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Two For One: Dual AirVenture Air Show Performances Promote Social Distancing
An innovative air show format to promote social distancing will be part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021, as the afternoon air show will at times feature a split performance area that accommodates two acts flying at the same time.
A New Era: AirVenture Planning Through Unknowns
Coordinating the countless moving parts of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is a challenge in the best of times, but coming back from 2020's COVID-caused cancellation raises expectations regarding health and safety measures in planning this year's event on July 26-August 1.
Sloshkosh Deux
By Ed Wischmeyer
With the RV-9 prop swap project stalled, it was airlines to O’Hare where a long-time friend took me to a neighborhood car rental, saving $300 off the airport rental price. Had I tried to rent a car in Milwaukee or Appleton, the price would have been $700 higher. Having survived arrogant Illinois traffic and the congestion of US41 south of Milwaukee, which is “under destruction” for the second year in a row, my friend’s favorite malapropism, Oshkosh finally came into view. I was glad that the rain on the way north wasn’t any worse than it was.
Wisconsin has had a cold, wet spring, with some farmers losing 1/3 of their calves. That Saturday before AirVenture, two storms (one of which I drove through) came through and dumped another four to five feet of rain. Disaster. Along with the rains came high gusts of winds; some campers had their tents collapsed, some were awash, some spent the night in the museum, and some slept on the floor of the showers.
Subsequently, all of the campground spaces and aircraft parking spaces were either too soft to support normal usage or under water. Slowly, slowly, things dried out and returned to normal, but it was a mess, slow to resolve for the incoming traffic, both ground and air. There were days of delays.
Ten Reasons to Attend AirVenture
Anybody who has spent more than five minutes reading about or hanging around aviation knows that EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the biggest, greatest, airshow in America and probably the world. The show features every airplane imaginable,
Pilots rally against ATC privatization at AirVenture
EAA AirVenture – one of the most-loved, most-renowned aviation events in the world that showcases all segments of the industry – would likely be shut down under air traffic control privatization being advanced in H.R. 2997, Experimental Aircraft Association CEO Jack Pelton told hundreds of pilots gathered at the show July 24 for a rally against ATC privatization.
“This would be the most devastating thing that could happen to AirVenture,” Pelton said.
Pelton was joined by AOPA President Mark Baker, National Business Aviation Association President Ed Bolen, and General Aviation Manufacturers Association President Pete Bunce, who united in speaking out against ATC privatization and debunking myths that are being perpetuated by the airlines.
GA will be in the “fight for our lives for the next four or five or six months,” Baker said. “Thanks to all of you in the room, they do listen to us,” he continued, adding that the 20,000 pilots now flying under BasicMed is proof of the influence pilots have on Capitol Hill.
Editorial: Airshows
By Ed Downs
Let’s set the scene. It is probably Thursday evening, and you know that Friday means it will be time to figure out where to fly for the weekend. In other words, where will the expectation of a $100 burger take you this time? Can you encourage the kids or wife to go with you? Will the experience be enough fun to keep your young teenager engaged (good luck!). Maybe you will just stay at home and finally clean the belly, you know, the side of your plane that nobody sees? Sound familiar? Well, dear reader, get your head out of your exhaust manifold, log on to www.milavia.net/airshows/calendar/showdates-2016-north_america.html and stop your whining.
The airshow season is upon us, and it might surprise you to know that there are more than 300 events each year that qualifiy to be called an “Airshow.” Additionally, there are hundreds of activities associated with aviation museums that are designed to entertain and educate, especially our young folks who think airplanes are simply fictional gadgets invented by computer gamers. To be sure, many shows are local events that may draw only 10k to 15K visitors, but there are the “monster” shows (like EAA AirVenture) that draw well over half a million visitors.
Homebuilder's Workshop: Fuel
By Ed Wischmeyer
I have very little going on in the homebuilder’s workshop, as I’m recovering (on schedule) from yet another spinal surgery, but my guys have been busy on the fuel system of the RV-9A. And I hope to restart flying within the next month, accompanied of course by a babysitter CFI on the first flight.
