Overview
Flex-wing operations for powered paragliders (PPG) and powered parachutes (PPC) in the Fun Fly Zone at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026. This guide complements the official briefing and outlines what pilots need to know for on-site registration, waivers, briefings, wristbands, flightline access, fueling, communications, and conduct to safely fly at the world’s biggest airshow.
Pilot expectations and conduct
- Flying at AirVenture is a privilege—maintain professional airmanship at all times.
- Comply with the NOTICE and all procedures briefed in the Ultralight and Light Sport pilot briefing.
- Leave home-field habits at home; follow the local procedures exactly.
The Red Barn (information and services)
- Central hub for questions, assistance, and information.
- Services: registration forms, pilot waivers, admission, camping credentials, fuel sales process, SwapShop, hangar flying, coffee/donuts, souvenirs.
- Note: No financial transactions are handled on the flightline.
Registration and required waivers
- Pilot waiver: Required to fly; completed during Red Barn registration. You’ll receive a pilot number used for daily sign-in after briefings.
- Vendor passenger/demo waivers:
- Every passenger (adult or minor, including relatives) must sign a waiver before each day of flight.
- Multiple flights with the same pilot and passenger on the same day require only one waiver.
- Minor waivers must be completed by a parent or legal guardian.
- Vendors keep the yellow copy; white copies are turned in to Flight Ops Volunteers.
Passenger escorts
- All passengers must be escorted to/from aircraft.
- Escorts are provided by Flight Ops (Line Shack).
- Vendors may designate an assistant (after a Flight Ops safety briefing) who will wear an orange vest and may:
- Handle passenger waivers (keep yellow copy for the pilot).
- Escort passengers.
- Turn in the white waiver copy to the Line Shack prior to each flight.
Daily pilot briefings (attendance required to fly that day)
- Times and sequence:
- 6:30 am — Powered Parachutes and Powered Paragliders
- 7:30 am — Ultralight and LSA
- 8:30 am — Rotorcraft
- 5:30 pm — Ultralight and LSA
- 6:00 pm — Powered Parachutes and Powered Paragliders
- Morning attendance qualifies you for morning and/or evening operations; evening attendance is valid for evening only.
- Location: Forum tent closest to the Red Barn.
- If you cannot attend due to a valid conflict, contact the Flight Ops Safety Officer to arrange alternatives.
Wristbands and flightline access
- You must wear three wristbands daily to access the flightline and fly:
- Admission wristband (Red Barn)
- Pilot waiver wristband (Red Barn)
- Daily briefing wristband (issued after that day’s briefing; previous daily band is removed when you receive a new one)
- Departures do not require the current daily briefing wristband, but you must inform Flight Ops when you enter the flightline to depart.
Flight operations (taxi/engine use and departures)
- Taxi/engine operation is not allowed in vendor camping/display areas.
- Push aircraft to a flightline gate before starting the engine; start only when safely positioned beyond the gate.
- Engine operation and taxiing are typically prohibited until the green flag signals the flight session is open.
- After flying, taxi to a gate and stop—do not roll or coast through the rope. Never pass through a closed gate with or without the engine running.
- For engine checks/maintenance run-ups, coordinate with Flight Ops for an approved location.
- Departures:
- Prefer departures during flex-wing flight slots.
- If you must depart during another group’s slot (e.g., rotorcraft), you must pre-coordinate with Flight Ops—do not show up unannounced.
Radio communications
- Frequency: 123.75 (monitored only during regular flex-wing flying slots).
- Monitor-only; not a multi-com and not for routine pilot transmissions.
- FFZ Flight Ops will transmit information to aircraft in the pattern.
- Emergency/critical information may be relayed to FFZ Flight Ops, but Ops cannot authorize maneuvers.
Fuel and container storage
- Fuel is alcohol-free; perform vigilant sampling before each flight.
- Purchase process:
- Start at the Red Barn to select gallons and receive a receipt.
- Present the receipt at the Red Fuel Shack (south end of the flightline); the Volunteer will dispense fuel and track gallons used/remaining.
- Fuel container rules (Fire Marshal requirement):
- All portable fuel containers with fuel must be stored in the Red Fuel