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!


Learn More

EAA Air Academy Explore Aviation Camp

Welcome to Air Academy’s Explore Aviation Camp, where the thrill of flight meets the excitement of hands-on STEM exploration! Explore Aviation Camp offers a unique and exhilarating summer experience for young aviation enthusiasts aged 14 to 18. Nestled in the heart of sport aviation, our camp offers an unforgettable experience for campers eager to delve into the world of aviation.

Get ready to immerse yourself in a dynamic blend of activities designed to ignite your curiosity and inspire your imagination. Step into our state-of-the-art flight simulators and experience the exhilaration of piloting aircraft through the virtual sky. Engage in interactive workshop projects where you'll design and build your own aviation-inspired creations under the guidance of our experienced staff.

Prepare to be amazed as you witness captivating aviation demonstrations that unveil the magic of flight right before your eyes. Embark on a behind-the-scenes tour of our museum, where you'll uncover the fascinating history and technology behind some of aviation's most iconic machines.

In our classrooms, you'll receive instruction on topics such as the principles of flight, aerodynamics, and flight planning, empowering you to understand aviation like never before. And, weather permitting, you'll have the opportunity to take to the sky yourself, with airplane and helicopter flights that will leave you inspired and eager for more.

Join us for an unforgettable summer of discovery, adventure, and the joy of STEM at our Explore Aviation Camp. Let your imagination take flight with us!

** Explore Aviation Camp is equivalent to our previous Basic and Advanced Air Academy Camps.

2025 Dates

*All sessions offered are the same camp.
Session 1 (ages 14-15) – June 20 – 25, 2025 - $1,300
Session 1 is at capacity; add your name to the Waitlist
Session 2 (ages 14-15) – June 28 – July 3, 2025 - $1,300
Session 2 is at capacity; add your name to the Waitlist
Session 3 (ages 16-18) – July 15 – 23, 2025 - $1,650
Session 3 is at capacity; add your name to the Waitlist
Session 4 (ages 16-18) – July 25 – August 2, 2025 - $1,650
Session 4 is at capacity; add your name to the Waitlist
eaa air academy students flying in simulator 

Discover Flight Camp

Broaden your aviation knowledge at Discover Flight Camp! Dive into hands-on ground-school style lessons, flight simulator sessions, and more. Experience a summer of discovery, teamwork, and unforgettable adventures!


Learn More

New in 2025!

Discover Flight Camp

Welcome to Discover Flight Camp, where the sky is not the limit—it's just the beginning!

Discover Flight Camp offers a unique and exhilarating summer experience for young aviation enthusiasts aged 14 to 18. Nestled in the heart of sport aviation, our camp offers an unforgettable experience for campers eager to delve into the world of aviation.

At our Discover Flight Camp, campers immerse themselves in the fascinating world of aviation through our comprehensive ground-school style lessons. Led by experienced and passionate aviators, these lessons cover a wide range of topics, including aerodynamics, aircraft systems, navigation, meteorology, and aviation regulations. Through hands-on activities, simulations, and interactive workshops, campers gain a deep understanding of the principles and practices that govern flight.

But the excitement doesn't stop there! Weather permitting, you'll have the opportunity to take to the skies yourself, with thrilling airplane and helicopter flights that will leave you breathless.

In addition to aviation-focused activities, Discover Flight Camp offers a diverse range of team-building opportunities. Campers can bond over aviation stories, enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the EAA museum, and participate in exciting challenges. Our camp fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where friendships are formed, memories are made, and lifelong skills are developed.

Whether your passion lies in aviation, or you simply crave adventure and exploration, Discover Flight Camp offers an unforgettable summer experience that will leave you empowered and inspired to take flight. Join us for an adventure of a lifetime and discover the magic of aviation at Discover Flight Camp!

2025 Dates

*All sessions offered are the same camp.
Session 1 (ages 14-15) – June 12 – 17, 2025 - $1,300
Session 1 is at capacity; add your name to the Waitlist
Session 2 (ages 16-18) – July 7 – 12, 2025 - $1,300
Session 2 is at capacity; add your name to the Waitlist
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.


Learn More

Coming in 2026!

Navigating Horizons Camp

Welcome to Navigating Horizons Camp, where the sky is not just the limit—it's the beginning of an exciting journey into the world of aviation careers!

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. Nestled in the heart of sport aviation, our camp provides the perfect environment for campers to discover their passion for aviation and chart their course toward a fulfilling career.

At Navigating Horizons Camp, campers will delve into a comprehensive aviation career exploration program led by experienced and passionate aviators. Through engaging workshops, interactive seminars, and hands-on activities, campers will gain insight into various aviation-related professions, including piloting, air traffic control, aircraft maintenance, aviation engineering, and more. They'll have the opportunity to interact with experts in the field and visit aviation facilities.

But the excitement doesn't end there! Navigating Horizons Camp offers a wide range of exhilarating activities designed to complement the aviation career exploration program. Campers can take to the skies with an introduction flight (weather permitting), experience thrilling flight simulations, and engage in team-building exercises that foster leadership and collaboration skills.

Whether your dream is to fly above the clouds as a pilot, design the next generation of aircraft, or play a vital role in airport operations, Navigating Horizons Camp provides the perfect platform to ignite your passion and set your sights on a rewarding career in aviation. Join us for an unforgettable summer adventure and discover the endless possibilities that await you in the boundless world of the aviation industry at Navigating Horizons Camp!


Camper Registration
Chapter Reservation

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.

    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).

To provide a better user experience, EAA uses cookies. To review EAA's data privacy policy or adjust your privacy settings please visit: Data and Privacy Policy.

Loading...