Airport of the Week: KOSH - The Epicenter of AirVenture

There are airports, and then there’s KOSH - Wittman Regional Airport, better known to aviators everywhere as “Oshkosh.” For most of the year, it’s a quiet regional field nestled just west of Lake Winnebago in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. But for one extraordinary week each summer, it transforms into the busiest airport in the world as thousands of pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and dreamers descend for EAA AirVenture.

My First Cross-Country to Oshkosh

One of my most memorable cross-country flights as a student pilot was to KOSH. I’ll never forget the feeling on final approach to runway 27, especially as the turbulance kicked up over the Lake Winnebago and land transition. That descent, with water below and the wide-open runway ahead, was equal parts thrilling and nerve-wracking for a relatively new pilot. It was a perfect memory from flight training.

There is also the Oshkosh Defense Corporation's North plant right along the final, so might see some military equipment as well.

Busiest Skies on Earth

Each year during AirVenture, the airspace around KOSH fills with a steady stream of incoming traffic. At its peak, KOSH handles more takeoffs and landings than Chicago O’Hare, LAX, or Atlanta. Living in Madison, I enjoy watching the long lines of aircraft as they wind their way north for AirVenture, often forming a parade of planes.

A Pilgrimage for Aviators (and a Workout!)

I’ve attended EAA AirVenture nearly every year since my own passion for aviation began. It’s the ultimate day trip from Madison for anyone who loves flight, with everything from rare warbirds to homebuilt aircraft on display. Be prepared, though: AirVenture involves a lot of walking, and the Wisconsin sun can be intense, especially with little ones in tow. Bringing sunscreen, hats, and water is just as important as bringing your camera.

Weather: From Blue Skies to Booming Storms

If you’ve attended AirVenture more than once, you know that Wisconsin weather is full of surprises. Over the years, we’ve faced scorching heat, sudden downpours, and even severe thunderstorms. In 2019, strong storms flattened tents and turned parts of the grounds into muddy fields overnight. Here is a quick taste of what that storm looked like.

In 2021, lightning forced temporary evacuations and sent everyone scrambling for shelter. Weather always seems to add a little extra excitement to the Oshkosh experience.

Reading the Sky: Weather at KOSH

For pilots, staying up to date on the weather at KOSH is essential, especially during AirVenture. The weather reports provide the latest conditions and is critical for planning arrivals and departures. With so many aircraft coming and going each day, a sudden change in wind or visibility can quickly affect airport operations. EAA has a dedicated page for weather related to AirVenture, make sure to check that out: https://www.eaa.org/weather

They also have a text alert service listed on the above page. I definitely suggest signing up for that if attending AirVenture.

FAA Notice - AirVenture Flight Procedures

Talking about AirVenture, the 2025 AirVenture flight procedures are now available. In EAA's own words: The free 32-page booklet is an absolute must if you're flying an aircraft to Oshkosh. It outlines all arrival/departure procedures, radio frequencies, Wittman Regional Airport details, and much more.

Check it out at https://www.eaa.org/airventure/eaa-fly-in-flying-to-oshkosh/eaa-airventure-oshkosh-notam

Whether you’re a pilot, an aviation fan, or just someone who loves a good road trip, KOSH during EAA AirVenture is an experience to remember.