EAA AirVenture 2024: a drone enthusiast’s guide to Oshkosh
The Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh returns to Wisconsin today for another edition of what comprises the world’s largest airshow. Now in its 71st year, the mega event runs from July 22 through 28. Though EAA AirVenture primarily targets experimental aircraft, it has increasingly leaned into drones over the years.
EAA AirVenture really started acknowledging drones in 2015. That year, it built a new Aviation Gateway Park, which featured an 80-by-80-by-30-foot drone cage.
Then in 2016, I attended EAA AirVenture for myself. By that year, EAA gave drones their own tent and an outdoor demo cage. And yes, I even had a personal stake in it when I led a hands-on class for 60 young women, plus a seminar getting all the non-drone pilots up to speed on the drone world. By EAA 2017, the drone presence grew, including an Amazon Prime Air delivery drone on display. Even some human-carrying drones made an appearance.
It’s been almost a decade since drones first got their spotlight at EAA. This year, EAA 2024 promises to have a ton in store for drone pilots. Of course, don’t miss the star EAA attractions like the daily air show, gift shops, iconic brown arch and night air show (featuring fireworks).
EAA AirVenture 2024 has all sorts of guides to attending, both for non-pilots and pilots. But what about for drone pilots? Here’s what you should expect if you’re a drone pilot who is spending time at EAA AirVenture 2024 this week:
EAA AirVenture 2024 drone light show
This year’s highlight is undoubtedly the nighttime drone spectacular. The show is put on by Starlight Aerial Productions, which was founded way back in 2016 in southwestern Michigan.
The show will feature 500 drones, which together can create more than 4 billion color combinations and fly in patterns of animated sequences that are synchronized to a musical score.
For the EAA show, Starlight will use Lumenier’s ARORA drones. Lumenier is an American drone company famous for making drone light show drones that can fly for 25 minutes, carrying LEDs that are 6x brighter than what’s standard.
Great Lakes Drone Company, which is the parent company of Starlight, has actually been to EAA before. Way back in 2018, the drone show company showed up at EAA with a sample of the then still-emerging technology.
Now, those drones aren’t just a sample, but an actual product in the air set to dazzle audiences.
Wing delivery drone demo
Wing, the sibling company of Google responsible for drone deliveries, is putting on actual demos. Its drones will fly over at Academy of Model Aeronautics’s flying field on Pioneer Field at 6:05 p.m. on July 23, 25 and 26.
You can also visit their booth to chat with the team for yourself. The Wing booth is located at the exhibit hall in Hangar D, booth #4115.
A STEM drone zone
Now in its fourth year, a section called UAS4STEM targets youth. It’s the culmination of a yearlong contest for students ages 11 through graduating high school seniors. Over the past year, U.S. students nationwide have been competing in an AMA-sanctioned competition where teams design, build, and fly those drones. They’ve been competing virtually, and now 10 of the top team have been invited to compete at AirVenture 2024.
For this in-person competition, students will fly near the southwest corner of Camp Scholler at the beginning of the week. Teams are broken out into two classes: beginner and advanced, and based on age and skill level.
For the in-person flight at EAA, teams will be challenged with a specific mission. They’ll then need to gather the gear and build a drone to execute that mission, which includes programming autopilot software.
The winners will receive scholarship money and Skydio equipment.
EAA AirVenture 2024: what to know as a drone pilot
Beyond the things to see, know that AirVenture attracts major industry players from across the aviation sector. This is your chance to connect with manufacturers, software developers and service providers. Many of them will be exhibiting with a booth, including drone delivery company Zipline. Check out the EAA exhibitor directory.
Though it might be tempting to want to fly your drone everywhere, know that there are only limited opportunities to fly personal drones. Spaces that are okay to fly include the AMA RC flying field (where the Wing delivery demo is held), but only at certain times.
The RC flying field is open the following days and hours:
- Mon, Tues, Th, Fri 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Wed 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
EAA AirVenture 2024 offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in not just drones, but the broader world of aviation. Witness historical aircraft, seek out cutting-edge technology and connect with a passionate community. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional drone pilot, EAA AirVenture 2024 promises to be an inspiring and informative event.