The most recent project was the fuel gauges, as the Garmin G3X glass cockpit lets you calibrate those puppies. Although calibration had been done when I bought the airplane, they didn’t seem to be reading right. And besides, I had removed the analog fuel gauges to make room for the second G3X touchscreen, possibly confusing the electrons. Anyway, the fuel gauges are now calibrated, as much as possible, that is.
AirVenture Oshkosh, Part 2
By Ed Wischmeyer
In my experience, ailerons are the most significant factor in how much a pilot enjoys the aircraft handling qualities. The SeaRey amphibian has new Frise ailerons that are much lighter than the already sensuous ailerons of the LSX, and I’m looking forward to visiting the factory and trying them out. I do want to let the southeastern summer abate, so I can avoid the oppressive heat and humidity, though. The SeaRey discussion on the shores of Lake Winnebago with designer and old friend Kerry Richter was much more enjoyable because of the cooler Wisconsin summer.
Meanwhile, out in Arizona, my airport neighbor who built a full-scale replica Spitfire added servo tabs to his ailerons to reduce aileron forces. It was surprising to read that the original Spitfires had heavy ailerons and light elevators, the reverse of recommended practice, but pilots raved about the handling qualities of Spitfires. That seems to reinforce the observation that the great majority of pilots adapt to their airplane’s handling qualities instead of being objective about them. Pilots will often express many enjoyable qualities of their airplanes in ways that really describe their experiences with the aircraft rather than the aircraft itself. In any event, he won an award for his Spitfire, well deserved in my opinion.
Oshkosh 2015
By Ed Wischmeyer
The enormous Airbus A350 between flying displays. (Ed Wischmeyer)This year, I drove from Georgia. I made eight stops in Atlanta, all on the freeway. I drove 13 hours and 550 miles the first day, 12 and 660 the next. Uff, da! But I’m here. I’ll go home a different route.
A few press releases came out on the way north. Garmin’s avionics now talks to ForeFlight, and Jeppesen Mobile Flight Deck, and that’s good news on several fronts. One is that ForeFlight is rather well done, an IMHO, and now Garmin avionics owners can get the best of both worlds. The other good news is that this is the first crack in Garmin’s closed system approach.
BeLite has a new ultralight, this one looking like a low wing version of their Cub series but with the fuselage chopped off at the base of the windshield and the top of the seat back. Electric power is planned.
On the way in Sunday morning, my first stop was to get press credentials. The obligatory magic trick is to show the good folks how to cut your IQ in half – and then you put the press pass around your neck.
NASA Tests Technology EAA AirVenture
NASA Tests Ground Collision Avoidance Technology at EAA AirVenture 2015
NASA researchers chose pilots at EAA AirVenture 2015 to evaluate improved ground collision avoidance technology that could soon find its way to a smartphone app or commercial glass cockpit systems.
The technology recently integrated in the F-16 fighter jets and other military aircraft is being adapted by engineers at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards, Calif., for use in general aviation. Currently in a beta test version as a smartphone app, the improved Ground Collision Avoidance System (iGCAS) provides audible and visual warnings and guidance to pilots as they approach ground collision conditions.
Pilots taking part in this study are asked to provide some general background information about their flight experience and the type of terrain and flight conditions they typically fly in. They are then provided with instructions on how the smartphone app works and are given an opportunity to become familiar with the flight simulator. Approximately 30 pilots will fly the simulator as part of the study during AirVenture 2015.
The Pylon Place: January 2015
2014 Year in Review
By Marilyn Dash
Team Ruby – Getting Ready for the Big Race (Anthony Taylor /Warbirdfotos.com)Another year is in the books with some great highs and some devastating lows. I wanted to take the time to look back and celebrate the good and memorialize the losses.
Red Bull Air Racing was Back!
If you read this column regularly, you know that I love Air Racing of any kind–especially the Closed Pylon racing like we do at the National Championship Air Races in Reno. But I also have a great affection for the Red Bull Air Racing Series.
