Every year, EAA AirVenture reminds us why aviation is unlike any other community. It brings together pilots, builders, mechanics, enthusiasts, families, and dreamers from around the world to celebrate a shared passion for flight.
This year was no exception. The airshows were outstanding. The exhibits showcased remarkable innovation. The volunteers dedicated countless hours to creating an unforgettable experience, and the conversations we had with attendees reinforced that there are still many genuinely kind, welcoming people who make this event special.
Now, maybe this sounds like I’m complaining, but hear me out. These are simply observations from someone who genuinely cares about this event and the aviation community it represents. I’ve been attending AirVenture since I was riding through the grounds in a stroller, and I’ve had the privilege of watching it evolve over the years. That lifelong connection is exactly why these observations matter to me. If we want future generations to experience the same sense of wonder, community, and hospitality that has defined AirVenture for decades, it’s up to all of us to protect the culture that makes this gathering unlike any other.
There was another side to this year’s AirVenture that was difficult to ignore.
There seemed to be more complaints than appreciation. This year, social media seemed to fill with criticism and complaints. While constructive feedback has its place, too much of the conversation focused on what was wrong instead of recognizing what thousands of volunteers, performers, exhibitors, and staff accomplished. At the event itself, many extraordinary performances were met with surprisingly little applause or appreciation. And when the crowds moved on, far too much litter was left behind for volunteers to clean up. Simple acts of courtesy and gratitude sometimes felt like they were in short supply.
It’s worth remembering that an event the size and scale of AirVenture doesn’t just come together. This event is the result of year-round planning, coordination, and an extraordinary commitment from thousands of people. In fact, while this year’s event has just concluded, planning for next year’s AirVenture is already underway. Thousands of volunteers generously give their time because they love aviation. Performers spend countless hours preparing routines that inspire audiences while demonstrating exceptional skill and professionalism. Staff members work tirelessly behind the scenes before the gates open and continue long after the last aircraft departs. The unforgettable week that attendees experience at Oshkosh is built on an incredible amount of dedication that deserves our appreciation and respect.
None of them should have to feel taken for granted.
Whether it’s applauding a performer after an incredible routine, saying “thank you” to a volunteer, or taking a few extra seconds to throw away your own trash, those small gestures matter. They reflect the kind of aviation community we want to be.
Respect isn’t difficult. Appreciation costs nothing. And leaving an area cleaner than you found it isn’t someone else’s responsibility—it’s everyone’s.
Thankfully, these observations don’t define AirVenture. They simply serve as a reminder that each of us has a role in preserving what makes this gathering so special. The overwhelming majority of attendees come because they love aviation, and that passion is evident throughout the week.
As AirVenture 2026 fades into memory, perhaps the biggest takeaway isn’t about the aircraft we saw, the innovations, or even the performances. Maybe it’s about how we treat one another. The simple reminder that respect, gratitude, and common courtesy are what truly keep this aviation community soaring.
