A Shared Passion for Flight

Advocating for the Profession and Industry at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

Before taking questions from ALPA members gathered in the Association’s tent at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) AirVenture 2026, Capt. Jason Ambrosi, the union’s president, paused to recognize the many pilot volunteers who, from July 20–26, introduced thousands of aviation enthusiasts to the airline piloting profession.

“These volunteers have spent their week helping people understand what it means to be an airline pilot,” said Ambrosi, chatting with a contingent of ALPA members during a scheduled Q&A session. “We’re all here because we have a passion for aviation. It goes beyond flying airliners every day. It goes to a passion for general aviation and sharing that passion with the next generation.”

That sentiment was on full display throughout the 73rd AirVenture, the annual aviation convention and fly-in during which a record-setting crowd of approximately 734,000 aviation enthusiasts from 98 countries descended upon Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. More than 10,000 aircraft packed the airport’s busy flight line and fields and filled the skies during the week, creating a unique opportunity for the Association to advocate for aviation safety, promote the airline piloting profession, and connect with members and retirees.

Beehive of Activity

Located just blocks from Boeing Plaza, ALPA’s outdoor exhibit tent once again served as a hub of activity throughout the week. Aspiring airline pilots, flight instructors, aviation students, Association members, retirees, and others contemplating midlife career changes stopped by the tent’s meet-and-greet area to ask questions and speak directly with the many U.S. and Canadian passenger and cargo airline pilots who staffed the welcome counter.

These seasoned pilots offered practical guidance on career planning while showcasing professionalism, mentorship, and a commitment to safety and security—all ALPA trademarks. The booth also featured two Jay Velocity Redbird flight simulators, enabling tent visitors to virtually take to the skies.

In addition to the meet-and-greet area, pilot volunteers from the Association’s Professional Development Group (PDG) gave daily presentations in the tent’s adjoining open-air theater. Each morning, F/O Justin Dahan (FedEx Express), ALPA’s Education Committee chair, described his average workday in a presentation titled “A Day in the Life of an Airline Pilot.” As part of this discussion, he outlined the routines of flying for a living, from bidding schedules to making the most of layovers.

In “The Life Cycle of Flight Training/How Do I Fund My Training?” presentation, F/O Hunter Chumbley (FedEx Express), the union’s Elevate Committee chair, highlighted opportunities to build flight time, available scholarships, and other resources to help aspiring aviators overcome the financial barriers of flying for a living. Among these, Chumbley mentioned the extensive information available on ALPA’s ClearedtoDream.org.

In a presentation titled “Military Vets to Airline Jets,” F/O Tim Kirschbaum (Hawaiian), the Association’s Membership Committee chair, and, later in the week, Capt. Anthony Bailey (Delta), the union’s Veterans Affairs Subcommittee chair, discussed the challenges and considerations when transitioning from the military to a civilian airline career

In addition, individually during the week, F/O Mark Lockwood (Delta) and Capt. Glen Gorrie (WestJet), ALPA Leadership Committee members, presented “Pathways to the Airlines,” helping attendees better understand the progression from student pilot to the airline flight deck with a host of tips and advice to simplify the process.

The union’s presentations consistently drew large and engaged audiences, and the sessions frequently continued well after they were scheduled to end, as attendees remained to ask questions and seek individual career advice from PDG leaders.

In keeping with the Association’s goal to reconnect with attending members, retirees, and their families, ALPA provided unity-building dinners each week night. The United Master Executive Council (MEC) sponsored Monday night’s dinner. Tuesday’s meal was cosponsored by the Air Canada and FedEx Express MECs, and the Delta MEC hosted Wednesday night’s supper. ALPA’s national officers sponsored the Thursday and Friday evening dinners.

While visitors often came to the union’s tent to talk about becoming an airline pilot, many left with a broader appreciation of the Association and the resources and protections it affords. Whether answering questions from those considering an aviation career or discussing ALPA’s role in enhancing the profession, the Association’s volunteers demonstrated the pilot-to-pilot support and culture that have been a hallmark of the union for nearly a century.

