An Inside Look at the Community that Makes It Possible

If you are an Aviation enthusiast, or at least familiar with the industry, you may know that EAA’s Oshkosh AirVenture is the largest, most widely celebrated airshow in the world. What you may not know, however, is that there are over 5,000 volunteers making it all possible.

There is a wide variety of volunteer opportunities available, ranging from flight line safety and parking assistance to first aid and scooter repair. Throughout the week, volunteers will put in over 250,000 hours combined. They are also invited to attend the Weekend Work Party, which is a two-day event intended to prepare for the Airshow. These tasks include grass cutting, construction, staging, and generally making everything look pretty. This may sound like a challenging role, because it is, but there are also several benefits to attending AirVenture as a volunteer.

Becoming an AirVenture volunteer is one of the best ways to expand your Aviation network. Volunteers get the chance to meet and work alongside several industry professionals, including aircraft manufacturers, performers, and business representatives. Many also have the opportunity to take a flight with demo teams or other pilots – if your stomach can handle a couple of flips and turns.

While AirVenture itself only lasts a week, the benefits of volunteering stretch far longer. Some volunteers, including Flight Safety Line volunteers Steve Anthony and Bob Dimeo, have attended for over 30 years in a row. They both gave the same reason: the family it creates. Anthony explained, “We keep in touch the whole year, and we’re from all over the place.” Another long-term volunteer, Gene Conrad, expanded on this idea, stating, “I keep coming back because it’s a family here… there are bonds that are built that last a lifetime.”

The volunteer experience is an incredible opportunity to expand your love for aviation in the richest environment the industry has to offer. If you are interested in becoming an AirVenture volunteer, visit the EAA Volunteer Opportunities webpage to sign up or learn more about the roles available.

FMI: www.eaa.org