CHECK OUT THE TOPICS WE’LL BE COVERING IN OUR DAILY SEMINARS.
INSTALLATION BASICS – WIRING AND DATA BUSSES (M/W/F) INSTALLATION BASICS – BUILDING YOUR SYSTEM (T/TH/S)
INSTALLATION BASICS – DOCUMENTATION OVERVIEW (M/W/F) INSTALLATION BASICS – GFC™ 500X (T/TH/S)
INSTALLATION BASICS – OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW FOR PILOTS (M/W/F) INSTALLATION BASICS – DEMO FLIGHT SCENARIOS FOR PILOTS (T/TH/S)
GARMIN SEMINAR TENT 2
8 A.M.*
PILOT TRAINING: FLYING WITH THE GFC 500 AUTOPILOT (M/W/F)
USING VNAV WITH A GTN™ Xi NAVIGATOR AND GFC 500 AUTOPILOT (T/TH/S)
9 A.M.*
PILOT TRAINING: TRANSITIONING FROM GNX™ TO GTN Xi NAVIGATORS (M/W/F)
FLYING APPROACHES WITH A GTN Xi NAVIGATOR (T/TH/S)
10 A.M.*
GARMIN PILOT™ APP: GETTING STARTED – TIPS FOR BEGINNERS (M/W/F)
GARMIN PILOT APP: TIPS AND TRICKS FOR ADVANCED USERS (T/TH/S)
GLASS PANEL ON A BUDGET: TIPS FROM A GARMIN EXPERT
11 A.M.
SIMPLIFYING THE FLYING LIFE: PLANESYNC™ CONNECTED AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT
DIGITAL ENGINE MONITORING SOLUTIONS: PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT
12 P.M.
YOUR NEXT NAVIGATOR: EASY AVIONICS UPGRADES FROM THE GNS 430/530
GFC™ 500 AUTOPILOT: MODERNIZING YOUR LIGHT PISTON SINGLE
1 P.M.
GFC™ 600 AUTOPILOT: MODERNIZING YOUR TURBINE OR MULTI-ENGINE PISTON AIRCRAFT
BUILDING YOUR PLANE AND PANEL: G3X TOUCH AND EXPERIMENTAL AVIONICS
2 P.M.
G3X TOUCH VS. TXi™: CHOOSING A GARMIN FLIGHT DISPLAY
AFTER EARNING HIS pilot certificate, John Limbach, EAA 602992, took a 13-year “sabbatical” from flying. As happens to so many folks, life got in the way and flying fell by the wayside. With his kids now grown, it was time to get back at it. And what better way to do that than with a Breezy.
Painted in the classic blue, yellow, and white EAA colors, John’s Breezy is believed to be the second ever built and attended the EAA convention in Rockford, Illinois, in 1968. But when he purchased it in October 2021, it had seen better days.
“It was very dilapidated when I bought it,” John said. “It was totally not flyable. I bought it out in Idaho and trucked it back to northern Illinois. When we did, on the ride home, we were reading through the logbooks and stuff, trying to figure out its history. The previous owner had gotten dementia and wasn’t able to tell me anything about it. I was basically buying it on a wing and a prayer.”
John performed an extensive restoration on the airplane, spending about 10 months tearing it down and building it back up, as well as swapping out the original Lycoming O-290 for an O-235.
“I tore it all the way down, put a new motor on it, bead blasted it, inspected all the welds, made sure all the tubing was good,” he said. “And then powder coated it, re-covered the tail, and basically went through the entire plane. Any bolts I took out of it or nuts, [I] measured them, threw them away. … I wasn’t putting any used hardware back on it. Everything you see that’s on it is new.”
John’s passion for aviation comes from his grandfather, who restored seven Piper Cubs from the ground up. His relationship with his grandpa was his inspiration for the color scheme he went with.
“I chose the color pattern because of the classic EAA logo and the Young Eagles logo. Grandpa always wore his EAA hat and everything, and it’s just part of holding on a little bit.”
John anticipates giving a lot of rides in his Breezy, carrying on the legacy of longtime Breezy pilot Arnie Zimmerman, who gave countless rides over the years. In fact, he has a silhouette painted on the wingtip of Arnie waving from his Breezy.
“I nicknamed the plane the Memory Maker because everyone that gets on is going to remember it. Everyone that stepped on Arnie’s plane remembered it.”
The last time this particular airplane attended an EAA convention was that Rockford show back in ’68. John doesn’t anticipate it will be another 55-year gap between conventions.
“I anticipate that it’ll come back next year for the 60th anniversary of the Breezy. That’s already in the planning, to do a fly-in of as many Breezys as we can get going.”
PUBLISHER: Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO & Chairman of the Board VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLICATIONS, MARKETING, MEMBERSHIP, AND RETAIL/EDITOR IN CHIEF: Jim Busha
MANAGING EDITOR: Hal Bryan
SENIOR EDITOR: Sam Oleson
EDITORIAL STAFF: Robbie Culver, Emme Hornung, Abigail Oleniczak, Jim Roberts, Barb Schmitz
PHOTOGRAPHER: Kaitlin Piette
SENIOR COPY EDITOR: Colleen Walsh
COPY EDITOR: Jennifer Knaack
PUBLICATIONS INTERN: Jade Morris
PRINT PRODUCTION TEAM LEAD/GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Marie Rayome-Gill
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Lynn Balderrama, Brandon Wheeler
MULTI MEDIA JOURNALIST: Holly Chilsen
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR: Michael Sullivan
ADVERTISING MANAGER: Sue Anderson
“I chose the color pattern because of the classic EAA logo and the Young Eagles logo. Grandpa always wore his EAA hat and everything, and it’s just part of holding on a little bit.”John Limbach
BY BARBARA A. SCHMITZ AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF
TO MOST, SAFARI conjures up images of flying around Africa and looking down at amazing vistas and animals usually seen in zoos. But a group of Israeli and Dutch pilots had a very different view as they arrived at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh on Monday.
The group of 23 participants and seven flight instructors arrived in 10 airplanes as part of their Flying Safari around the United States.
Bill English, assistant chief instructor with Aviation Adventures, based in Manassas, Virginia, said the group rents airplanes and uses their instructors. The Israeli and Dutch pilots have different flying skills and experience, from sport pilot to airline and military pilots. Some have been to Oshkosh before; others not. Their instructors ensure everything is legal and safe.
“Planning here starts in January,” Bill said. “The group decides where to stop, and we just handle the logistics.”
This year’s route had them leaving Virginia, going to Dayton, Ohio, flying the Chicago skyline, and arriving in Oshkosh on Monday. The group will leave AirVenture on Thursday, continuing on to Mackinac Island, Niagara Falls, and the New York City/Hudson corridor before returning to Virginia.
“We’re not a mass arrival or formation,” Bill said. “We [are] just people trying to arrive in Oshkosh at the same time.”
Trip organizer Ben Zion Meir, a flight instructor from Israel, said the group has flown to Oshkosh eight times since 2006. Each time, he tries to give the pilots an adventure that shows them what is happening in the aviation market. In addition, no flight is longer than two hours, allowing everyone a chance to fly with controls.
“I look to give the group the best experience in terms of aviation … so they can see other aviation cultures that are different from what we have back home,” Ben said. “We are a small country that is very limited in general aviation. You fly one hour to the north and are at the border, and you fly two hours to the south and you are at the border. The quality of airports here, the service they provide, the fact that you have equal rights in the air … is something that is new to most of them.”
Leo Vanderveen, from Amsterdam, Netherlands, was new to the group and came to Oshkosh for the first time.
“It was on my bucket list for a long time,” Leo said. “I’ve heard about there being plenty of planes, and from what I’ve seen so far, that is an understatement. It’s crazy. ... There are more planes here on the premises than we have in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg combined.”
“There are more planes here on the premises than we have in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg combined.”
Leo VanderveenPHOTO BY KAITLIN PIETTE PHOTO BY KAITLIN PIETTE
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THE FIRST SPARK. The engagement. The wedding. How do these events relate to aviation? They involve a tired, old airplane that was soon to spread its wings again. This airplane would be the reason that an aircraft mechanic would soon become my best friend, my lifelong partner, my husband.