Industry Partnership

Beyond its educational programming and member social events, ALPA seized upon the tremendous opportunity EAA AirVenture extends by bringing so many representatives from virtually every segment of the aviation industry together. The Association used this occasion to engage aviation industry and labor partners as well as new and traditional media outlets as a means to promote the Association’s priorities.

In particular, ALPA’s president and Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), joined Frank McIntosh, the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization chief operating officer, for a Tuesday morning press conference at the EAA Media Center. With many members of the news media present, the three discussed efforts to address America’s antiquated air traffic control system, what’s being accomplished, and the work that still needs to be done.

In addition to the press conference, ALPA leaders also participated in a joint panel discussion with NATCA on Monday afternoon at NATCA’s booth across from the Wittman Regional Airport air traffic control tower. Panelists included NATCA controller Jesse Strickland (Houston Center), Daniels, Ambrosi, and Dahan, and the event was moderated by NATCA controller Rachel Gilmore (Indianapolis Center). Afterward, Daniels and Ambrosi took a tour of the Wittman tower.

During the week, Daniels also joined Ambrosi for an hour-long presentation titled “Working Together, Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers” at ALPA’s tent. The two union presidents emphasized the demanding work performed by controllers while managing record traffic levels with equipment that’s outdated. They stressed the importance of ensuring that those developing and implementing future technologies remain directly involved in applying them. Ambrosi also encouraged those in attendance to look beyond the radio calls that define most pilots’ interactions with air traffic controllers.

While these three events covered a wide range of aviation issues, they also demonstrated the close collaboration among airline pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation stakeholders in working to strengthen the nation’s aviation system and advance safety as priority one.

Other Outreach Efforts

The Association’s leaders also spent ample time communicating ALPA’s positions and priorities to those in attendance. Ambrosi talked with news reporters and social media influencers, ensuring they were well informed about the union’s key issues and mission.

Twice during the week, ALPA’s national officers scheduled members-only Q&A sessions to give pilots the opportunity to ask questions and talk directly with their union leaders. On Tuesday, Ambrosi held a solo session, while on Thursday, he was accompanied by Capt. Wendy Morse, the union’s first vice president and national safety coordinator, and F/O Tyler Hawkins, the Association’s vice president–administration/secretary.

These conversations touched upon subjects ranging from aviation safety and contract issues to industry trends, reduced-crew operations, and other challenges facing the profession, further reflecting ALPA’s ongoing commitment to transparency and direct engagement with its members.

On four occasions, the union’s leaders also participated in interviews with EAA Radio. On Thursday, Ambrosi spoke with “Wireless” Mike Stromberg and Matthew Phluger during the station’s Squawk 1200 program. Once again promoting the need for air traffic control modernization and additional funding, he asserted, “We need to bring the aviation system into the future.” Referencing last year’s accident involving PSA Flight 5342 with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington National Airport, he also underscored the NTSB’s recommendation for the installation of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast In technology in all airliners to improve flight crew situational awareness (see the March issue).

Morse talked with the EAA Radio announcers on Wednesday in conjunction with EAA AirVenture’s WomenVenture event, addressing pathways to the airline piloting profession. “The best way to learn something is to teach it,” she said, explaining that flight instructing not only builds flight time but also develops communication and decision-making skills that serve pilots throughout their careers.

Morse also encouraged visitors who were considering aviation as a second career not to assume that they’d missed this opportunity. She emphasized that the piloting profession remains accessible for those willing to pursue it with dedication and professionalism.

F/O Kaori Paris (United), the Association’s PDG chair, during a radio interview the previous day, discussed the challenges of balancing an airline career with family responsibilities. She drew upon her own experience as a mother of two and the spouse of another airline pilot to highlight the issues that can arise. Paris explained that ALPA provides information and resources addressing parental leave, eldercare, mental wellness, family assistance, and other life events that can affect airline pilots throughout their careers.

