I had the opportunity to go to "Air Venture" today, better known as "Oshkosh." This was the first time I had been there since 1985. Wow, things have changed! It is definitely bigger, with lots of fixed buildings instead of tents for various displays. And of course, more airplanes, people, vendors, and all the other things that make it Oshkosh.Hawker Beechcraft flew about 12 of us up there in a Beech 1900, a 19 seat commuter airplane that we built several years ago that looks like a King Air on steroids. It was a one day trip, so after landing at Appleton and getting a ride down to Oshkosh, we had from 10:00 to 1:00 to see the sights. I was in turbo gear and managed to do the entire flight line, though I could not stop and dwell like I wanted to. I also made it through the 4 main hangars were the majority of the display booths were set up.
I have a lot of ideas for the Stinson and picked up about 10 pounds of literature. I also shot about 120 pictures. I have posted a picture of one of the nicer Stinsons I saw. I was surprised they were not parked together in a flock, but rather scattered throughout the other classics. I probably saw 10 total, which I thought was low. Maybe some were hiding and I missed them?
Anyway, there is nothing like wetting your appetite to make you want to go back for more. Kala was disappointed she did not get to go. We are talking about going up next year and camping out for a few days. Not sure if we will drive or fly. We won't have the Stinson done yet, so we'll see. She is definitely anxious to help fly 98K up there and camp under the wing. Enthusiasm like that needs to be supported!