It was January 2016, and I was determined to participate in the Women’s Air Race Classic, but one big hurdle I had to jump was finding an airplane to race
with. I turned to my aviation mentor, Darrell Hillestad, for help. He introduced me to the world of flight and with his many years of general aviation experience, I knew he could find an airplane to race. When I inquired about an airplane to use, he offered his airplane. The airplane is a 1958 Cessna 175 Skylark named Now time was not in flying condition. In fact, she had not flown a solid eight years prior and was collecting dust in a South Dakota hangar. I was concerned about using an airplane that had not flown for so long. What would it take to get her airworthy again? Would she be put back together in time for the air race? Ester seemed to be the only option I had.
Darrell was willing to take on the challenge of bringing his airplane back to life, so I was willing to take the risk. It was the end of February, less than five months before the race, and the renovation began. Darrell, along with a few of his best friends, worked tirelessly day
and night throughout the cold South Dakota winter, breathing life back into Ester. She got a full makeover, including a new paint job, new interior, and a fresh-cut avionics panel. After eight years of sitting, Ester finally got to stretch her wings and take to the sky mid-May of 2016. Only just over a month away from the race. Whew, that was close! A few days before the race, I picked up my race partner, Jen Pinkowski, and we were off!
June 22, 2016. This was day two of the race and we were progressing across the route at a good pace. There were some very healthy tailwinds we were taking advantage of! We were about halfway through the day when suddenly we noticed our radios getting scratchy.
We looked at each other thinking that was weird. I happened to be flying at the time and noticed the electric turn coordinator was showing its little off flag. Not good! Our electrical system had failed. What are we going to do now? We eventually made it to the next stop which was Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Darrell was quick to ship a new generator and voltage regulator while the mechanic, Austen Kiser, repaired the airplane.
Now, you may think airplane’s fixed, ladies finish race, go home, life goes on, right? Well, that wasn’t exactly the case for me. Austen and I kept in touch after he got Ester all fixed up. Our connection grew deeper every day, and a short year later we started dating. I ended up moving down to Huntsville, Alabama, for an aerial survey job and to be closer to Austen. About a year and a half later, Austen bought a house in Woodbury, Tennessee, and asked if I would like to join him, and I gratefully accepted.
Ever since we had been together, I always brought up that it would be so cool to have Ester come back to visit Tennessee. Little did I know he had a trick up his sleeve. It was the spring of 2020, and Austen mentioned coordinating a fly-in at Cedar Glade Aerodrome. I thought it would be wonderful to have a little gettogether and that it would be even better if Darrell brought Ester to check out the place! We had about eight airplanes show up to the fly-in, including Ester !
As we were all hanging out, having a good time checking out airplanes and grilling out, one of our friends, Michael, asked if Austen and I wanted a picture by Ester. As we walked over to the airplane, I noticed that everyone seemed to be gathering around while Michael was getting ready to take our picture. I thought, this is weird. People don’t need to stop what they are doing and watch our picture get taken in front of an airplane.
I thought, this is weird. People don’t need to stop what they are doing and watch our picture get taken in front of an airplane.Courtney (Schlosser) Kiser (left) and Jen Pinkowski (right) before departing Aberdeen, South Dakota, to Prescott, Arizona, to start the race in June 2016. June 24, 2016. A snapshot in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, before continuing the race. Left to right: Austen Kiser, Courtney (Schlosser) Kiser, Jen Pinkowski, Jim Gardner. PHOTO BY DARRELL HILLESTAD PHOTO BY JERRY SWICK
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May 30, 2020. My life was about to change forever. Austen got down on one knee and asked if I would spend the rest of my life with him. How clever is that to tie in an engagement with a fly-in and also in front of the airplane where we met? It was so sneaky and perfect! I excitedly accepted!
A quick year and a half later, Austen and I are getting the last few details together for our wedding. The final detail was waiting for us up in South Dakota. It was a 1958 Cessna 175 Skylark. Ester started the initial spark and sealed the engagement, so it was only natural that she brings us together as one. Our best man, Tanner Quigley, and I picked her up from South Dakota and flew her to her new home, Cedar Glade Aerodrome.
