EAA Air Academy Lodge - Oshkosh, Wisconsin

William A.

Worst camp ever so strict about phones and I can’t have my camera to charge only on free time the beds suck so badly I’m n out using my real name idc but some of the counsel was ok I hated everything we couldn’t fly

bearett P.

**The Air Academy: A Lesson in Survival**

Enrolling in an air academy often conjures images of soaring through the skies and mastering the art of aviation. However, my experience was far from this idyllic vision. Instead of learning to fly, we found ourselves trapped in a harsh environment reminiscent of a prison. The academy's strict rules and harsh conditions overshadowed the joy of aviation, leaving us disillusioned and questioning our decision to enroll.

The first indication that this academy was not what we expected came when we realized the focus was not on flying. Despite our eager anticipation of flight training, we were instead subjected to a grueling schedule of physical training and strict discipline. The academy’s officials seemed more interested in breaking us down than building us up as pilots. The lack of actual flight training left us feeling cheated, as the promise of becoming skilled aviators was overshadowed by the reality of endless drills and demeaning tasks.

The environment was oppressive, much like a prison. We were confined to a rigid schedule, with little freedom or personal time. The dormitories were bleak and overcrowded, and the food was barely edible. The academy's leadership enforced a culture of fear and control, with severe punishments for even minor infractions. This atmosphere stifled any sense of camaraderie among the cadets, as we were constantly on edge, wary of the ever-watchful eyes of the instructors.

In addition to the restrictive conditions, we had to fight for everything. Basic necessities such as food, water, and even access to training materials were scarce. This scarcity fostered a cutthroat environment, where cadets competed fiercely for resources. The academy seemed to thrive on this tension, pushing us to our limits both physically and mentally. This constant struggle for survival left little room for genuine learning or personal growth.

Ultimately, my time at the air academy was a harsh lesson in endurance rather than aviation. The experience taught me resilience and the ability to endure challenging circumstances, but it did not fulfill the purpose for which I had enrolled. The academy's focus on discipline over education, combined with its prison-like atmosphere, made it a far cry from the dream of flight training I had envisioned. In the end, it was a place where we fought for everything but gained little of what we sought.

Harry P.

New management is seriously lack luster. Fired all the previous shop employees so you’re left with counselors who are forced to put in all the effort (they do a great job btw) they just lack the skill that a real shop worker would out in so if just feels meaningless. The air academy sadly has lost its spot as an academy that would teach children and young adults not just the spirit of aviation but the amazing skills required for expieremental and home built aviation that Eaa was founded on. Now air academy is more focused on being a fun summer camp for kids filled with meaningless activities interlaced with long times of hours of sitting around doing nothing. Never did it feel like management wanted the children to learn anything instead they were more focused on finding something to fill time in between activities. On top of this almost no freedoms were given to the advanced group (young adults 16-18) being forced to stay in the main area with small amount of basement and outdoors time though those were few and far between. Hearing from campers from previous years air academy sounds like it has drastically fallen off whether because of budget cuts or a new manager taking over who thought they could do better than everyone before. Air academy now unfortunately sits in the same building but without the same purpose I spent eight days here but yet it all feels meaningless like I didn’t truly do anything. Spending time at air venture was a blast. And the counselors along with fellow campers really did make this experience better. And if you go for free there are definitely worse ways to spend your time. However for the crazy price to parents and chapters of $1650 air academy is in no way currently worth the price not because of the counselors, students, or even the basic purpose itself but because of the lack of freedoms and perks given to the kids and the change of focus from learning instead into a place just to waste time. It’s really a shame because I was very very excited to spend eight days learning all about aviation as a student pilot. But in the end I got nothing except some amazing friends and companions. And if I wanted those I would just go to air venture. I really hope this message reaches campers who would spend thousands to go as well as management who could change some things about how air academy is ran. And when I pay this much for an expierence I don’t expect to be serving the counselors with their terrible phone policies and restrictive rules. I instead expect to be served an environment in which I can truly flourish in aviation. (Ps my real name is not Harry Potter this is an anonymous review and I intend to keep it that way)

Edit: I wanted to add that in no way was this place a prison or taking away our basic human rights. While I do wish we were allowed to have our phones to take pictures of the museum other times such as presentations do indeed make sense as to why we wouldn’t have our phones. I still believe that new management should not have changed some freedoms such as getting to walk around in no way was this place taking away our food or forcing us to fight for survival.

Shane J.

Awesome place with all the amenities. Come for a family event and the service and space is spotless, the staff is extremely helpful. Would suggest this to any larger group who needs a cozy venue. This has a huge fire place, big comfortable common area and several suites along with a multitude of smaller rooms. Can't forget the game room in the basement. This cabin is a winter wonderland and I can only imagine it's just as good the rest of the year.

David P.

My youngest son was a camper at EAA Air Academy Lodge when he was fourteen. He made a lot of really close friends while there. He then worked as a counselor there for three summers. Since then he has become a pilot and flight instructor. The things kids learn about the aviation industry while at EAA Air Academy will benefit them for life. Highly recommend..

Lexy K.

I LOVED this place when I went a while ago. I got to steer an airplane, learn the structure of a airplane wing, run simulations, and the whole crew was super welcoming and fun.

Cody M.

Great Consolers and staff, food is great rooms, are nice and the lodge is beautiful.

Sharon B.

My granddaughter stayed there. She loved it.