After a three-year hiatus, the series came back stronger than ever, finishing the season at their Home-Drome with the Championship being decided on the last flight. Amazing year–congrats to all, especially Nigel Lamb, the 2014 Series Champion!
Memorial to Paul Day at AirVenture Oshkosh
By Ed Wischmeyer
Kevin Conner’s Reserve Grand Champion Plans Built Hatz CB-1 from Collinsville, OK. (Ed Wischmeyer)This was the first AirVenture after the death of beloved EAA founder Paul Poberezny, and there were many remembrances during the week. One sign listed the events occurring on Memorial to Paul Day. One EAAer, asleep at the switch, asked me, “Who is Paul Day?” Ahem…
Paul P. often repeated a great truism that folks come to Oshkosh for the airplanes but stay for the people, and that was again true for me. I delighted in sharing the good news of a close friend in a new relationship after losing his wife of 46 years to cancer. Sadly, another friend’s wife continues her long, slow, and painful decline due to illness. Friends from Kansas have children that have grown so much since I last saw them that they were almost unrecognizable. Another friend is retired but left grown kids in Texas to live year round in Oshkosh and volunteer extensively for EAA. I am blessed with good friends. Sadly, one elderly pilot was lost landing a Breezy with an accident sequence that seems to not make sense. His young passenger, an AirVenture volunteer, was seriously injured, but she is expected to make a full recovery.
Mo’Venture: Unique Mojave Experimentals Flying to Oshkosh
The Rutan Catbird joins several other unique airplanes from Mojave in Oshkosh this year. (Jim Koepnick/courtesy EAA)Catbird. Ol’ Blue. Wasabi Siren. Tango2. If those aircraft nicknames sound familiar, they probably should; they’re among a group of homebuilts that have emerged from the fertile experimental hotbed of Mojave, Calif., and they are among a group of aircraft that are assembling to fly to Oshkosh together for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014.
EAA received word last month that six airplanes are confirmed to arrive together on Monday, July 28, and several other well-known airplanes might be added.
Dates Set for AirVenture Job Fair and College Social
Brian Quade of the University of Dubuque speaks with Connie, Leigh, and Hunter Brian Haveneur during the first College Park Job Fair in 2013. (Julie Wagner/courtesy EAA)Online registration is now available for the Third Annual EAA College Social that, along with the Second Annual EAA Job Fair, will provide event attendees opportunities in College Park to leave AirVenture with more than a souvenir. Both events are included in AirVenture admission.
More than 20 aviation companies, airlines, and colleges will be represented at the EAA Job Fair in College Park on Wednesday, July 30, from 12-3 p.m., which will include resume reviews from members of The 99’s. Many employers actively recruit during AirVenture, so business cards and a resume are highly encouraged. No registration is required.
Seven Lockheed 12s Confirmed for Oshkosh
Joe Shepherd’s Lockheed 12, N2072. (Courtesy of Joe Shepherd and EAA)It’s always great to see a freshly polished Lockheed Model 12 Electra Junior on the flightline at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, and some years you’ll be lucky to see two. But this year, visitors to the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration could see seven of the iconic golden age executive transport airplanes parked together in the Vintage area, and there’s a chance as many as eight or nine could show up. “That could set some sort of modern day record for the number of Lockheed 12s together at one time,” says one of plane’s owners trying to make it happen.
“In 2007, we were able to gather three L-12s in one place on the West Coast,” said Les Whittlesey of Coto de Caza, Calif. Whittlesey is the proud owner of NC18906, SN 1277 – an airplane manufactured in 1939 that won a Gold Lindy in 2006. The airplane was also featured in the August 2007 EAA Vintage Airplane magazine.
Large Cessnas 2 Oshkosh Group to Include up to 19 Cardinals
A Cessna 177RG Cardinal leads the way to the Cessnas 2 Oshkosh area in the North 40 at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2012. (Craig Vander Kolk/EAA)The ninth annual Cessnas 2 Oshkosh (C2O) group arrival at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this year has 56 aircraft registered, including as many as 19 model-177 Cardinals – with many of them retracting gear models.
