What Is It That Draws Us There?
by ANN Correspondent Scott Wagner
Each summer thousands of aviation buffs take time from their
busy schedules to travel to Wisconsin in what can only be likened
to a crusade. Their reason? To attend EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the
Experimental Aircraft Association's annual convention.
What is it about AirVenture that draws 750,000 visitors from
literally all corners of the globe to this small Midwestern town?
How can an organization born in Paul Poberezny's basement become
the absolute focal point of the aviation world for one week every
year? Ask 100 people, and you're likely to get 100 different
answers.
Some attendees can easily explain their motivation. Many come
for the daily airshows, which feature the world's greatest
performers. Some come to drool over the latest technology, from
avionics to Light Sport Aircraft and Very Light Jets. Some come to
see rare and one of a kind aircraft, such as last years once in a
lifetime opportunity to see SpaceShipOne and GlobalFlyer parked
nose to nose on Aeroshell Square.
Others make their
pilgrimage because they want to share and show off their prized
possession. Over 10,000 aircraft from around the globe find their
way to Oshkosh, including more than 2,500 showplanes.
While there, they can make their way to one or more of the many
forums to learn the skills needed to build or restore their dream
machine. For these folks, it is the opportunity to rub elbows with
THE experts, to learn from the designers and the people behind the
technology.
And where else can an ultralight pilot meet and find common
ground with a space shuttle commander? Where else can a young
child come face to face with WWII heros and the machines they
fought with?
For many, though, the attraction is difficult to put into
words. AirVenture draws them like a magnet, an invisible force
pulls them to Oshkosh to witness and participate in a celebration
of flight. What draws these people to AirVenture is camaraderie.
Knowing that you're surrounded by like-minded souls who share the
same passion for flight, and the feeling that there is NOWHERE else
you would rather be.
It's being a part of something bigger than you, and fitting
right in.
It's being a part of Mr. Poberezny's vision that has grown
bigger than he ever could have dreamed. As their tagline
says..."You gotta be there!"