On Monday, Kirschbaum talked with Squawk 1200 program announcers, outlining the issues that can occur when transitioning from the military to an airline job. A U.S. Army helicopter pilot for 18 years, he recalled the difficulties he faced and the tremendous cultural differences between the two careers. “Air sense is air sense,” he said, adding, “You have peripheral vision. You know what you’re doing in that aspect, but really it was the Part 121 structure that was a challenge for me.” Memorizing the flows and callouts was particularly demanding.

Kirschbaum also highlighted ALPA’s Guide to the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, available to members online, which provides valuable insights into the reemployment process when moving into the civilian workplace, ensuring that veterans are aware of the support available to them under the law.

Universal Engagement

In addition to ALPA’s many coordinated activities, thousands of Association members were visible across the airport grounds, participating in a variety of other pursuits. Some flew in daily air shows while others staffed educational or display areas. Other ALPA members could be seen giving presentations in the facility’s various theater venues or staffing booths for other aviation educational and membership organizations.

The first place you might notice ALPA members, current and retired, was in the Oshkosh skies, where they performed in the daily and evening air shows and participated in both small- and large-scale flybys.

EAA AirVenture regular Capt. William “Skip” Stewart (FedEx Express) flew his Pitts S-2S Prometheus, giving several spectacular performances during the week. Stewart’s routines included a rare, unannounced Wednesday afternoon pairing with Melissa Burns (formerly with Alaska), who piloted a Zivko Edge-540. Together, they performed precision passes and knife-edge maneuvers along the airport flight line, as ground-based flames of fire burst around them.

Capt. Jeff Boerboon (Delta) was among the headliners and flew two different aircraft types. On Tuesday afternoon, he piloted an Aura Aero Integral R as part of a demonstration for the International Aerobatic Club. Two days later, he wowed the crowd with his spectacular aerobatic routines flying his Extra 330SC.

The Titan Aerobatic Team remains one of the most recognizable air show performance ensembles in the world, and flying this year’s lead position was Capt. Jimmy Fordham (Delta, Ret.). Operating three North American AT-6 Texans, Fordham and the Titans performed challenging nose-to-nose passes and other complex routines throughout the week.

In addition, Capt. Todd Farrell (Air Canada) and F/O Greg Hume-Powell (Air Canada), members of precision aerobatic team the Northern Stars Aero Team and veterans of the Royal Canadian Air Force, delivered thrilling aerial performances in several Oshkosh air shows.

And performing maneuvers like the four-point roll, F/O Jeff Shetterly (Delta) flew his North American T-6/SNJ-6 Texan, Radial Rumble, as part of Saturday evening’s program.

However, not all of this year’s air show performances focused on flying. On two occasions, the World War II Airborne Demonstration Team from Frederick, Oklahoma, performed static line jumps from nearly 1,500 feet out of the Douglas C-49, Wild Kat. Among the Army paratroopers was F/O Stephan McGarry (Kalitta Air). He and his fellow jumpers performed this exercise while wearing nearly 50 pounds of authentic World War II parachuting gear, much like the 1940s counterparts they commemorate.

Helping the Wittman air traffic control facility support its claim as “the world’s busiest control tower” for the week of July 20, the afternoon skies were routinely filled with competing aircraft formations. Often highlighting warbirds from different historic conflicts, these formations sometimes featured specific aircraft types such as the North American B-25 Mitchell.

One such aircraft was the Miss Mitchell, which served in the 57th Bomb Wing of the 12th Air Force in North Africa and Italy during World War II and completed more than 130 missions. Crewing this historic aircraft this year were Capt. Andy Bredeson (Sun Country); F/O Tony Bowers (Delta); Capt. Mike Mainiero (Kalitta Air); and his spouse, F/O Madeleine “Emmy” Dillon-Mainiero (Kalitta Air). The Miss Mitchell operates as part of the Commemorative Air Force and was also on display for much of the week in the Warbirds section on the north end of the airport grounds.

