Pilot Information

• Waiver must be ink signed and original mailed to EAA. 
• Certificate of Insurance must be submitted to EAA (electronic ok).
• Review the information under the 2026 Race tab on our website. (https://www.airventurecuprace.com).
• Follow us on Facebook (@airventurecup) for updates.
• Start gathering required racing documentation such as your: airman certificate(s), medical, logbook entries showing the airplane is in annual inspection and all required checks (Pitot static, transponder, altimeter, AD compliance, and ELT) will be current at time of race.
• Complete annual ahead of time to avoid paperwork delays.

• Order your race numbers for the plane (see FAQ for specs and vendors).
• Make your hotel reservations:

Jefferson Street Inn

201 Jefferson Street

Wausau, Wisconsin 54403

715-845-6500

*Ask for 2026 AirVenture cup rate

• Locate your tie downs.
• Apply the numbers to the fuselage or tail and the underside of the left wing. Don’t forget to clean the area that you will apply the numbers to first!

• Be sure you have tie downs packed. Much of the parking at the starting point is on pavement, but some people will need to park in grass and additionally, if you plan to continue on to Oshkosh you will need tie downs or else you will need to purchase them when you register at Wittman Regional Airport (OSH).
• Download, print, and study the AirVenture Arrival NOTAM. You are required to have reviewed this and have the NOTAM onboard for arrival into Oshkosh. Due to our large numbers, we do not have copies of this for everyone. Please print or download as appropriate so you have a copy onboard. Most of our racers, and all of our volunteers, have flown into Oshkosh. By having it ahead of time, someone will be able to answer any questions you may have.

• Weather permitting, plan to arrive at Wausau Downtown Airport, Wausau, WI (KAUW) on Friday, July 17, 2026. If that is not possible for any reason a Saturday arrival is okay.
• After landing you will be marshaled into a parking spot by an AirVenture Cup volunteer or local FBO staff.
• Be sure that you cancel your flight plan before you do anything else!

• Cancel your flight plan!
• Gather together your Airworthiness Certificate, pilot certificate, and medical, and bring them with you to registration.
• Register – follow the signs to registration – there you will be given an AirVenture Cup shirt, your Oshkosh wrist band, the final AirVenture Cup race rules, and the schedule for Friday, Saturday and race day on Sunday.

Friday, July 17, 2026

• There will be an informal “Meet and Greet” in the evening.

Saturday, July 18, 2026

• This is a free day for you and many pilots/participants elect to spend the day at the airport.
• Sign sponsor frames.
• Gas up and pay your fuel bill. This is MANDATORY as there is not time to fuel in the morning prior to race launch.
• Dinner followed by a MANDATORY briefing will be at the hotel.

Sunday, July 19, 2026 is Race day!

• Pilot Briefing (MANDATORY) is typically at 8:00 am, but can change.
• Race time is 9:00 am, weather dependent.

• Once you have overflown the finish line, reposition to the final destination, Wausau Downtown Airport, Wausau, WI (KAUW).
• Get in line for fuel if you need it.
• Lunch is provided by the local EAA chapter. Donations are welcomed!
• The race has ended. You need to notify Eric Whyte if you are NOT continuing to Oshkosh.
• If you are going to Oshkosh, make sure you have printed and reviewed the AirVenture NOTAM. Make sure you have, and display, the appropriate parking signs. Special parking is provided for race participants (front and center). However, camping is not allowed at the area set aside for AirVenture Cup participants to park. If you wish to camp, place the camping sign in your window after you land.