But It Truly Is A Year-Round Production
As you might imagine, preparations are moving at a fast pace for
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2006. But have you ever considered
everything that's involved to get ready for this year's Big Show?
ANN spoke with EAA's Dick Knapinski to get a feel for just what
goes into putting on "The World's Greatest Aviation
Celebration"
Immediately following AirVenture 2005, EAA began compiling
feedback from its staff, exhibitors, volunteers and visitors to
determine what went well and what could be improved upon. Also,
UW-Oshkosh began taking dorm reservations for this year.
Maintenance began on the campground and flightline areas, and
buildings and equipment were cleaned and put into storage.
Throughout September, October and November, a plethora of behind
the scenes work occurred, from production and release of the
highlights video to setting prices and budgets for the upcoming
year.
The long, cold Wisconsin winter found EAA busy recruiting air
show performers (like THAT'S a challenge!) and lining up aircraft
for AeroShell Square. By January, the AirVenture website was
updated to begin promoting the 2006 event, the Housing Hotline was
in full swing and the other colleges began accepting
reservations.
February, March and April were full of meetings; from government
officials staffing the Federal Pavilion to concessionaires. Air
Traffic Control procedures were established and NOTAMS finalized
and published. Forums and workshops were scheduled, along with
programs for Theater-In-The Woods and other after-hours
entertainment.
With its warmer temperatures, the month of May saw much of the
work moving outside. EAA Chapter workgroups appeared on weekends to
assist with landscaping and maintenance on the more than 200
buildings on the grounds. Preparation began on the massive public
address system, along with upgrades and repairs to electrical and
phone lines. The air show roster was finalized, and exhibitors were
assigned their locations.
Both the weather and the pace heated up in June. The EAA Member
Village started to take shape. Camp Scholler opened for business on
June 23rd for eager beavers itching to get a good camping spot.
Also, briefings with state and local officials were held to hammer
out last minute logistic and traffic details.
The first week of
July... now it gets exciting. Aircraft from the EAA Collection have
been moved from their storage areas to their display areas. Tents
and concession areas started going up. Campers began showing up in
greater numbers after Independence Day, many intending to lend a
hand with the final preparations. Week 2 is when exhibitors started
to set up. Landscaping was completed, and the grass was cut one
last time in the aircraft parking areas.
And, some of the most critical components were installed... the
port-o-potties and garbage
dumpsters.
Now, we're into the third week of July, and it's is crunch time:
One week to go until AirVenture. Early arrivals are starting to
trickle in to park in the North 40. Forum and workshops areas are
being set up. Air Traffic Controllers are arriving to provide their
famous, world-class service. The AirVenture NOTAM goes into effect
at 0600 on July 22. From there, it's an endless parade of arrivals
as folks from around the globe pour in for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
2006.
As you stroll the grounds admiring all that AirVenture has to
offer, take a moment to appreciate the time and effort that goes
into preparing for such a massive event. Volunteer to help-out, or
at least take a minute to thank those who have worked so hard to
bring you on "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration".