Due to federal budget cuts under sequestration, the Experimental Aircraft Association will have to pay for 87 air traffic controllers during this summer's AirVenture Fly-In.
Ordinarily, the FAA has paid the tab, about $450,000. However, it informed the EAA that the money cannot be spared this year.
The association will pay, but under protest. Otherwise, organizers say they would have been forced to cancel the event.
The Fly-In is the largest annual gathering of aviation enthusiasts, and makes Oshkosh the busiest airport for its seven-day run.