OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Plane enthusiasts are gearing up for another year of EAA AirVenture. They’re also preparing for the weather; this year’s event is looking like it will be a hot one.
When it comes to weather in Oshkosh for EAA, organizers have seen it all.
“We’ve had a lot of experience doing this event in hot weather, rainy weather and everything else,” EAA Director of Communications Dick Knapinski said. “So, we’ve put that as part of the plan as years have gone on.”
is looking like it will be one of the warmest in recent memory. Knapinski said it’s something everyone should be prepared for.
“All the usual precautions that one takes in hot weather, whether it’s here at AirVenture or wherever you happen to be, become very important. And we’ll make sure to keep an eye out — our security teams and the rest of us on staff will look out, make sure people are doing OK.”
It’s equally important for EAA staff to also be ready for hot spells.
“We stock up on water, make sure we have enough to get around,” Knapinski said. “If there are some extra provisions that are needed, that’s built into the planning.”
Other entities are involved as well. The Oshkosh Fire Department stations multiple fire and EMS units on the EAA grounds.
“That are available to respond to obviously some kind of accident, but they mostly respond to people who just have plain medical needs, so whether someone is getting sick, we’ll be very happy to help them,” Assistant Fire Chief Greg Stelter said. “But, also, heat is a huge concern.”
The department spends months training for the annual July event.
“Every morning, starting a little before 6 a.m., the crews arrive, check out their equipment, get in their trucks and then they go to various assigned positions,” Stelter said. “So, that gives us strategic locations to respond to any emergency.”
Stelter said the department will have all necessary equipment transferred to Station 14, which is right next to the airport, by the start of AirVenture. He says the excitement of the event often distracts people from being safe.
“We strongly encourage everyone to be mindful of their physical condition, drink tons of water, seek shade, take a break and take care of your health so we don’t have to come visit you,” Stelter said.
The National Weather Service will also be on EAA grounds during AirVenture to monitor conditions.
AirVenture officially kicks off on Monday. It will go until July 30.