Ester started the initial spark and sealed the engagement, so it was only natural that she brings us together as one.
October 2, 2021. Ester stood proud in the background as I walked down the aisle to join Austen in holy matrimony. Ester is now under our care and enjoying her new life in middle Tennessee. What are the odds that she ended up breaking down when she did? We always said she broke in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, for a reason. That reason was love.
BY JADE MORRIS AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF
JIM IRWIN, CEO of Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co., has had a life full of aviation. Aircraft Spruce has been an essential supporter of EAA, and Jim has helped develop and sustain that relationship. Because of that, he is being awarded the 2023 Freedom of Flight Award, which is bestowed annually to recognize contributions to aviation that closely
mirror the integrity, entrepreneurship, and innovativeness of EAA members.
Jim’s parents, Flo and Bob Irwin, founded Aircraft Spruce Co. in 1965, selling only aircraft-grade spruce. Over the years, the company grew its product catalog, as well as its employees and locations, adding facilities in Georgia
and Canada in addition to its original location in California.
After growing up and working in the family business, Jim Irwin, EAA Lifetime 209874, acquired the company and became president in 1980.
“When they started the business in 1965, I was 10 years old, and it was in our family home; I grew up around it,” Jim
“EAA has been a big part of our success over the years; their members have made our company what it is today.”
— Jim Irwinsaid. “It was a very small business and interesting to me because it was in aviation, and it was a natural progression that I grew up in the business and had the opportunity to continue it. When we took it over, it was around 25 employees in one location, and now it is over 300 employees in nine locations, so it has come a long way, and [it’s] great to be a part of the journey.”
Jim is also an active multiengineand instrument-rated pilot with more than 5,000 hours. Throughout his time as president of Aircraft Spruce, he has nurtured the company’s relationship with EAA, and has great memories of and respect for the Pobereznys, as well as current CEO/Chairman Jack J. Pelton.
“EAA has been a big part of our success over the years; their members have made our company what it is today,” Jim said. “Through the years, as we have grown, we have tried to be as involved as we could in different programs they have, like Young Eagles and BuildAPlane, and tried to support EAA’s efforts in the way their members have supported us. It has been a great relationship that we want to continue to grow and help the organization in any way we can.”
BY JADE MORRIS AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF
THE VETTE THEATER, located in the EAA Aviation Museum, and an airport hangar named “John L. Vette Jr., Proprietor” are small insights into the Vette family who has, over the years, significantly contributed to EAA. John Vette, CEO of SNC Manufacturing, is a big supporter of AirVenture and the values EAA holds, and for this he is being recognized with EAA’s 2023 Chairman’s Award, which acknowledges members whose participation and contributions represent the essence of EAA.
John’s dad, a Navy aviator who was on active duty during Pearl Harbor, was the reason for John’s interest in aviation. After the war ended, John’s father became a businessman in Illinois, buying the assets of Swain
Nelson Co. (SNC), which now is a manufacturer and marketer of electrical transformers, utility products, and information and communication products. After John’s dad bought the company and knew it would be successful, he moved it to Oshkosh, where he owned a farm and land.
John attained his pilot certificate during sophomore year of college. After graduation, he spent two years in the service and then went to graduate school and right into the workforce. John got a job with Morton Salt and did some research in Puerto Rico, and then later sold power tools for Black & Decker throughout Central America. John, his wife, and his daughter then moved to El Salvador. He ordered his first airplane while there, a Cessna 180, to travel around Central America with his family.
Around 1968, John’s father was experiencing health problems and told him, “John, if you want to come home for business, come now; otherwise, I am going to sell it.”
So, with that, John decided to go home to Oshkosh and take over the business. He has been the CEO since then, and during his tenure, the business grew from one location to three, adding locations in Mexico and China. John continued flying and added instrument, multiengine, and seaplane ratings to his commercial pilot certificate.
As his aviation interest and knowledge grew, John also became involved with the EAA Seaplane Base, which started in 1940 when two local aviators, also employees of the family company, created a seaplane base on some of SNC’s property. Little did they know they were making history, because that is the seaplane base EAA actively uses for AirVenture year after year.
