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EAA AirVenture canceled

EAA AirVenture officials held out hope as long as possible of keeping the popular summer airshow on schedule but ended up canceling the event for 2020.

EAA staff members are still under stay-at-home orders in Wisconsin through May 26, preventing them from working with suppliers to begin setting up the show’s infrastructure at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh and printing essentials like wristbands, programs, and such. That combined with strict health and safety guidelines have created “circumstances beyond our control,” EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board Jack Pelton said. The limitations made preparing for and safely hosting the show, originally scheduled for July 20 to 26, nearly impossible.

In 2019, aviators were welcomed to EAA AirVenture from the runway side by a special blue painted arch (typically brown) to commemorate the fiftieth consecutive fly-in at Oshkosh. EAA has canceled AirVenture 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Photo by Kollin Stagnito.

“Right now, there are three phases that have been defined in Wisconsin as the recommended procedures” for hosting gatherings, Pelton explained. “As I write this, we are not in Phase 1 yet. Phase 2 restricts gatherings to 50 people. Phase 3 allows for mass gathering with restrictions.

“Our convention attracts EAA members not only from the U.S. but around the world. Today we cannot predict when we will be at a point that our event meets the all clear Phase 3 milestone for mass gathering with restrictions.” AirVenture draws hundreds of thousands of aviation enthusiasts to Oshkosh from more than 90 countries, he said.

Pelton said he had “no choice but to cancel AirVenture 2020. Together, we can come back stronger, safer and ready for AirVenture 2021 and create a memorable world class aviation event.”

EAA noted that “all pre-sold AirVenture 2020 admissions and camping reservations can be rolled over to the 2021 event or are eligible for refund. Those who have made such purchases will be contacted individually within the next two weeks regarding these options.”

As the coronavirus pandemic spread worldwide, aviation events began canceling in early March, including Aero Friedrichshafen in Germany; the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo in Florida; AOPA’s Regional Fly-Ins in San Marcos, Texas, and Casper, Wyoming; the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations World Assembly in Montreal; and many others.

Organizations have been working to provide virtual aviation experiences while many pilots across the country remain grounded by stay-at-home orders. AOPA created a Pilot Lounge playlist on our YouTube channel for pilots to enjoy some hangar flying, in addition to the plethora of safety and educational content on our website. Sun ’n Fun officials launched the Sun ’n Fun Home Edition for pilots and aviation enthusiasts to enjoy photos and videos of airshow performers and exhibitor deals. EAA increased its educational webinars.

Alyssa J. Miller
Alyssa J. Cobb
The former senior director of digital media, Alyssa J. Cobb was on the AOPA staff from 2004 until 2023. She is a flight instructor, and loves flying her Cessna 170B with her husband and two children. Alyssa also hosts the weekly Fly with AOPA show on the AOPA Pilot Video YouTube channel.
Topics: EAA AirVenture, Experimental Aircraft Association, Aviation Industry

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