Compiled By The Staff and Readership of the Aero-News Network and Aero-TV

For quite a while, we have recognized the highs and lows inherent in the general and sport aviation community. There are but a few places where that is more a propos than at a major event like the recently completed Oshkosh Fly-In.

It's hard to know what really is going to make a difference and what really qualifies as exceptional unless you've been watching this industry carefully for several years... as we have.

Over the last few years, ANN readers remarks have been heavily incorporated into ALL aspects of this report, and not just the Aircraft awards and such. Their contributions have been carefully considered and (in many cases) incorporated into our annual summation.

Our Annual Best Plane of the Year Selections (tentatively announced after Oshkosh and finalized at year's end) will await the end of the year but we will announce the nominees at this point, with the proviso that our opinions may change as the year develops.

So; here are our picks for the Best and Worst of this year's Oshkosh... and why we think so...

Best Warbird

The Red Tail Projects' recently re-re-stored P-51C Mustang. The Red Tail Project is part of the Commemorative Air Force, Via the restoration of a P-51C Mustang christened “Tuskegee Airmen” the project did what project leader Don Hinz had dreamed – “Inspire youth and tell the story of the Tuskegee Airmen all across America” – as the airplane became a major draw for people at air shows and other venues. Five years ago, Don lost his life in that airplane... but the people who believed in his dream and the amazing story of the Tuskegee Airmen would not let the dream die... and it was seen this year, flying again... gloriously.

Best Display Aircraft

CBP's MQ-1 Predator. It was the first time that a pilotless aircraft landed at a civilian field.. and it did so at Oshkosh. Watching the Predator come in on final for Oshkosh was not only a testament to the inventiveness of the team that built the bird, but Oshkosh's primacy as a world-class aviation "happening."

Best Restoration

Pitcairn PA-18. Oshkosh 2009 was a momentous turnaround for Jack Tiffany, leading restorer of the Pitcairn PA-18. Last year, the team suffered an unfortunate setback when, with only a week left until EAA AirVenture 2008, the aircraft suffered significant rotor blade damage during flight testing and its maiden flight to Oshkosh had to be canceled. This year, however, the Pitcairn PA-18 made a stunning arrival for curious crowds. Flying to EAA AirVenture from its primary home in Spring Hill, Ohio, the Pitcairn PA-18 is a result of nearly a decade of dedicated effort by the team at Leading Edge Restorations. 

Best Research Aircraft

Art Mortveldt's Polar Pumpkin. Art Mortvedt is that extraordinary aviator. He operates a lodge in Alaska where the norm is quiet wilderness, cracked with the occasional rumble of a seaplane delivering hunters and adventurers into the wilderness.  His passions include science, and he proves that you don’t have to be a university scholar to make a significant contribution to the scientific community. Art has worked on over twenty plus expeditions to the Antarctic, the southern pole. Along on those missions was a bright Orange Cessna 185, nicknamed the “The Polar Pumpkin”.  A few years ago the Polar Pumpkin came up for sale, and Art became the proud new owner.  Determined to not let the Polar Pumpkin rest long from its mission, Art is planning a new adventure to the geographic north pole to study photosynthetic caynobacteria.  When Art completes his mission the Polar Pumpkin will have landed on both poles. A feat that few, if any airplanes can claim.

Hottest Prospect (not yet fully evaluated)

Icon A5. Few aircraft seem to have been developed to be so capable and so versatile as the Icon A5. While the jury is still out on whether or not, this may become a popular choice for tomorrow's aircraft owner, there is no mistaking the passion, thought and research that went into this program... We dearly hope it succeeds.

Best Airshow Performance

Sean Tucker... OK, it seems like such an obvious choice... but do you know of ANYONE who brings such professionalism, excitement and enthusiasm to the airshow business, year after year and STILL makes it look so damned cool each and every time? Only Sean does that... and we have a hard time seeing anyone stealing that crown from this accomplished pilot (though Matt Younkin rolling Beech 18s over Rwy 18 SURE gives us pause...). 