“I have to help support AirVenture with the EAA Seaplane Base. This piece of property my sister and I
CHAIRMAN’S AWARD / PAGE 16
inherited. And I manage this for us, and there is another piece of property that she manages,” John said. “And so I like aviation, and EAA represents aviation through planet Earth. I am in EAA by family, by personal practice, and in culture.”
John finds joy in being at AirVenture and has made many connections over the years. He loves the people it brings into his life and thinks of it as a social event. He fully immerses himself, and it brings him closer to his family. During AirVenture, John takes time off so he
can be with his relatives who come in for the week and to do tours for people who want to see more of AirVenture.
“And so AirVenture is a cultural experience for me because of our friends, other people interested in aviation, and of course the sea base,” John said. “And one of the earlier chairmen was a neighbor kid, and he was interested in boating and aviation, and he became chairman of the sea base, so I have always been connected with the people.”
OSHKOSH MOMENTS
BY EMME HORNUNG AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF
THIS YEAR AT EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, we are remembering those who served in the Vietnam War, 50 years after the official withdrawal of American troops. Gary Bipes, EAA 97654, was a Vietnam combat photographer whose service will preserve a lesser-seen side of history for generations to come.
Gary, with much help from his daughter Julie Kay, created the photobook Angle of View that intimately details the highs and lows of his Vietnam experience through his own words and photos. He provides readers his point of view of being drafted into the Army, living amongst Vietnamese villagers, the perils of combat, and his eventual return to American soil.
“I want to show people in the United States that there were real people living there in the village; it was not all
combat,” Gary shared. “My book shows pictures of the people really living. And I lived with the people. It’s important to me to show veterans that they can share their life and say, ‘This is what Vietnam was really like.’”
Gary is here at AirVenture volunteering for his 21st year, this time in the Pitts Room assisting with on-site transportation. He encourages anyone interested in learning more about his story to contact him at 612-816-8383 or garybipes@hotmail.com.
“I want to show people in the United States that there were real people living there in the village; it was not all combat.”
OSHKOSH MEMORIES
GRAYLING PETERSON STARTED creating scrapbooks highlighting the yearly EAA convention and fly-in the same year EAA debuted its daily newspaper on the grounds. Nearly 30 years later, those scrapbooks are being donated to EAA archives.
The first scrapbook Grayling created in 1994 is filled with newspaper coverage from EAA Today, then published for EAA by General Aviation News, as well as local newspaper articles. It includes a column by then EAA President Tom Poberezny, who wrote: “I have long wanted to see a daily newspaper that could communicate the whole story of the convention.”
The rest of Grayling’s scrapbooks are filled with AirVenture Today clippings of articles and photos and include interviews with aviation notables like Neil Armstrong, Bob Hoover, Burt Rutan, Chuck Yeager, and Yves “Jetman” Rossy. There are news stories, such as the start of the wristbands that replaced the ticket-on-a-string flightline pass in 1994, and coverage of the International Visitors Tent and parade, the Young Eagles program, the seaplane base, warbirds, volunteers, and surprisingly, at
least to me, a photo of a boy holding up his Popsicle Sopwith near a flying replica on the grounds who just happens to be this writer’s son, now 28.
Grayling, of Sandstone, Minnesota, has volunteered for 37 years at the lost and found and information booth, including for about 30 years as vice chairman. He said he started creating the scrapbooks “just to keep the memories.”
The books take up the entire top shelf of his closet. “The shelf is starting to sink because of all the weight,” he said.
But after suffering two heart attacks last July just before AirVenture, Grayling started questioning what would happen to his collection once he was gone. His daughter, Amanda, who had helped create some of the books when she was young, said she wasn’t interested, and nor were his siblings. So he brought some of the books along this year and asked EAA if they were would like them. The answer was a resounding yes.
(Coincidentally, Grayling was already in Wisconsin when he had his heart attacks, and was treated in Oshkosh. He managed to be at
AirVenture for the entire convention, before going home to start his cardiac rehab and create a 2022 scrapbook.)
