The Magic of Oshkosh: How Thousands of Aircraft Arrive Each Year

If you’re not familiar with the whole-hearted way of life that accompanies the Midwest, look no further than Oshkosh, Wisconsin amidst the July summer heat. Held at Wittman Regional Airport, the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture (EAA) — or “Oshkosh” — has been a staple for aviation fans since it was founded in January of 1953.

Each year, Oshkosh becomes the epicenter of aviation knowledge, with thousands of aircraft flying in and hundreds of thousands of aviation enthusiasts flocking to the rural fields surrounding the airport. But how do they all get to that single point in space? How is it all managed?

Remarkable Statistics

The number of aircraft arriving and departing during this event has always been remarkable. The data below comes from a Special Events Flight Tracking Dashboard created by FlightAware, offering insight into flight traffic surrounding the festival.

Leading up to and during the 2024 festival held July 22-28, FlightAware analyzed traffic in and out of Wittman Regional, Fond Du Lac County, Appleton, Green Bay and Austin Straubel International Airports. From Toluca, Mexico, to southern Europe in Athens, Oshkosh fans from across the globe were in attendance.

Between July 14 and 28 (the two weeks leading up to and including the airshow), these airports saw:

• 857 business aircraft,
• 623 commercial flights
• 4,148 general aviation flights.

Due to this extraordinary volume of aircraft, significant air traffic control measures are required to maintain safety and efficiency throughout the region.

MOO-COWS Communications

One of the strategic systems deployed during the airshow —Mobile Operations and Communications Workstations (MOO-COWS). Although the name is a reference to the old-fashioned midwestern dairy industry, it is a very complex system. According to the FAA, MOO-COWS enables controllers to split air traffic operations between the tower and the field, and handle daily departures that can surpass those seen at the world’s busiest airports. These additional temporary towers allow for volunteers to spend their days at Oshkosh guiding planes during landing.

Systems like this are generally in place the weekend leading up to AirVenture. As seen in the image below, there is an astounding spike in landings the days prior to the start of the show. These spikes include daily arrival numbers of 597, 637 and 780 for July 19-21. While the number of flights is remarkable, it is also important to keep in mind the array of aircraft landing. This lineup includes vintage, homebuilt, military and commercial aircraft among other many unique attractions on display.

Here are the top ten types of aircraft seen at Oshkosh:                      

Fisk Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Arrival

In the previous section, the FlightAware sourced infographic and its staggering findings were presented in detail. For those unfamiliar with the multi-layered and intricate strategy that backs individual airplanes’ landing processes, this section breaks it down in depth. This landing procedure was detailed during an interview with a 21-year-old pilot from Southeast Michigan, Matt Poulter. He began by underlining the complexity of the event. Poulter knows the legendary Fisk Arrival looks complex to an outsider.

“We all know it’s crazy, but it’s sure worth it,” shared Poulter. He has attended Oshkosh multiple times with his pilot father and brother and will be there again this year.

In July of 2024, when Matt flew his Aeronca Champ into Wisconsin, he did so by utilizing the Fisk VFR arrival procedure laid out by the EAA in a notice posted every year prior to the airshow.

Take a look at the 2025 notice, including the Preflight Planning, VFR Arrival/Departure and Oshkosh Airport Notes sections.

A Sample Arrival Experience

The first thing Matt mentioned is that when preparing for the Fisk arrival, it is important to have a couple hours of fuel on board in case of extended holding over any of the transition points. Also prior to arrival, it is key to listen to the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS), which briefs pilots heading into Oshkosh on which transition point AirVenture is using during time of arrival. This can vary based on the number of planes entering. This past year, he and his father flew into the Green Lake Transition point and began to monitor the Fisk arrival. He then flew directly to Ripon and followed the railroad tracks northeast towards Fisk. At the Fisk holding point, he transitioned to the 36 left approach and was cleared to land on the yellow dot at Wittman. He states, “Being in the conga line with all of the other airplanes with one mile in trail and everyone working as a team is a really fulfilling experience.”

Due to the intricacy of these landing procedures, it is crucial that all pilots in attendance follow the process laid out by the EAA diligently. It is an exciting time for those flying into Oshkosh, and their hard work and hours of experience are on full display. This arrival process is based on a polite and meticulous mindset that each pilot carries with them. From all walks of life, those attending the airshow work together to accomplish a safe, fun week.

To view the full FAA Notice – AirVenture Flight Procedures click here.

Why AirVenture is the Perfect Embodiment of Culture

The accomplishments and longevity of Oshkosh are a perfect example of aviation’s potential. The preparation, attention to detail and execution of air traffic logistics at this event are second to none. This is exemplified through the astounding flight activity predominantly at Wittman Regional, Appleton, Green Bay and Austin Straubel International Airports. It is crucial that all fronts of the industry continue to incorporate diligent, innovative and dream-filled midwestern passion that AirVenture embodies.