Dan K wrote:
Warbird Kid wrote:
Was at OSH for the first time from Saturday until Monday. Then had to come back home for work (as I didn't have that much time off). Now sitting here at my computer at work watching the EAA cams, its a bit surreal to think I was there only two days ago. Oh well. There is always next year. And I definitely would love to go back!
Chris, since you're an experienced airshow attendee, I (and I'm guessing others) would enjoy reading your first impressions about the experience! Did it somewhat meet your expectations? Over-hyped?
It was hard to know what to expect as I've known about this show since I was probably about 9 or 10, seen some videos, and always knew it was the "big show". And it wasn't until a few years ago did I finally start to actually plan to attend. Of course last year our flight was cancelled while sitting in JFK, so that was a major bummer. But I am glad to have made it this year. That being said, I think it was a really amazing event. I've never seen 20 Mustangs in one place, also 9 Corsairs, (though they haven't all been assembled yet in one place). It really is an amazing amount of warbirds (and aircraft of all shapes and sizes). I mean the sheer size of the event is amazing, and clearly they've been doing this for a long time. The infrastructure is really good. It was a little difficult with Saturday and Sunday before the event actually began as the tram system wasn't fully operational. Especially for the old man and his two cronies that made up our group of four this year. But they survived. We ended up walking about 15 miles across three days.
Walking the long lines of T-6s, T-34s, etc. parked on the grass was the closest I will probably get to the golden era of shows in Geneseo in the 80's and 90's. I really liked the vibe and energy of the show. I didn't feel like it was off limits and the ground crew / staff I encountered were very friendly and accommodating if you were walking into a space they needed cleared. Just the sheer amount of volunteer force, as well as the endless stream of aircraft is almost unfathomable and hard to believe that it isn't just all chaos.
I did make one suggestion to Chris Henry. Since the EAA side of the airport is clearly setup for the convention every year, they should consider building and installing a series of either in-ground or above ground pools for guests to be able to cool off in. It was hot for those three days, and I know we got lucky, as it can(and will) get ALOT hotter! One thing I would love to do is be able to cool off in a pool and watch planes fly there. That would be the ultimate for me. Or at the very least, maybe have misting stations strategically located throughout the grounds.
Would I go again next year? I would love to. This year we flew from White Plains to O'Hare and then from O'Hare to Appleton. Both times switching flights in Chicago were close calls and if I could find a flight directly (or near direct) would be better. Preferably Milwaukie.
I'd also love to go as an exhibitor with the CASC and be apart of the show. Maybe get Andy Kosh to bring back the No.21 Condor Whitehead replica he flew and exhibited at Oshkosh in 87. I'm sure they'll be plenty of people not happy with that idea!
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
