where a controller will issue landing instructions. Maintain radio silence on the arrival until instructed otherwise — controllers use light signals and rock-your-wings instructions.
Runway 36 / 18 arrival: Depending on wind and traffic, ATC may direct you to a specific runway with specific approach instructions.
ATIS: Monitor OSHKOSH ATIS before entering the SFRA.
Key Numbers to Know
- Fisk Arrival: 135.0 MHz (approach) and 118.5 or 125.9 (tower)
- Over Ripon: 1,800 feet MSL at 90 knots (slower aircraft) or 1,800 feet at 135 knots (faster aircraft)
- Fisk water tower: Rock wings to confirm you've identified it to ATC
- Separation: 500 feet behind preceding aircraft on the arrival
Camping on the Field
One of the great traditions of AirVenture is camping under the wing of your aircraft on the flight line. Reservations for aircraft camping open in the spring and fill up quickly for popular areas.
Vintage, Warbirds, Ultralight areas: Park your aircraft in the area matching its type. Each area has its own camping section adjacent to the flightline.
General camping: If aircraft camping spots are full, off-airport camping with shuttle buses to the grounds is available.
What to bring: Tie-down stakes (the ground can be soft), tent, sleeping bag appropriate for Wisconsin summer nights (can be cool), cash for food vendors, ear protection (runup areas can be loud).
Planning Your Departure
Departures from Oshkosh during AirVenture are managed similarly to arrivals — there are published departure procedures and the airspace can be congested. Morning departures on weekdays are generally smoother than weekend afternoon departures.
File a VFR flight plan and brief the departure procedures from the NOTAM before you leave.
Staying Current on Aeradex
Aeradex lists Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) with live METAR weather and local aviation businesses and services at aeradex.com/airports/KOSH. Check weather conditions and airport information before your arrival.