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."