SimVenture - Prepare for Oshkosh using your Flight Simulator

SimVenture 2026: July 10-12th, 2026

Download the Scenery and Notice (NOTAM)

Select your simulator software:
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020/2024
X-Plane 11
X-Plane 12
FSX or Prepar3D

What is SimVenture?

SimVenture is a virtual Oshkosh, with the real Oshkosh controllers. SimVenture is the only way to practice flying into AirVenture. As you rock your wings and make your way in over Fisk, you’ll be talking to the real Oshkosh air traffic controllers who volunteer with us for SimVenture.

How to Participate

You will need:

1. Computer flight simulator such as MSFS2020 or MSFS2024, X-Plane 11/12, Prepar3D, or FSX. If you have a commercial-grade sim, it’s likely compatible. Contact us to verify. Redbird simulators use Prepar3D, therefore they are capable of flying for SimVenture.
2. Computer headset (USB headset, 3.5mm headset, or real world aviation headset adapter).
3. A PilotEdge Free Trial* account" or an active account.
4. Download the required scenery (available above).

New to flight simulators, or need some extra help getting set up? Click here.

*Free trial usage is subject to the terms of the standard free trial.

The Mission Behind the Event

Real World Pilots

• Prepare thoroughly before your real trip to AirVenture, whether you are an Oshkosh rookie or a seasoned veteran
• Master the Notice procedures to build confidence and ensure a safer real-world flight

Flight Simulator Enthusiasts

• A perfect alternative if you aren’t actually flying to AirVenture
• Experience the most realistic and exciting event in the flight simulation community

Real Oshkosh Air Traffic Controllers

SimVenture’s controllers may sound very much like those who actually work the real AirVenture. That is because they are the actual controllers! By having the actual air traffic controllers volunteer for SimVenture, pilots are certain to have a true-to-life experience as they will hear the same fast paced ATC that has become so unique to Oshkosh.

Oshkosh Merch

Fly-to-Win Contest 2026 – Over $2,400 in Prizes

Back by popular demand, our Fly-to-Win contest will be returning with fantastic prizes. The more OSH landings and takeoffs you complete during SimVenture, the more chances you have to win! We’re still gathering prizes for our prize pool, so the list below may continue to grow. Thank you to our generous sponsors!

ProDeskSim 10 $100 Gift Cards
Thrustmaster Boeing Yoke ($399.99 value)
King Schools Written & Checkride Course – choose from PPL through ATP (up to $349 value)
FlightSimBuilder GNS 530 Unit ($280 value)
Gleim Private Pilot Kit ($224.95 value)
Laminar Research 3 digital download copies of X-Plane 12 ($59.99 value, each)
Walker Air Transport has donated (5) 3-Month PilotEdge Combo (ZLA & WUS) Subscriptions ($104.70 value, each)
Navigraph (2) 1-month subscriptions ($10.32 value, each)

Click here for contest terms and conditions.

Further Questions?

Visit our Discord chat server, email kevin@pilotedge.net, or reach out to us on social media @pilotedgeatc.

Runway in Use

Each day of SimVenture will feature a different runway configuration. Some pilots may wish to fly a specific approach to a certain runway, while others don’t want to know what to expect. If you want to know the planned runway configurations, click here.

History of SimVenture

The first SimVenture was created by PilotEdge and hosted in July of 2020. While the initial concept was to prepare people to fly into AirVenture, the pandemic forced a pivot to more of a nostalgic approach to allow pilots to engage in an exciting aviation-related activity from the safety of their home flight simulators.

Throughout the course of the SimVenture 2020 event, there were over 1,000 arrivals into Oshkosh on the PilotEdge network. Beginning in 2021, the event took more of a training approach as pilots could use SimVenture to prepare to fly to AirVenture just a week later. 2022 and 2023 saw well over 2,000 arrivals throughout the event.

Flying Magazine – AirVenture Air Traffic Went Virtual This Year

Aviation International News (AIN) – SimVenture Flyers Get a Taste of Oshkosh Operations

AVweb – You Didn’t Fly to OSH, But 1000 Virtual Pilots Did

Pilot und Flugzeug – Cancel Culture 2020: AirVenture goes – SimVenture comes English version PDF German version PDF

FS Magzin – Rock Your Wings – SimVenture 2022

Disclaimer

PilotEdge’s SimVenture event, the PilotEdge SimVenture Notice and any other material provided by PilotEdge regarding SimVenture is for flight simulator purposes only. None of the material or guidance shall be used for real world flight or navigation. Refer to EAA’s official Notice when actually flying to AirVenture.