Best Aero-Software

WingX. With IPhone 'APP' compatible Flight-Planning software competitor, Foreflight, hot on its heels; our favorite portable flight planning aid (for the moment, but competition is INTENSE) is the exceptionally easy-to-use 'WingX' system. Adaptable to the iPhone and a great number of other mobile phone formats, WingX is the product to beat, right now, in this highly active market.  

Best Avionics - Portable

Garmin 696. While the portable game has a fraction of the competition it has had in past years, (though Honeywell seems determined to liven things up), there is no question that the undisputed king of portable GPS avionics is made by Garmin... The 696 is not only an indispensable device for those in need of a mobile aero-info system, the design is already inspiring new and more innovative products from Garmin itself.

Best Avionics - Retrofit/Panel Mount

It's A Tie!! -- Between Garmin's G500/600 and Aspen Avionics Evolution System. Depending on what you need in terms of retrofit glass panel cockpits, either Garmin or Aspen can fill the bill. Aspen's system is small, incredibly versatile and can fit in virtually any panel...while Garmin's G500/600 generation, now with the addition of Synthetic Vision (and more), means that those who are willing to replace their six-pack can have what would have been (just a few years ago) unheard of new capabilities. Which one is the best? Look at your available panel space and YOU tell us... still, you can't go wrong with either product.

Best Accessory - Electronic

PS Engineering PMA 8000B. Up against the Garmin juggernaut, it is impressive to note that a little company can still specialize in one thing, do it better than anyone, and keep mighty Goliath/Garmin at bay. Such a company is PS Engineering... the PMA 8000B recently installed in our SR22-G3's panel is not only the best/most easy-to-use audio panel we've ever owned, it has a bag of tricks that just won't quit... and the RECENT addition of MP3 capability means taking your tunes wherever you go. These folks are simply the best in the biz...

Best Accessory - Safety

Lopresti X2 Boombeam. How to light up the world... without really trying. We have recently installed the Lopresti Boombeam in the nose of our beloved Cirrus SR22 G3 Turbo, and the difference between it and the old landing light is quite significant, wemight even say that it's (wait for it...) "illuminating." ANN's HQ is on a small grass strip... often frequented by grazing deer, and this light has eased our late night landings considerably. This isn't just a brighter light... it's serious safety equipment.

Best Event/Exhibit Of Show

Author's Corner with Joe Balzer. Balzer is the author of a book that most pilots might, initially, find revolting... a book named "Flying Drunk : The True Story of a Northwest Airlines Flight, Three Drunk Pilots, and One Man's Fight for Redemption." It is an extraordinary story... about a flyer who lost it all... and fought his way back to the world of airline flying through determination, faith, and a brutally honest evaluation of what went wrong in his life and an unparalleled desire to fix it. This book MUST be read by flyers around the world. It is one of the most inspiring books I've read this year.

Most Anticipated But Not Yet Ready For Primetime

The LSA movement... What should have been a new drive to bring people to aviation, and pilots to aircraft ownership by the tens of thousands, the Light Sport Aircraft movement, is struggling to find its way. While a few manufacturers are staying alive, the numbers once prophesied by the associations (especially EAA, which hyped this thing without limit), simply are NOT happening. This program needs a shot in the arm... but with what?

The Most Educational Booth/Display/Event

GAMA's 'Business Aviation Day'.  Near the end of the week, AeroShell Square was ringed with some of the best-known business aircraft flying, as EAA President Tom Poberezny, GAMA President Pete Bunce, FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt, and a parade of professionals brought the message of business aviation to the worlds largest sport aviation show. They had a message to send. That message was jobs, and that business aviation has been unfairly pilloried by Congress and the Obama Administration. The issue was pushed into the spotlight when automakers flew into Washington on corporate jets for Congressional hearings, and has been taking hits ever since. GAMA assembled a lineup of corporate leaders to bring a positive business aviation's message to the Oshkosh crowd, and the industry media. "Business Aviation is strong," Bunce declared at the top of the news conference. "It is spurring the recovery." Indeed... 

FMI: Comments? Complaints? Additions? Let us have it!