What is roughly the
same size as a three-ring binder, held together by 128 rivets, and
might bear the names of the world's top air show performers and
other aviation legends?
It's the new hands-on project at KidVenture, the very popular
area for young people at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2006. This year's
event is coming July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport in
Oshkosh.
The new KidVenture activity allows young people to construct a
miniature wing through supervised riveting techniques. After some
basic instruction, kids can complete the metal wing section,
approximately the size of a three-ring binder, in about 90 minutes.
This latest addition adds to more than a dozen activities that take
place at KidVenture, located adjacent to the world-class EAA
AirVenture Museum.
"Not surprisingly, we've discovered that the favorite activities
at KidVenture are those where kids can actually build, explore and
discover," said Adam Smith, EAA AirVenture Museum director. "This
is a great way for kids to create a piece of aviation of their own,
and have a great keepsake for autographs or simply a memento of
their AirVenture experience."
Van's Aircraft - manufacturers of the RV series of airplanes,
the world's most popular kit aircraft - has donated several hundred
wing-section kits.
The riveting and construction of the prefabricated kits will be
under the supervision of EAA chapter-member volunteers who are
experienced metal-airplane builders. They are among the 300
volunteers who serve at KidVenture, which has drawn thousands of
young people and their families over the past seven years.
Entrance to the KidVenture area is included with EAA AirVenture
admission. Among the other popular activities at KidVenture in 2006
are:
- "Fly" R/C
(radio-controlled) flight simulators, plus take in daily
electric-powered R/C flight demos.
- Fly control-line model aircraft or watch a new daily air show
by adult control-line pilots performing competition level stunts
for the crowd.
- Build and fly your own kite.
- Shape your own wooden propeller for a souvenir or as an item on
which to collect autographs of aviation personalities. Hartzell
Propeller again sponsors this popular program.
- Get up close and personal with aviation superstars at the
Aviation Heroes Stage, then collect autographs and have their
photos taken with them.
- Construct your own rocket.
- Discover more about how an airplane works with the Federal
Aviation Administration's guided pre-flight inspection of the EAA
Young Eagles RV-6A.
- Learn how to work with tools at the Women's A&P booth.
- "Fly" a Piper J-3 Cub link trainer.
- Explore space along with NASA in their fascinating
exhibit.
KidVenture is open daily during EAA AirVenture, Monday through
Saturday (July 24-29), from 9 a.m. to about 3:30 p.m., and 9 a.m.-2
p.m. on Sunday, July 30.
Immediately following the KidVenture sessions each day during
EAA AirVenture, families will also enjoy the spectacular afternoon
air show along the flight line. Those air shows include the world's
finest aerobatic pilots, as well as vintage aircraft, warbirds and
examples of the latest aviation technology.
"The activities and fun available at KidVenture, as well as
throughout EAA AirVenture, is another reason families can join the
world's aviation enthusiasts in saying about the event, 'You're got
to be there,'" Smith said.
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