Oshkosh 2007:
AMAers, EAAers, and Others
 

KidVenture CL leader Jim Kreiger (third from right, kneeling) and his happy bunch of workers.

       Much of the year it's a huge, fairly open area punctuated with an interesting assortment of scattered buildings. But near the end of July it becomes a living, breathing city of airplanes, equipment of every description, and a continuous stream of humanity trudging the length and breadth of the site. It's AirVenture at the Experimental Aircraft Association's (EAA's) Wittman Field home in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

     In the minds of hundreds of thousands of individuals who make the trek to the event, the paramount goal is to see the aircraft. Those of us who man the booths and coordinate activities often have a somewhat different perspective; for us the greater interest becomes the people and their interaction with one another and the "things" around them.

     Parents with toddlers in strollers (often asleep) and seniors in electric carts head past the AMA booth in Hangar A. They pause, look at the display, and amble over. Often we greet them with the phrase, "Aha! A modeler!"

     Their responses generally follow one of three themes: "I was," "Yes, I am," or "I'm about to be." On occasion the individual will reply "No I'm not; I fly real ones."

     That statement and our friendly chiding, "Yes, so do we," as we point to the display, usually leads to an interesting and productive discussion about the similarities and differences between being in the aircraft and being a pilot with our feet on the ground.

     In most instances it is virtually impossible to distinguish between the AMAer, the EAAer, and even a member of the general public who is fascinated with aircraft. Sometimes a badge, a uniform, or even the assorted bags of "stuff" they carry will give them away.

     However, normally it's only the conversation recounting tales of their youth or yesterday's experiences that provide the ultimate identification. And the answer is typically that they are not singularly engaged, but rather partakers of multiple aviation cups. And where is the proof?

     Look at the accompanying pictures. The handsome gaggle of red-shirted KidVenture CL volunteers is a blend of AMA and EAA members, as well as others who enjoy helping acquaint others with flying.

"Hmmm! My propeller needs a little more work."
Many aviation crafts were available at KidVenture.

     And don't forget the Sig Manufacturing crew who provided models! The same is true in the building and tent areas, where rockets, propellers, and artwork were created.

     How about one of AMA's 2007 scholarship winners, who took time off from his volunteer job in the aircraft-repair facility to visit the AMA booth with his parents to say "Thank you"? And how about full-scale aerobatic pilot Matt Chapman, who stopped by a time or two to chat?

     Is that an AMA Air Show Team we see spending the week flying RC at the Pioneer Airport?

     Yes it is! One can't discount the many members of governmental aviation agencies, clubs, or chapters, or the many guests to the US from faraway lands who drop by to say hello. The parade contains scratch builders and fliers, models or full-scale warbird pilots, dreamers or wanna-bes.

     It seems to be about airplanes. But keep it to yourself; it's really about all the people who use the same catalyst to come together. MA
 

  
AMA 2007 scholarship winner Nathan Bush, along with his parents,                AMA's Northern Aces Air Show Team, with Horizon Hobby support, provided
dropped by to thank President Dave Brown. Nathan worked at the                  static and flying demonstrations.
event's maintenance facility doctoring sick aircraft.
 

—Bob Underwood
District VI

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