Voices Over the Water: From Air Traffic to Shore Teams, Icom Radios Are the Lifeline of the Seaplane Base at AirVenture 2025

At Oshkosh’s AirVenture, aviation enthusiasts flock to the skies, but one of the most unique experiences happens off the runway at the Seaplane Base. This watery extension of the world’s largest fly-in is where aircraft meet the elements—and where communication becomes the ultimate safety tool. Unlike traditional fields, the seaplane base operates in a dynamic environment where pilots, volunteers, and boats must work in harmony. Without seamless radio transmissions, even small lapses could turn into major hazards.

For decades, Icom radios have been the backbone of that safety net. Known for their durability and reliability, models like the IC-A24E handheld airband transceiver have proven essential in coordinating both air and water operations. From point control guiding incoming pilots, to boat crews spread across the lake, to ground shuttles running nonstop, the IC-A24E ensures everyone is connected on the right frequency. Even when a radio takes an accidental plunge into the water, these units are resilient enough to return to service—sometimes with just a little help from a bag of rice.

Still, the demands are enormous: multiple frequencies, overlapping communications, and the constant need to link the seaplane base with the main AirVenture grounds miles away. It’s a reminder that in aviation, infrastructure isn’t just about engines, pontoons, and runways—it’s about crystal-clear voices over the airwaves.

Few understand this better than Shane Albers, Chairman of the Oshkosh Seaplane Base, who has volunteered for nearly three decades. As he explains, radios like the IC-A24E don’t just support logistics; they safeguard tradition, efficiency, and safety for the entire seaplane community.