Grayling isn’t a pilot, but once was close to it. “I had an Aeronca Chief and had one hour to go before I could solo,” he said. But he was playing in a band in West Palm Beach, Florida, and ran short of money, so he was forced to sell his airplane.
“Now I just get my fill of aviation at AirVenture,” he said.
Victor Briones, a friend and volunteer from the International Visitors Tent, plans to put all the scrapbooks on CDs for Grayling so he can still look back at the memories once he donates the physical books. And for as long as he is able to come back, Grayling plans to continue scrapbooking AirVenture highlights.
“As long as EAA wants them, I’ll keep creating the books.”
AROUND THE GROUNDS
For those looking for something new at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, there is a hidden gem called Camp CubCrafters just 15 minutes away. It’s located at Gallinger
Airport (51WI) on the north side of Oshkosh, just at the edge of the Class Delta airspace. A shuttle is available to and from Wittman Regional Airport for those who need it.
Camp CubCrafters is hosted Monday through Friday during AirVenture and starts after the exhibit on the show grounds closes, and usually ramps up about 5:30 to 6 p.m. CubCrafters demo rides are a big part of the experience, and pilots can sign up for a flight at the booth located at 272/273/274 next to the Rotax booth behind Hangar A, or on-site at Camp CubCrafters. The airport’s address is 3485 Vinland St. in Oshkosh, and is easily found by the large CubCrafters banners waving at the entrance. Hickory Oaks campground adjoins the airport.
Demi Bamber, marketing coordinator for CubCrafters, said the event has its
roots in the company’s displays at AirVenture from around 2008. Since that time, the camp has grown “because we brought our backcountry energy over here.” There is dinner, camaraderie, and a “lot more freedom” being located outside the Oshkosh airspace. Being able to offer demo flights is a huge part of the experience.
The event is open to customers and anyone interested in the aircraft. Bamber describes the demo flights as “the full sensory experience” that transcends any conversation about the flights. “A lot of people who are familiar with the stories of Cubs and what it is like to be in them don’t really understand” what a Carbon Cub is capable of. “It opens their mind up to all the things this airplane really can do.”
“A big part of this is, we want to give people that sensory experience.” The
company’s dealers are a huge part of Camp CubCrafters, as they provide the demo rides. Word of mouth is a huge selling point for the aircraft. Having the demo rides off-site offers a “lot more one-onone time” to talk about the aircraft.
CubCrafters invites anyone interested to stop by and “eat a meal, enjoy the breeze, and watch the sunset.” For more information, visit CubCrafters.com.
CubCrafters invites anyone interested to stop by and “eat a meal, enjoy the breeze, and watch the sunset.”
BY SAM OLESON AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF
SEVENTY YEARS AGO, on January 26, 1953, EAA was officially founded. That first meeting took place in a classroom at Gran-Aire Inc. at Curtiss-Wright Airport (now Timmerman field) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with 36 pilots and aviation enthusiasts in attendance. Over the past seven decades, EAA headquarters have moved a few times and the annual members convention and fly-in has shifted around, but one thing has remained the same — the organization’s dedication to spreading The Spirit of Aviation. As we celebrate EAA’s platinum anniversary at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023, each day we’ll share highlights from a different decade of our history.
1980: The B-17G Flying Fortress later christened Aluminum Overcast is donated to the EAA Aviation Foundation.
1981: Construction on the new EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh begins.
August 1983: Construction on the new EAA Aviation Center is completed. The 100,000-square foot facility includes headquarters for both EAA and the EAA Aviation Foundation, as well as the EAA Aviation Museum.
January 1984: Air Academy is established as an education camp for young people ages 15-17, though the program would expand to include younger age brackets as well.
August 1984: Voyager, the aircraft that would be the first to circumnavigate the globe nonstop without refueling, visits EAA Oshkosh. Voyager would return to Oshkosh in 1986 on its way to permanent display in the Smithsonian.
July 1985: A British Airways Concorde visits EAA Oshkosh, the first appearance of the supersonic passenger jet in the Midwest, and further establishes EAA’s fly-in convention as a worldwide attraction. Concorde would return to Oshkosh in 1988, 1990, 1994, and 1998.
