See you at AirVenture!
Our partner organization, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), is once again hosting EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on July 20-26. This event has earned its place as the world’s largest full-scale aviation gathering, drawing hundreds of thousands of aviation enthusiasts each summer to Wittman Regional Airport. I’ve always said, if there’s an airplane that you want to see, chances are you’ll find more than one there!
While the daily air shows command attention overhead, AMA volunteers and staff play a vital role on the ground, offering hands-on experiences that introduce visitors to the joy of flight in the most accessible form: model aviation.
At the heart of that experience is KidVenture, which is open most days of AirVenture from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This area serves as a gateway for both young and young-at-heart attendees to explore aviation, and model flying is one of its most engaging attractions. At the Control Line (CL) circles (hosted by the Circle Masters Flying Club of Hartland, Wisconsin), participants experience the direct connection between input and motion as the durable aircraft they have developed specifically for training newcomers at this event trace smooth, controlled circles. It’s a simple but powerful introduction to the fundamentals of flight (and it’s a lot of fun—I can personally attest!).
Nearby, visitors can step into RC through buddy-box instruction from dedicated AMA members who volunteer from clubs around the region to help inspire a love of flight. For many attendees, this is their first time flying any kind of aircraft and it has the potential to turn the moment into a spark of interest in model aviation as a hobby, sport, and potential career. Buddy-boxing will take place on Monday and Tuesday of the event from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and the rest of KidVenture throughout the hours of operation.
KidVenture is also home to one of the most forward-looking programs in the hobby, the UAS4STEM Drone Engineering Challenge. Held Monday and Tuesday mornings from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., this event challenges AMA member teams to apply UAS to real-world scenarios. Through mission planning, autonomous flight, data collection, and analysis, participants gain experience that mirrors modern aviation and technology careers. Organized by AMA, UAS4STEM highlights how model aviation connects directly to STEM education and future workforce pathways.
Model aviation’s presence extends indoors as well. Inside of the EAA Aviation Museum, the AMA booth offers visitors a comprehensive look at the hobby. From RC aircraft and helicopters to drones, CL, and Free Flight, the display showcases the wide range of opportunities that are available. A popular feature is the AMA Model Aviation Experience Sponsored by Wing RC flight simulator trailer, where attendees can try flying in a low-pressure environment. You can also find us at the Blue Barn, where we stand shoulder to shoulder as EAA chapters and AMA clubs work together to utilize model aviation to inspire a love of flight in communities across the nation.
As the day winds down, flying continues in a more relaxed setting. Beginning after 6 p.m. and running until dusk, evening RC flying takes place on the Pioneer Runway between the museum and KidVenture. Pilots gather to enjoy the calm air and golden light, creating a welcoming atmosphere that blends demonstration, practice, and community. Spectators often stop by, drawn in by the accessibility and pace of the flying, and newcomers to the hobby have the opportunity to fly with an experienced volunteer instructor.
If you’re an educator, please register for EAA Teacher Day, where AMA’s Education team will present multiple sessions that equip educators from around the world to understand and utilize model aviation as a teaching tool.
It’s thanks to the tireless efforts of so many volunteers that these experiences are brought to life. To all of the AMA members who play a part in this event, your willingness to share this hobby with thousands of attendees has a lasting impact, and I cannot say “thank you” enough.
These experiences highlight the full spectrum of model aviation at AirVenture, from first flights to advanced UAS competition and casual evening flying. In a setting defined by full-scale aircraft, model aviation stands out not just as an attraction, but as a meaningful entry point into aviation itself.
I hope to see you there!
