Aviation Enthusiast Impressions

By Rose Dorcey

What brought 700,000 aviation enthusiasts and 10,000 aircraft to Oshkosh? What did they think of the event? Read on…

Louis Ortiz, Sunland, (CA) is a first time visitor to AirVenture, and he was impressed.

"I came in, looking on the grounds, and started to see planes, so many planes. I didn't know what it was all about," said Lou. "I thought EAA was just about planes, but when I got the big picture - it's not just the planes, it's the people who love them. To see the P-51's, the Spitfires… the magnitude - this is big."

"I've met really nice people. I can now say that I've eaten brats. When I go back to California and see an airshow, it will never match what I've seen here in this beautiful state of Wisconsin. I've been to the daddy of them all."

Ortiz stayed in Camp Scholler throughout the week and saw much of what AirVenture has to offer, but he also took time to see some of Wisconsin's other well-known sites. A huge football and model railroad fan, Lou took a day to see Lambeau Field and the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame, and another day to visit the National Railroad Museum, also in Green Bay. His only regret was that he wasn't able to go fishing while he was here; which he hopes to do on a future visit to Oshkosh.

Lou mentioned another important feature that he hadn't read about before traveling to
Wisconsin.

"I called my wife, and I told her what a beautiful state it is. I also told her, 'the girls are pretty here.'"

Norbert "Knobby" Lalley, Los Angeles, (CA) said the 2005 event was the eighth, ninth, or tenth that he attended. (He said he hasn't kept track through the years.) His first convention visit was in Rockford in 1966. His last was in 2003. Knobby said the event always seems so big and overpowering.

"I never have enough time to see everything - the forums, the workshops," he explained. Lalley's key point of interest for 2005 was the Light Sport Aircraft Mall. He owns plans for and intends to build a Hummelbird. The visit was worthwhile for the information he gained and the people he talked to about the project.

A retired aeronautical engineer, Knobby also said that seeing Glacier Girl was a highlight of this year's convention. "All the problems they overcame, it's amazing. Seeing SpaceShipOne and Global Flyer was nice, it shows what private individuals can do without government sticking their nose in."

After spending nine nights in his pop-up camper in Camp Scholler, Knobby wished he could stay longer, to see the EAA Museum and the Pioneer Airport. "I will be back again, next time with my grandkids, as long as my joints keep bending. Being 74, my flesh is weak but my spirit is still willing."

Bob Alameda, Miami Lakes, (FL) is also a first time visitor. He has been to Sun & Fun since 1989, and figured this was the year to finally see Oshkosh. "This is much larger than Sun & Fun," said Bob. "It's humungous compared to Lakeland. I'm going to the museum today (Sunday) - but I never got to see it all."

Jeanne and Tom Thomas, Madison, (WI) said AirVenture is a great family event. They should know; the Thomas' had seven of their eight grandchildren stay with them throughout the week. "They were all sad to go. They all loved the dinosaur exhibit, and everyday wanted to go back," said Jeanne.

"It's very valuable," Tom continued, "The attention that youth is given here. The kids are learning, they are getting excited and learning the joy of aviation. They have AirVenture to energize them."

Tom went on to say that the city of Oshkosh and the county of Winnebago becomes an "aeropolis" during the annual AirVenture event.

International visitors thought it was a great, too. I met a couple of Aussie's in the Camp Scholler grounds who were enjoying a local beer. (No Fosters for these two.) Gary Spicer is the national president of the Sport Aircraft Association of Australia (SAAA). Hugh Ragg is a national councillor for the same organization. These two mates had nothing but good to say about the event. While both Ragg and Spicer were impressed with AirVenture, they were equally impressed with the people they met on their visit and the passion people have for aviation. 

"There is no rubbish on the grounds. At every gate, everyday, we're greeted with smiles. We have not heard cross words from any blokes," said Gary. "The transport arrangements to and from downtown Oshkosh to the AirVenture grounds are fantastic. Even with lots of people, there is no pushing or shoving, and the lines move quickly."

As international guests, Gary and Hugh were matched up with a local host, Bob Kunkel, to help them get the lay of the land. "Bob Kunkel has been very good to us," Gary said. "Meeting Bob has been a highlight of my life. Tom [Poberezny], Bob and everyone from EAA has been very nice, very respectful."

Both Hugh and Gary talked about the "excellent, positive experiences" they had. They mentioned that a group of Canadians they had just met invited them out for dinner. They said as they walked around the convention grounds, people offered rides. They said they felt that they are part of a big family while in Oshkosh.

"Young people treat us with respect, all over Oshkosh," Hugh said. "I have been so impressed with the passion of the people. This event restores my faith in human nature. Nowhere has anyone treated us bad. It's been an exquisite experience, just amazing - it's almost life changing because everyone has been so nice, so welcoming."

Fmi: www.airventure.org, www.saaa.com