Numerous ALPA pilots flew historic military aircraft, including Capt. Jeff Linebaugh (FedEx Express, Ret.) and F/O Joe Shetterly (Delta), who took turns piloting the P-51D Mustang, Gunfighter, conducting bucket-list flights and performing in air shows. Capt. Stuart Milson (FedEx Express) flew Gentleman Jim, another P-51D Mustang, which was named for Capt. James “Bud” Browning who achieved “Ace” status flying for the 363rd Fighter Squadron during the latter portion of World War II. The airplane is owned by the American Honor Foundation located in Ocala, Florida.

AirVenture guests were invited to experience aviation history, with opportunities to ride in a Ford Trimotor, the 1920’s-era airliner, which initially carried two pilots, a stewardess, and eight to nine passengers. Among the pilots who provided rides in the historic aircraft at this year’s Oshkosh were airline veterans Capt. Bill Sleeper (United, Ret.), Capt. Terry O’Brien (United, Ret.), Capt. John Hartke (Alaska, Ret.), and Capt. Steve Craig (United, Ret.).

The Plaza

Boeing Plaza, Oshkosh’s primary aircraft display location, featured an ever-changing lineup of interesting and timely exhibits, including several airliners. Among these attractions was a new Delta A350-900, which landed at Wittman Regional Airport Tuesday morning, sporting an Olympic livery promoting the games to be held in Los Angeles, California, in 2028.

Delta is the official airline for Team USA, and the A350 previously carried the Olympic flag from Paris, France, to Los Angeles for the official transfer. Covering a significant portion of the plaza, the brightly colored aircraft drew a large crowd, which lined up to tour its main-cabin accommodations.

“You think this is a routine landing in Oshkosh but then it really makes a difference once you get off the plane and you see all the people,” said Capt. David Farris (Delta).

The A350 departed later that day, and working in Boeing Plaza were Capt. Chris Comer (FedEx Express); his son Austin Comer; Capt. John Gustafson (FedEx Express); and his son, F/O Kyle Gustafson (Envoy Air). The four served as EAA “ramp rats,” preparing the Delta aircraft for its departure.

Across the plaza, Capt. Bryan Kaufmann (Delta) answered questions about the B-17G bomber, Aluminum Overcast. The aircraft proudly carries the colors of the 398th Bomber Group of World War II and is now owned by EAA and serves as the organization’s “flagship.”

In the northwest corner, F/O Chris Reeves (United) touted the merits of the UH-72 Lakota helicopter to the many plaza guests. When not flying the B-737 for his airline, Reeves operates the Lakota for the Wisconsin Army National Guard.

In addition to airplanes and helicopters, this year’s Oshkosh featured the Goodyear blimp Wingfoot One, which arrived later in the week and occasionally moored across from the EAA Aviation Museum. In operation for 12 years, Wingfoot One has provided aerial coverage for a host of prime-time sporting events, including the Daytona 500, the Stanley Cup Finals, and the PGA Championship.

Goodyear Chief Pilot of Airship Operations Michael Dougherty and Chief Pilot of Training and Safety Standards Adam Basaran, both former ExpressJet pilots and ALPA members, periodically flew the semirigid airship for 40-minute stints around the airfield during the latter half of AirVenture week.

Meanwhile, many ALPA pilots could be seen across the airport grounds, serving as EAA volunteers. When F/O Karen Larson (United) wasn’t welcoming visitors to the ALPA booth or acting as a volunteer for the Recreational Aviation Foundation, she and Capt. Roberta Stanford (United) worked as EAA Vintage volunteers, driving golf carts to provide transportation for pilots parked in remote locations.

