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!"

FMI: www.airventure.org