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Only a few days remain until EAA AirVenture 2019, and thousands of pilots and enthusiasts from around the world are getting ready to head to Oshkosh, Wisconsin for the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” July 22-28.

In preparation for AirVenture 2019, we’re highlighting some of the most exciting things to see and do at this year’s event. One “can’t-miss” on your AirVenture itinerary is a visit to the EAA Pilot Proficiency Center (PPC).

The PPC is one of the most popular areas at AirVenture, and for a good reason! The innovative center is dedicated to giving pilots of all types and skill levels, including beginners, a chance to explore the many proficiency tools and resources available. With a variety of hands-on activities and equipment, including state-of-the-art flight simulators, the PPC provides an invaluable opportunity for pilots to boost their abilities and promote safer flying.

Each year, the PPC has grown in participation, welcoming thousands of pilots to the center during the week of AirVenture. To meet the demands of pilots to improve their skills and safety awareness, the PPC is expanding its offerings for 2019 to provide even more activities and advanced flight training equipment.

For 2019, the PPC will feature:

• 14 upgraded Advanced Aviation Training Devices by Redbird Flight Simulations, with larger displays and faster graphics

• Improved menu of scenarios for VFR and IFR pilots that require solid decision-making processes

• Historic weather data to practice avoidance of VFR flight into IMC conditions

• One-to-one attention by each flight instructor in individual sessions to focus on specific pilot needs

“Using feedback from previous years, our emphasis this year is on a year-round proficiency initiative called EAA Proficiency365, where the lessons learned here can be applied when piloting,” said Radek Wyrzykowski, EAA’s manager of flight proficiency, in a news release. “We have also improved the quality of scenarios and materials presented, and have built a close integration with the FAA WINGS safety program. It adds up to focused proficiency education for pilots, regardless of their individual experience level.”

Along with opportunities for simulator time, guests to the PPC will enjoy a full schedule of Tech Talks on topics including weather planning, proper flight procedures, helpful aviation tools, and use of charts. Best of all, the Tech Talks and simulator time at the PPC will be eligible for FAA WINGS pilot proficiency program credit.

Located at the southeast corner of the EAA Four Corners, just west of Boeing Plaza, the EAA Pilot Proficiency Center is open Monday through Saturday during AirVenture from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Headed to AirVenture this July? We encourage you to visit the Pilot Proficiency Center, where you can take advantage of a unique opportunity to test your current flying skills and build new ones! Find more information on the Pilot Proficiency Center and specific simulator scenarios and exercises at eaapilotproficiency.com. 

The Pilot Proficiency Center is sponsored by Hartzell Propeller, Redbird Flight Simulations, BOSE, and Jeppesen, with support from the National Association of Flight Instructors, Society of Aviation and Flight Educators, National Air Traffic Controllers Association, Cloud Ahoy, Community Aviation, Mindstar Aviation, PilotEdge, and Plane & Pilot magazine.