EAA Air Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where is the Air Academy?

  The EAA Air Academy is located on the EAA campus, 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI 54902. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 3086, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3086, and the shipping address is 3130 Knapp Street Road, Oshkosh, WI 54902.

• How do I apply for the EAA Air Academy?

  You can apply for the Air Academy Camps by completing the online application found on each camp page. The application requires parent/guardian information, camper information, answers to questions about why you want to attend Air Academy, and a $200 camp deposit. Sometimes an EAA chapter will choose to sponsor a camper. If this is the case, please make sure you disclose this in your application.

  If the camp is full, you may be placed on a waiting list for any possible openings.

• How can I get financial assistance to come to the Air Academy?

  Many Air Academy campers are sponsored by their local EAA chapter. The chapter may pay part or all of the camp expenses. Each chapter determines how much they can pay. Young Eagles pilots can earn credits that can help with the cost of camp. These are often used by EAA chapters to sponsor students. Chapters must notify camp staff if they will be using Young Eagles Credits and how many they would like to apply toward their camper.

  You can also apply for a campership to help you attend the Air Academy Camps. Camperships are invaluable grants offered to students attending Air Academy camps. To be eligible for a Campership, you must first be accepted into the Air Academy program.

• How can a Chapter reserve a spot at camp?

  Chapters can secure a spot at camp by completing the Chapter Reservation Form, which has been moved online this year. The form is available above and requires your chapter details, the camp you wish to reserve, and your preferred method of payment for the $200 deposit. If you have any questions, please contact AirAcademy@eaa.org.

• What happens after I apply?

  After you have been accepted, you will receive an email containing your acceptance letter and additional forms to complete. These forms must be returned to the Air Academy no later than 30 days before the camp begins. One of these forms is a physical exam form, which needs to be signed by a doctor and dated within 12 months of the start date of camp. You will also need to complete the first three pages of the form. For the fourth page, you may substitute a photocopy of a sports or school or other physical form, as long as it is dated in the 12 months before the camp.

• How big is the camp?

  Each camp has roughly 50 campers. The Air Academy employs around 16-18 instructors, counselors, and pilots.

• Do I have to find a hotel in Oshkosh and transportation?

  No. All campers will be staying in the EAA Air Academy Lodge. All transportation in and around the EAA and Air Academy grounds is provided by EAA.

• What is the Lodge?

  The Air Academy Lodge was built in 1998 specifically for the Air Academy. There are 12 bunk rooms, each housing four campers, and there are four suites, each housing four campers. Bedding is supplied, so you don’t need to bring your own.

• How do I get to the Air Academy?

  Campers come from all over the U.S., Canada, and sometimes other countries. Many are driven here by their families. Others come by air. Campers who arrive by private airplane may land at Wittman Regional Airport, and the Air Academy staff can pick you up from the Basler FBO. If you fly in on a commercial airline, we ask that you fly into Appleton, Wisconsin (ATW). We offer free pick-up and drop-off to Appleton. If you must fly into Green Bay, Wisconsin (GRB), we offer pick-up and drop-off for an $80 fee, which covers both trips. So how will we know if we have to pick you up? You’ll let us know on the travel form included with your acceptance package.

• My parents/guardians are driving me and want to stay in the area while I’m at camp. What do they do?

  Oshkosh, Fond du Lac (20 minutes south), and Appleton (20 minutes north) all have multiple hotels where they can stay. Hotels often do not have vacancy during AirVenture or the week prior, but it is usually not a problem the rest of the summer.

• Which camp do I attend?

  The camps are divided by topics, not experience. You will apply for the camp session for the age you will be at the time of the camp.

• Tell me about the food.

  This year all meals at the Air Academy will be catered by local businesses. Campers will eat in the dining area of the Great Room in the Air Academy Lodge.

• I have a special diet/food allergies/am a vegetarian/vegan. What can I eat?

  Please let us know about any dietary needs on the ACA medical form, so we can work with our caterers to provide you with safe and delicious meals during your stay.

• Can I bring my own snacks?

  You are welcome to bring your own snacks, but you can only eat them in the dining area. There will be no food in the bunk rooms, the library, or the basement.

• What about soda/pop?

  We do not provide soda as a beverage option. Juice, milk, water, or lemonade are available at meals.

• I am on medication. How do you handle that?

  Your parent/guardian will list these and your dosage and times on the medical form. You will bring them in the original medicine bottle in a small plastic bag. At check-in, we will put it with the other medications in the office, and one of the staff will dispense it at the correct times. Medications will be refrigerated if needed. Emergency inhalers or EpiPens can be carried with you, but we need to know you have them. Your parent/guardian must sign the emergency treatment section on the health form in case staff must take you to a nearby hospital if you become sick or hurt.

• Can I come if I have special needs?

  Please discuss this with our Camp Director to see if we are able to meet your special needs. The Camp Director can be reached at AirAcademy@eaa.org.

• What about my cell phone/electronics?

  You will be required to turn these in at the office when you arrive. You may use them during your free time but not carry them with you.

• Is there a curfew?

  Yes, we do have a curfew of 10:00 p.m. The daily schedule is packed full of great programs and activities. You’ll have a busy week, and we need to make sure everyone gets enough rest to enjoy their Air Academy experience.

• What do I need to bring?

  You will get a packing list in your acceptance package. Some of the items on the list are a towel and washcloth, soap, shampoo, casual clothes, a light jacket, closed-toe shoes for in the workshop and outside activities, etc. You do not need to bring a sleeping bag or pillow.

• How much money do I need to bring?

  Most campers like to visit the Barnstormer Boutique in the museum during their stay, so $20 to $50 is usually sufficient. If you are traveling, you may need some money at airports for meals. Those who are here during AirVenture usually bring a little more because of all the vendors on the AV grounds. There is no ATM in the lodge, but there is one in the museum. We can hold your money in the office safe if you wish.

• What are the bathrooms/showers like?

  There are separate men’s and women’s bathrooms on the upper level of the Lodge. There are individual showers in each bathroom.

• When do I need to arrive? When do I leave?

  You should plan to arrive on the first day of the camp, preferably between noon and 5 p.m. You will leave on the morning of the last day before noon. So, if the camp were listed as June 15-19, you would arrive on the 15th, and depart on the 19th.

• Is there a closing program that my parents need to attend?

  No, that would not be practical since so many campers are here from long distances. On the last night of camp, there is a program, but it is just for the campers and staff.

• I am arriving or departing during AirVenture. How do I get through security?

  Those who will be arriving or departing by car during AirVenture will receive a special map that will allow them to drive to the Lodge.

• Will I get to fly an airplane?

  Weather permitting, yes, you will go up in an airplane (a Cessna 162 Skycatcher or 172 Skyhawk) and be able to take the controls if you wish under the guidance of one of our pilots. You will not be able to take off or land the airplane. You will also have the chance to take a ride in a Bell 47 helicopter (weather permitting).

• I’d like to work as a counselor at the Air Academy.

  Information on careers at the Air Academy is available here.

• Are campers able to return multiple years/camps?

  Yes! During the application review process, we take into consideration past behavior, enthusiasm, and overall value to the program. Campers who will not be accepted back into the program will be notified.