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?
There are two ways to apply: online or by mail. Just pick the method that is easiest for you. Both ways require contact information for you and a parent (or guardian), answers to four questions about why you want to come to the Air Academy, and a camp deposit. Sometimes an EAA chapter or another group will sponsor a camper. If this is the case, please make sure your application is sent in either by you or the EAA chapter.
How can I get financial assistance to come to the Air Academy?
About half of Air Academy campers participate with the help of a local EAA chapter. The chapter may pay part or all of your expenses. Each chapter determines how much they can pay. Young Eagles pilots can earn credits that can help with the cost of camp. If you know some of these pilots, you may ask them. These are often used by EAA chapters to sponsor students. You send these credits to the Air Academy as part of your payment.
You can also apply for a campership to help you attend the EAA Air Academy Camps.
What happens after I apply?
After you have been accepted, you will receive a package containing your acceptance letter and additional forms to complete. These forms need to 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, 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. If the camp is full, you may be placed on a waiting list for any possible openings.
How big is the camp?
Each camp has a maximum of 56 participants per session. The Air Academy staff usually has about 16 instructors, counselors and pilots. The Advanced Air Academy adds 10 to 12 workshop instructors during those two sessions.
Do I have to find a hotel in Oshkosh and transportation?
No. You’ll be staying in the EAA Air Academy Lodge (link to Lodge page). All transportation in and around EAA and the Air Academy campus is provided by EAA vehicles.
What is the Lodge?
The Air Academy is a resident camp, so you stay at the Lodge the entire time of your camp. The Lodge building was built in 1998 specifically for the Air Academy. You will share your bunkroom with up to three other people. 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. If you arrive in a private plane, they may land at Wittman Regional Airport, and call the Lodge from either the Basler FBO. Our staff will pick you up. If you fly in on a commercial airline, we ask that you fly into Appleton, Wisconsin (ATW). We offer a free shuttle to Appleton. If you must fly into Green Bay, Wisconsin (GRB), we will pick you up and return you there for a $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 are driving me, and want to stay in the area while I’m at camp.
Oshkosh, Fond du Lac (20 minutes south), and Appleton (20 minutes north) all have multiple hotels and motels for them to stay at. This can be difficult during AirVenture or the week before it, but not usually a problem the rest of the time.
Which camp do I attend?
The camps are divided by age, not experience. You sign up for the correct camp session for the age you will be at the time of the camp. If you are within two to three months of the age for the next camp level, you may apply for that camp.
Tell me about the food.
The Air Academy takes great pride in providing an outstanding food service. The Air Academy Lodge has a commercial kitchen and Certified Food Service Staff and Cooks who prepare home-style meals during your stay. You eat family-style in the dining area of the Great Room in the Lodge.
I have a special diet/food allergies/am a vegetarian.
Just let us know about any diet needs on the green ACA medical form, so our cooks will be prepared in advance for your special food needs.
Can I bring my own snacks?
You don’t need to bring any snacks, as our cooks provide plenty of healthy snacks and drinks.
What about soda/pop?
We do not provide soda as a beverage option. Juice, milk, water or lemonade is available at meals.
I am on medications. How do you handle that?
Your parents (or guardian) will list these, your dosage and times, on the green 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. Diabetic and other medication will be refrigerated, if needed. Emergency inhalers or EpiPens can be carried with you, but we need to know you have them. Your parents (or guardian) also need to sign the emergency treatment section on the health form, so our staff can 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 Director of Museum and Resident Education or the camp director to see if we are able to meet your special needs.
What about my cell phone/iPod/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. 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 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 shop 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 Museum Gift Shop during their stay, so $20-50 is usually sufficient. Also, 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. Some bring prepaid cash cards or travelers’ checks. There is not a cash machine in the museum or lodge. We can hold your money in the office safe if you wish.
What are the bathrooms/showers like?
There are separate men and women’s bathrooms on the upper level of the Lodge. There are individual showers with a curtained dressing area for each.
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 4 PM. You leave in the morning of the last day. 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 during AirVenture will receive a special map which 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 or intern at the Air Academy.
