EAA Air Academy

Embark on an unparalleled journey of fun and exploration at the EAA Air Academy, an ACA accredited program! Designed exclusively for young aviation enthusiasts aged 14-18, our camps blend excitement and learning like no other. Nestled in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, campers reside at the EAA Air Academy Lodge, immersing themselves in the heart of sport aviation.

Fuel your passion for flight with a diverse array of hands-on activities curated to ignite curiosity and spark a passion for aviation. Led by passionate aviators, you'll soar into the realm of aviation through immersive studies, captivating demonstrations, exhilarating flight simulations, and a myriad of other thrilling experiences. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind opportunity to elevate your summer with unforgettable adventures at the EAA Air Academy!

eaa air academy students riding in bell 47 helicopter

Explore Aviation Camp

Soar into summer at Explore Aviation Camp! Dive into hands-on aviation activities and ignite your passion for flight. Join us for a summer of thrilling adventures and unforgettable experiences as you explore the world of aviation like never before!

Explore Aviation Camp Ages 14–18

Experiences may include:

  • Woodworking project
  • Sheet metal project
  • Composites project
  • Redbird & X-Plane simulators
  • Accident investigation
  • 3-D printing
  • Sphero robots
  • Engine basics
  • Flight planning
  • Air-compressed rockets
  • Welding Sims / TIG welding
  • Preflight
  • Helicopter Flight (weather permitting)
  • Airplane Flight (weather permitting)
  • EAA Museum
NOTE: Activities are tentative and subject to change based on available resources.

2026 Dates

*All sessions offered are the same camp.
Session 1 (ages 14-15) – June 27 – July 2, 2026 - $1,300
Session 2 (ages 14-15) – July 6 – 11, 2026 - $1,300
Session 3 (ages 16-18) – July 14 – 22, 2026 - $1,650
Session 4 (ages 16-18) – July 24 – August 1, 2026 - $1,650
eaa air academy student in p-51

Navigating Horizons Camp

Coming in 2026! Navigating Horizons Camp offers a unique and immersive summer experience for aspiring aviators aged 14 to 18 who are eager to explore the diverse career opportunities within the aviation industry.

Navigating Horizons Camp Ages 14–18

Experiences may include:

  • Aviation Professional Guest Speakers
  • ATC Tower Tour
  • Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Tour
  • Aircraft Manufacturing Facility Tour
  • Aviation Technical College Visit
  • Aviation Resume Building Session
  • Aviation Scholarship Workshop
  • Interview Prep Workshop
  • Mock Interviews
  • Soldering
  • Sheet Metal Project
  • Welding Sims
  • Helicopter Flight (weather permitting)
  • Airplane Flight (weather permitting)
  • EAA Museum
NOTE: Activities are tentative and subject to change based on available resources.

2026 Dates

*All sessions offered are the same camp.
Session 1 (ages 14-15) – June 11 – 16, 2026 - $1,300
Session 2 (ages 16-18) – June 19 – 24, 2026 - $1,300

Find the Camp That's Best for You

Choose the camp experience that matches your interests:

Explore Camp – Love working with your hands? Dive into workshop projects and discover aviation innovations in our Air Academy workshop and brand-new Youth Education Center.

Horizons Camp – Curious about aviation careers? Tour aviation facilities like maintenance hangars, ATC towers, and tech schools, meet the professionals who work there, and start preparing for your own future in aviation.

Watch this overview video to see which camp is right for you!

Camper Application Form - Opening Soon

EAA Air Academy Lodge

Welcome to the heart of your Oshkosh adventure — the EAA Air Academy Lodge! Here, you'll not only eat, sleep, and recharge, but also create lifelong friendships amidst the excitement of aviation.

With its cozy ambiance and vibrant atmosphere, the lodge offers comfortable accommodations tailored to meet your needs. There are 12 bunkrooms, each accommodating four campers and featuring shared bathroom facilities. Additionally, we provide four accessible suites, each boasting private bathrooms and accommodating four campers as well.

Beyond the comfort of your room, the lodge buzzes with activity. Immerse yourself in the Air Academy Lodge library, where aviation literature and resources await your exploration. Engage in friendly competition and challenge your fellow campers to games of pool, carpet ball, or ping-pong.

The Air Academy Lodge isn't just a place to rest your head — it's an essential part of your unforgettable journey at the Air Academy. From the camaraderie fostered within its walls to the countless memories made around the fire pit, the lodge enhances every aspect of your aviation adventure. Get ready to experience the magic of Oshkosh in a setting that feels like home away from home.

eaa air academy lodge 
EAA air academy student welding 

Air Academy Camperships

Camperships are invaluable grants offered to students attending EAA Air Academy camps. Our mission at EAA is to ensure that every aspiring aviator has the opportunity to explore the captivating world of aviation, regardless of financial constraints.

To be eligible for a Campership, you must first be accepted into the Air Academy program. Once accepted, you will receive detailed instructions via email on how to apply for financial assistance through our Campership program. Our team is committed to making the application process as smooth and accessible as possible, ensuring that no passionate young aviator is left grounded due to financial limitations.



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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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).

  • 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.

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