The Heart of the Lagoon: Andrew Elert on Icom Radios, Safety, and Tradition at Oshkosh’s Seaplane Base for AirVenture 2025

For one week each summer, the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh transforms a quiet stretch of private shoreline into the bustling Seaplane Base—a hidden gem where aviation meets water. Unlike the high-energy pace of the main airport grounds, the base offers a more relaxed, up-close experience with pilots and their aircraft, creating a unique connection between visitors and the world of seaplanes. Yet behind the calm surface lies an immense logistical challenge: managing people, planes, and boats while ensuring smooth, safe operations on the water.

Communication is the backbone of this effort, and Icom radios play a central role. With aircraft relying solely on aviation band frequencies, every message is critical—especially when pilots forget equipment, encounter issues beyond line of sight, or face unexpected complications on the water. Volunteers often depend on Icom’s speaker mics, which allow them to keep the radios secure on their belts while maintaining quick, reliable access. Still, operating in a water-heavy environment brings unique challenges: radios sometimes get dropped in the lagoon, and while crews tether them with string, more water resistance is always in demand.

It’s a blend of precision and improvisation, powered by reliable communication tools and a deep love for aviation traditions. At the heart of this operation is Andrew Elert, Co-Chairman of Lagoon Operations, who has been keeping the Seaplane Base running for nearly two decades. His journey from a young volunteer to a leader of this one-of-a-kind experience reflects the dedication required to sustain Oshkosh’s most serene aviation outpost. In a conversation with Icom, Elert shares how his team balances challenges, traditions, and the thrill of welcoming seaplanes year after year.