All The Comforts Jet Owners Expect … Even On A Budget

ANN April 1 Special Edition

With EAA's AirVenture looking more and more like an industry-wide trade show every year, chairman Jack Pelton says that it is time that the organization recognize the growing presence of business jets at the annual gathering.

To that end, Pelton says that this year, a special area will be set aside for business jet owners to camp beside their airplanes.

A portion of the North 40 will be paved to accommodate the larger, heavier aircraft. “They wouldn’t be sleeping on the ground anyway,” Pelton said. “You’ve seen the pavilions that the corporate jet guys set up in the main exhibit area. I’ve talked with several owners who say they plan to truck in tiny houses to place beside their jets for the week, so they can almost experience the same outdoor experience that our traditional airplane campers have enjoyed for years.”

The idea is not sitting well with some EAA members who say that the event is getting further from its roots as a experimental and homebuilt airplanes, but Pelton said the bizjet area should not interfere with the flavor of the event. “We did away with a lot of the chalets on the flightline because the members were upset about it,” Pelton said. “But we don’t want to alienate people at the higher end of the spectrum simply because they may have fallen on difficult times because of the economy the past seven years. There will be a slight premium, of course, but we want to make this event as affordable as we can for everybody. Besides, have you seen the size of some of those motor homes that come and park in the campground for a week or more? They’re bigger than the tiny houses the bizjet guys will bring. Guys have been camping next to their King Airs for years. This is just the next natural step.”

Still, one EAA member who requested anonymity said that it looks like Pelton is still catering to his buddies in Wichita from his days at Cessna. “You can take the boy out of the bizjet, but you can’t take the bizjet out of the boy,” the member said.

NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen said he thinks it is a terrific idea. “On behalf of our members who have experienced the downturn from the Obama economy, we thank you,” Bolen said. “The ‘World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration’ should be welcoming to all.”

EAA has reportedly posted a job description for a concierge for the bizjet area that will direct “campers” to the best restaurants in town, and a portion of the ramp will be set aside for valet parking. Special restroom and shower facilities are also under construction for those who may be “roughing it.”

FMI: www.airventure.org