Scholler Shorts

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAITLIN PIETTE AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF

ERIC CRAIG FROM Fort Myers, Florida, is a member of EAA Chapter 6 and has been attending AirVenture for seven or eight years. Normally he flies in a Cessna 182 but decided to travel by motor home this year with his dog, Annie, who is attending for the second time and nothing short of a fly dog. “When she flies, she wears earplugs and earmuffs and has flown in 46 of the 50 states so far.” Eric’s favorites are experiencing the camaraderie with other pilots, acquiring knowledge, and seeing the many airplanes to possibly own someday.

Phil Scallan and Neil Bowden from South Africa led a gathering of travelers from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Hong Kong. Phil has attended AirVenture for 16 years and is in the process of restoring a Spitfire back home. Neil has attended AirVenture for 25 years and has restored and flies a Pietenpol Air Camper and a Sling 2 (“ZUOSH”). They both explained that “EAA, homebuilding, and restoring planes is a very big thing to do in South Africa.”

In 2003, the well-known camp area was created with the help of Bob Mackie, Troy Toelle, and Paul Poberezny. Former Boeing 747 Capt. Karl Jensen (“Radio Jensen”) gives a welcome speech before AirVenture. Some days they will have braai (barbecue) gatherings and cook boerewors (brats), with the help of director Ellen Shackleton. After AirVenture, sleeping bags are donated to a local homeless shelter. Phil and Neil said, “Thank you, EAA, for making us always feel welcome, for making it possible for EAA South Africans to attend the event.”

Booth 356