Officials with the Experimental Aircraft Association are busy planning the 2021 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, set for July 26-Aug. 1. Top of their minds, of course, is planning for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which canceled the 2020 show.
“We will be hosting AirVenture 2021, but there will be areas that will look different and areas where we’ll incorporate technology to limit touchpoints as we work with local and state health officials to establish and maintain the best possible standards for public events,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA’s CEO and Chairman. “Some areas may look different at Oshkosh this year, but the feeling will be the same as we gather to celebrate the world of flight.”
As the situation evolves, EAA officials say they will keep those interested in 2021 AirVenture up to date on the organization’s website.
“An important phrase to remember is ‘At this time…’,” officials noted. “As the return to events begins throughout the country, plans will change in conjunction with the current state of the pandemic.”
Some of the initial decisions made for this year’s event, some of which will evolve and change as the event nears, include:
- Masks will be strongly recommended if you are unable to social distance (roughly 6 feet or 2 meters).
- Proof of COVID vaccine will not be required to attend.
- International visitation is dependent on current international travel regulations and mandates in the U.S. and individual countries of residence.
- Increased physical distancing will be encouraged in all areas.
- EAA is adding significant numbers of sanitizing facilities and working with industry-leading companies for continual disinfection throughout the grounds.
- Theater in the Woods, forums pavilions, and other outdoor venues will operate with reduced seating capacity, with social distancing opportunities on the open grounds at that location.
- There will be fewer exhibitors in each indoor exhibit building, creating more walkways and separation between exhibitors. Additional venues on the grounds are being re-purposed to accommodate indoor exhibitors that are moved this year.
- Wherever possible, ventilation will be increased in tents and indoor facilities.
- Several annual events where physical distancing is not possible will not be held this year, including the Monday night concert; the Young Eagles, EAA Lifetime Member, and International Visitors dinners; the Runway 5K run/walk; and large corporate events and receptions.
- High-demand forums and presentations will be scheduled more than once to accommodate demand while allowing for distancing.
“EAA is incorporating innovative ideas for our presentations and even the air shows to keep you safe in 2021 while keeping the fun factor high,” Pelton said. “We appreciate your understanding that these plans will evolve in the coming months. We expect changes as we gear up for Opening Day, so our goal is to bring you any new information regularly as soon as we confirm it. We also understand that the ultimate decision to join us is always yours, based on your personal situation and comfort level.”
EAA officials add they welcome your ideas and input. Send them to [email protected].
Actually the shots are not FDA approved. Only given EUA…
Usually I buy a weekly pass and stay all week. Due to the nonsense it seems you’re rolling out with all of the separation and precautions over a virus that is 99% survivable I am only going to buy one day, the first day. And if I don’t like it I’m going home! Period.
Here in lies the problem. Get the vaccine and protect all the people around you. Honestly. It’s really a very simple decision. But, probably hard to comprehend that thought when you’re just thinking about yourself. Also, it is FDA approved.
If the vaccine is so effective, and you’ve gotten it, why be concerned about those who haven’t?
I’m planning to come to Air Venture without a mask. If anyone has a problem with that, then maybe they can wear their own mask, if they so choose. I chose not to get a vaccine that is not FDA approved but is being given on an emergency use authorization. I don’t trust the vaccine.
So you’re going to force people to be injected with an experimental drug to attend. How fascist of you comrades.
Believe EAA said proof of vaccination will NOT be required….your contention is a non-sequitur. And approved drugs are past experimental stage — and an odd complaint from someone thinking of attending an aviation event focused on *experimental* aircraft.
Hahahahahhahahaaha
Please tell me that this means you will not be attending this year. The requirements did say that you would *not* be required to show proof of vaccination. You will, however, be required to have an I.Q. higher than ten.
I just know I’m gonna want to hug somebody!
Will points of entry be changed or reduced?
Will it be worth attending, with all of the rules in place that are necessary to placate the Wisconsin politicos?
Maybe by late July the 99.8% survival rate will sink in
and, combined with vaccinations the Governor will ease restrictions.
The pandemic is a world wide biological event. Is a little sacrifice by wearing masks or socially distancing, too much to ask?
I am an RN, and I personally know young healthy adults who have died from covid, as well as some older folks.
I would think anyone with one ounce of common sense would want to err, on the safe side, and not complain about it.
All of us, that have been vaccinated are assuming that all the people attending a crowded event like this, are also vaccinated, for the protection of everyone, and to help the whole human race to reach herd immunity faster, so that we can really get back to normal.
Please do the right thing, and be part of the solution.
Excellent response. Maybe you should write a kids book with lots of pictures so it is easier to explain to some of theses “Covid” experts.
I hope the anti vax and anti mask people just stay home!
The pandemic is not over yet though we all want It to be. Jury is still out on the Delta mutation. If we all got together and followed basis public health 101 advisories, the pandemic would be mostly behind us now! As a physician, I have to note that hundreds of millions of vaccinations given worldwide with good follow up on most, all showing few side effects of concern, definitely takes it way out of the “experimental” category! Safer than any other vaccination in the history of the world.