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".

FMI: www.airventure.org