Mon, Aug 09, 2004
Wrapping Up Oshkosh
By ANN Contributor Aleta Vinas
(This is just one view of the best -- and worst -- of
AirVenture 2004. We'd love to read your comments. Please send them
directly to me: Pete Combs, editor@aero-news.net
)
Favorite Airplane: No
matter who performs at EAA Oshkosh AirVenture, my heart is
consistently stolen by the AV-8B Harrier. Watching about 20 tons of
aircraft hovering on "a column of noise" (thanks to ANN newbie
Chris Armstrong for that description) is mind-blowing.
There’s a feeling of watching the laws of physics being
broken.
No matter what I was doing at the time, I would leap out of the
ANN trailer, locking the door as I exited, to watch this aviation
marvel. I can’t wait until next time.
Gentleman of AirVenture: Yes, I am biased on
this vote but it’s my opinion, so there. I don’t
believe I have ever talked to a young person (20 years old) with
the intelligence, poise, politeness and manners of Jamail Larkins
but if he calls me Ms. Vinas or ma’am again, I’m going
to have to hurt him. It’s Aleta, if you please. His pathway
into the aviation world is amazing and his belief in giving back is
unshakeable. His peers have called him an "achiever" and
"motivated." He is someone to keep an eye on, for sure.
Biggest Party Pooper: Who asked Mother Nature
for all that rain? Not me! At least she let up enough for the
afternoon airshow but I could have done without walking around
wearing an over-sized trashbag to stay dry. Course, even a wet day
at Oshkosh beats a sunny day being at work.
Special Mention: A special thank you to Dick
Knapinski for all his help with information for my articles before
and during AirVenture (heartily seconded --
ed.).
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