Capt. Ben Wallander (Delta) also volunteered as a golf cart driver as part of the EAA Carts program. And throughout the week, EAA Radio announcer Capt. Jeff Montgomery (United), aka “J-Mont-G,” took his daily, hour-long radio program, On the Fly, on location to those he interviewed.

Other Pursuits

Others represented outside interests, in some cases, volunteering at other booths. Capt. Geoff Weck (United, Ret.), who serves as chair and Region 7 director for the Soaring Society of America (SSA), worked at the nearby SSA booth. He shared the joys of flying sailplanes, talked about what’s required to become a licensed glider pilot, and assisted those interested in flying the organization’s glider simulator.

Capt. Stacey Jackson (WestJet), who also serves as the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations executive vice president technical & safety standards, highlighted Women in Aviation International from its booth in Hangar B. In another building, F/O Justin Yeh (Delta), F/O Sean Wan (United), F/O Jason Woo (FedEx Express), and F/O Naruka Yoshino (Piedmont) touted the benefits of flying for a living as members of the Professional Asian Pilots Association. In addition, Capt. Antonio Berrios (United) promoted the work of the National Gay Pilots Association.

Capt. Buck Wyndham (United) was on hand to sign copies of his book Hogs in the Sand, in the EAA Merchandise Shop. The book recounts Wyndham’s service as a U.S. Air Force pilot flying the A-10 Warthog in numerous missions during Operation Desert Storm.

Capt. Laura Savino (United, Ret.) also signed copies of her book Jet Boss: A Female Pilot on Taking Risks and Flying High. During her career, she flew the B-737, B-747, B-757, B-767, and B-777, as well as the A319 and A320. Savino also gave a presentation on Friday in the Forums area, describing the events of the March 1977 collision of two B-747s at Tenerife South Airport in the Canary Islands, and outlined what was learned from this tragic event.

In the Airhart Oshkosh 2026 Festival Tent on Monday, Capt. Linda Sollars (JetBlue, Ret.) gave a presentation titled “#goingplaces: Amazing Adventures in Small Planes.” She discussed the extraordinary experiences that small general aviation aircraft make possible—from spectacular sites and national parks across the United States to great cityscapes and other destinations that are uniquely accessible by small aircraft. Sollars also mentioned building her own general aviation aircraft in Johannesburg, South Africa, and flying it more than 9,000 miles to Oshkosh for the 2022 EAA AirVenture.

These and many other ALPA pilots, through their various affiliations, demonstrated that their passion for aviation extends beyond training and safely flying their passengers and cargo to and from destinations. They are fully engaged in their industry and give back to their communities.

By inspiring future aviators, supporting current members, collaborating with aviation partners, and advocating for the highest standards of safety and professionalism, ALPA ensured that its voice was heard loud and clear during this year’s EAA AirVenture.

Promoting ALPA’s Presence

It was no coincidence that ALPA had great attendance at its tent this year. With nearly 1,600 forums, workshops, and presentations taking place at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) AirVenture 2026, the Association wanted to ensure that AirVenture attendees were fully aware of the union’s presence and daily pilot presentations. Long before ALPA pilot and staff volunteers arrived at the Wittman Regional Airport grounds, the Association’s Communications Department launched an engagement strategy to encourage Oshkosh participants, particularly the news media and those interested in flying for a living, to visit the union’s tent.

ALPA’s Oshkosh event page featured details about ALPA’s location, the union’s planned activities for the week, and other resources. To reinforce the Association’s programming and location to those within a one-mile radius of Boeing Plaza, the organization delivered social and digital media alert content on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn on their mobile devices.

This effort was a tremendous success; metrics for this year’s geofencing effort indicated that ALPA had 311,550 ad views and 3,466 webpage visits from ad viewers.

The Association also used EAA AirVenture Today newspapers, EAA’s event presentations and workshops webpages, and the official visitors’ guide to promote the union’s daily presentations and sponsored the EAA Runway 5K held Saturday morning on the airport tarmac to further promote the Association’s visibility.