What is roughly the same size as a three-ring binder, held together by 128 rivets, and might bear the names of the world's top air show performers and other aviation legends?

It's the new hands-on project at KidVenture, the very popular area for young people at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2006. This year's event is coming July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

The new KidVenture activity allows young people to construct a miniature wing through supervised riveting techniques. After some basic instruction, kids can complete the metal wing section, approximately the size of a three-ring binder, in about 90 minutes. This latest addition adds to more than a dozen activities that take place at KidVenture, located adjacent to the world-class EAA AirVenture Museum.

"Not surprisingly, we've discovered that the favorite activities at KidVenture are those where kids can actually build, explore and discover," said Adam Smith, EAA AirVenture Museum director. "This is a great way for kids to create a piece of aviation of their own, and have a great keepsake for autographs or simply a memento of their AirVenture experience."

Van's Aircraft - manufacturers of the RV series of airplanes, the world's most popular kit aircraft - has donated several hundred wing-section kits.

The riveting and construction of the prefabricated kits will be under the supervision of EAA chapter-member volunteers who are experienced metal-airplane builders. They are among the 300 volunteers who serve at KidVenture, which has drawn thousands of young people and their families over the past seven years.

Entrance to the KidVenture area is included with EAA AirVenture admission. Among the other popular activities at KidVenture in 2006 are:

• "Fly" R/C (radio-controlled) flight simulators, plus take in daily electric-powered R/C flight demos.
• Fly control-line model aircraft or watch a new daily air show by adult control-line pilots performing competition level stunts for the crowd.
• Build and fly your own kite.
• Shape your own wooden propeller for a souvenir or as an item on which to collect autographs of aviation personalities. Hartzell Propeller again sponsors this popular program.
• Get up close and personal with aviation superstars at the Aviation Heroes Stage, then collect autographs and have their photos taken with them.
• Construct your own rocket.
• Discover more about how an airplane works with the Federal Aviation Administration's guided pre-flight inspection of the EAA Young Eagles RV-6A.
• Learn how to work with tools at the Women's A&P booth.
• "Fly" a Piper J-3 Cub link trainer.
• Explore space along with NASA in their fascinating exhibit.

KidVenture is open daily during EAA AirVenture, Monday through Saturday (July 24-29), from 9 a.m. to about 3:30 p.m., and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday, July 30.

Immediately following the KidVenture sessions each day during EAA AirVenture, families will also enjoy the spectacular afternoon air show along the flight line. Those air shows include the world's finest aerobatic pilots, as well as vintage aircraft, warbirds and examples of the latest aviation technology.

"The activities and fun available at KidVenture, as well as throughout EAA AirVenture, is another reason families can join the world's aviation enthusiasts in saying about the event, 'You're got to be there,'" Smith said.

FMI: www.eaa.org, www.airventure.org