Dick Knapinski on AirVenture Oshkosh and Aviation’s Family Reunion

Welcome to this episode of What Follows - the podcast where we explore the people shaping aviation today, and the ideas defining what comes next.In this episode, host Nate Thuli speaks with Dick Knapinski, Director of Communications of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), about the history, community, and enduring pull of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. From its beginnings as a small fly-in gathering to its evolution into aviation’s annual global reunion, Dick explains what makes Oshkosh unlike any other event in the world.Dick reflects on why people may arrive for the airplanes, but return for the people. The conversation explores the family traditions, volunteer culture, youth programs, and chance encounters that turn AirVenture into a place where newcomers, builders, pilots, mechanics, enthusiasts, and aviation legends all share the same flight line.Nate and Dick also discuss Young Eagles, KidVenture, aviation accessibility, military aircraft, hands-on education, product discovery, and the forums and workshops that help visitors become more confident aviators. Together, they show why AirVenture is more than an airshow: it is a living aviation city built around belonging, learning, and the freedom to fly.Key Topics* The origins and evolution of EAA AirVenture, from Milwaukee to Rockford to Oshkosh* Why AirVenture has grown into a global gathering for every kind of aviator* Dick Knapinski’s first visit to Oshkosh and his decades on the EAA staff* Why visitors come for the airplanes and return for the people* AirVenture as an intergenerational family tradition and volunteer-driven community* KidVenture, Young Eagles, and creating a first meaningful encounter with flight* Making aviation feel accessible to children, families, and newcomers* Community airports and the value of preserving local access to aviation* Meeting aviation legends and the unexpected encounters that happen at Oshkosh* AirVenture as a major marketplace for aircraft, avionics, upgrades, and aviation services* Military aviation at AirVenture, from Boeing Plaza to rare aircraft experiences* Forums, workshops, and lifelong learning for pilots, builders, and enthusiasts* How to plan an AirVenture visit: the app, the map, the museum, the seaplane base, and more* Volunteer culture, shared stewardship, and making AirVenture your ownTickets to Oshkosh 2026 Festival Tent ProgramClick image or the following link to get tickets to Oshkosh 2026 Festival Tent Program: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/airhart-oshkosh-2026-festival-tent-program-tickets-1992591634217?aff=oddtdtcreatorThemesThis episode centers on AirVenture Oshkosh as a place of belonging. Dick Knapinski presents the event not simply as an airshow or trade gathering, but as a yearly homecoming for aviation: a place where people can find their own community, whether they build airplanes, fly ultralights, restore warbirds, manage a local airport, or are seeing an airplane up close for the first time.A major theme is accessibility. Through Young Eagles flights, KidVenture, family programming, free entry for young people, open conversations with pilots and exhibitors, and hands-on education, the aviation community can lower the psychological barriers that make flight seem distant or inaccessible. The episode argues that a first touch of an airplane, a first flight, or a first conversation with a pilot can shape a lifelong relationship with aviation.Another theme is the balance of heritage and progress. AirVenture brings together vintage aircraft, military history, flight testing, modern avionics, emerging technology, and future-focused education. Its real strength is not choosing between tradition and innovation, but allowing both to live together in a community that keeps learning, sharing, and looking ahead.ResourcesEAA Official Website - https://www.eaa.orgEAA AirVenture Oshkosh - https://www.eaa.org/airventureYoung Eagles Program - https://www.eaa.org/eaa/youth/young-eaglesEAA Aviation Museum - https://www.eaa.org/eaa-museumEAA Chapters - https://www.eaa.org/eaa/eaa-chaptersGuest LinksEAA - http