AMA at Oshkosh
AirVenture and KidVenture 2006

Oshkosh AirVenture's KidVenture hosts activities for youngsters all week.

     The Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture 2006 was held at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 24-30, 2006, and AMA had a presence at what is called the "World's Greatest Aviation Celebration."

     The Academy had a booth staffed by Programs Director Jay Mealy and Bob and Rae Underwood in Hangar A of the main exhibit area. Also in attendance were world-class aeromodelers Remi Beringer of France and Erik Olson of the US, who had just competed in the CL World Championships in Spain July 16-24. Remi won the F2B (CL Precision Aerobatics) title, and Erik placed third in the F2A (CL Speed) Junior class.

     KidVenture is a daily event at AirVenture in which kids can participate in dozens of aviation-related activities. A youngster could build a rubber-powered balsa airplane, a model rocket, or a kite, and craft a propeller and get the EAA logo burnt into it. The propellers made nice souvenirs on which to get celebrity signatures at the "Hero Stage," which featured famous full-scale pilots.

     The Northern Aces AMA air-show team was set up in the large KidVenture booth and displayed an RC model that was under construction. The team also gave park flyer demonstrations outdoors with support from Horizon Hobby.

     New this year was an opportunity to learn aircraft riveting and practice under the supervision of an experienced volunteer. This was successful, as evidenced by the long line. There was also a Piper J-3 Cub "link trainer," and NASA (The National Aeronautics and Space Administration) had an exhibit.

     At the outdoor CL area, 1,678 individuals got the opportunity to fly a SkyBaby aircraft under the guidance of an instructor, some of which were AMA members.

     More than 14 kids went home with complete RTF models, courtesy of Sig Manufacturing and Cox Models. Thanks to them for their support, and thanks especially to all the volunteers who truly make this happen.

     AMA and its partners look forward to even grander participation in KidVenture 2007.  MA

 —AMA HQ Staff
 

Kids at the AMA booth were welcome to use the Dave Brown RC flight simulator.

Dave Pinegar hovers the MRC/Hirobo XRB helicopter while AMA President Dave Brown observes.

Jim Krueger assists Kate Sassoross and son in the CL circle.

Becky Van Dee holds a Sig Mfg. prize donation, Carl Maroney churns the ticket basket, and Jim Krueger calls the winner.
 

L-R: Justin Van Dee, Remi Beringer, and Erik Olson

  
Make-and-take areas under the big tent were always active.

Return to main In The Air page