Jerry Olson, Cardinal owner, has been leading the effort to get model 177s involved in C2O this year. “Nineteen Cardinals may not sound like a lot, but considering there are less than 3,000 left flying worldwide, that is a fairly significant number,” he said. In fact, in this year’s C2O, Cardinals are outnumbering each of the other types registered for the flight, including 172s (43,000 built), 182s (over 24,000 built), and 210s (over 9,000 built).
USAF Thunderbirds Highlight EAA AirVenture Airshows on August 1-3
First time team’s full show flying at Oshkosh. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Richard Rose Jr.)The Thunderbirds will make their first-ever full airshow performance at AirVenture Oshkosh 2014.
The schedule is now set for the historic first-ever full show by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh with performances set for Friday through Sunday, Aug. 1-3. Those performances are part of the daily afternoon airshows at Oshkosh on each of those days.
The Thunderbirds will perform what they describe as a “practice show” – basically, a full dress rehearsal for the weekend – at 5 p.m. on Friday, August 1. This comes at the end of the regular afternoon airshow, which features the full World War II warbird extravaganza, and prior to the return of the Old Glory Honor Flight from Washington, D.C. that is part of AirVenture’s annual “Salute to Veterans” activities.
Supporting Aviation's Future
This year’s Gathering of Eagles fundraising event at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh brought together the aviation industry and private aviation enthusiasts to support aviation’s future. The event raised $2.679 million, and after expenses, EAA will invest approximately $2.17 million in its youth programs. The Gathering is presented by Cessna Aircraft Company.
Editorial: Thanks, Paul
By Ed Downs
A visionary, leader and damned good pilot flew over the southern horizon for the last time on Aug. 22, 2013. Paul Poberezny, founder of the Experimental Aircraft Association, is gone.
Virtually every aviation publication in the world will comment on the passing of this remarkable man, most recounting the creation of the EAA, the incredible success of this organization and the part that Paul Poberezny played in shaping the modern world of recreational flying. To be sure, the creation of the EAA and all that it has stood for over the years is a story that needs to be told in perspective with the amazing person who fathered what we now refer to as the “homebuilt movement.” But this writer would like to take a different approach.
You see, Paul was my friend. The funny thing is that thousands of people can correctly say the same thing. To meet Paul was to become his friend. To work with Paul was to become a friend for whom he would always take time to greet and say “hello” to, when the occasion permitted, usually at AirVenture.
Homebuilders Workshop - September 2013
More Oshkosh Details
By Ed Wischmeyer
The gating factor for flying to AirVenture on the airlines is not airfare, it’s rental car rates. This year, I was late renting a car, and the rates in Appleton and Madison were both well north of $100 per day. However, Milwaukee still had rates a third of that, so that’s the airport I flew into. And for an extra $10 per day or so, I rented a Mustang.
The Mustang’s speedometer needle turned through only 180 degrees of arc, and the markings looked like they’d been copied from the 1970s – cluttered and hard to read. There were numerical readouts between the tach and speedometer that were clear and crisp, but the radio etc. panel in the center of the car had pixels as big as pizzas and as dim as your old girl friend. With the floaty suspension and the imprecise steering, you kind of herded the Mustang down the road as the slow-shifting automatic transmission encouraged the engine to make raucous noises before acceleration set in.
To be fair, this was a rental car, and there are undoubtedly other versions that are better tuned, but even the high-powered Mustang in the Ford pavilion had the same funky clunky speedometer markings. Disappointing.
My new RV-8 has very precise handling, by comparison, and I’m well on the way to flying it as well as I used to fly the old RV-4. Part of the drill is to do wheel landings and keep the tail up in the air as long as possible, and part of the drill is to not overcorrect on the steering. That’s all coming back, and today’s flight was at a much lower anxiety level than past flights. Now to start getting the G-tolerance back, something that might take a while at age 64. But back to Oshkosh.