1986: Pioneer Airport, directly behind the EAA Aviation Center, is built to showcase EAA’s antique aircraft collection.
July 1988: A U.S. Air Force B-1 bomber attends EAA Oshkosh for the first time.
April 1989: EAA founder Paul Poberezny resigns as EAA president after 37 years. Paul is later elected chairman of the board, and son Tom is elected by EAA members as president.
July 1989: The Eagle Hangar, a 44,000-square-foot addition to the EAA Aviation Museum, opens. Originally dedicated to honor World War II veterans and aircraft, the hangar now has aircraft from not only WWII, but also World War I, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Also during EAA Oshkosh, a Soviet An-124 attends as the Cold War begins to thaw, and the world’s fastest airplane, the SR-71 Blackbird, visits as well.
THIS YEAR AT EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023, we’re commemorating the 50th anniversary of the official end of U.S. military involvement in Vietnam — honoring the remarkable aircraft of the era, the nearly 60,000 American troops who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war, and the thousands of Vietnam veterans who served their country valiantly in Southeast Asia.
We’re expecting to have a strong presence of Vietnam War-era aircraft at AirVenture Oshkosh this summer to honor those who fought in the jungles
of Vietnam half a century ago. While many of the most-famous aircraft from Vietnam have only one or two flying examples left (if any at all), we anticipate a number of the following aircraft, either still serving on active duty or in private hands as warbirds, will potentially make an appearance at AirVenture. Note: Not all of these aircraft will attend Oshkosh this year, nor at the time of this writing do we know definitively which ones will be attending, so keep your eyes open as you wander the grounds.
INTRODUCED JUST AFTER the start of the conflict in 1966, the OH-6 Cayuse, commonly known as the Loach, was operated by the U.S. Army as a light observation helicopter in Southeast Asia. The Loach would often work in teams with other rotorcraft. It would fly slow and attempt to spot hostile ground targets, and if any opened fire, another member of its team — often an AH-1 Cobra — would then strike at the revealed enemy.
THE MILITARY VERSION of Cessna’s 337 Skymaster, the O-2 was introduced a couple years after the start of the Vietnam War, in 1967. Designed to replace the O-1, the twin-engine O-2 (with a push-pull configuration) was operated by the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam for forward air control and psychological operations. Following the war, both the U.S. Navy and Army operated the O-2 before the type was finally retired in 2010.
DEVELOPED AS A counterinsurgency combat aircraft, the OV-10 entered service in 1969 and was operated by the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Sporting twin-turboprop engines, the Bronco was used for observation, forward air control, and light attack purposes during the conflict.
ORIGINALLY A TRAINER developed just after World War II, the T-28 was used during the Vietnam War by the Republic of Vietnam Air Force as a counterinsurgency aircraft. With nearly 2,000 Trojans built in the 1950s, it lives on today as a popular warbird and air show performer.
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBBIE CULVER AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF
AVIATORS LOOKING FOR budget-friendly flying head to the Ultralights area each year at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. On display this year at Booth 952 just west of the Ultralight Barn is Tbird Aircraft. Owner Matt Shubat purchased the company about two years ago and spent a year getting the aircraft back into production. The kit has been around since 1981 as an FAA Part 103 legal ultralight. Matt describes the aircraft as “budget-friendly flying.”
The company is based at Berlin Field LLC Airport (31WN) in Berlin, Wisconsin.
This year, they are displaying single-place, two-place, and TU models. The TU is a three-axis control aircraft that was originally weight-shift, and now features spoilerons. Matt wants aviators to know the kit is back in production and parts are available.
Since the kit first came out in 1981, there have been over 3,000 sold, with about 1,500 flying. As part of the rerelease of the kit, upgrades have been made. The kit is essentially the same, but most nonstructural plastic parts are 3D-printed in-house, including the iPad mount on display.
If you are looking for some fun flying, head on down to the Ultralights area and stop by Tbird! You can also visit TbirdAircraft.com.
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY KAITLIN PIETTE AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF
DAVE AND WANDA CLARK live in the suburbs of Indianapolis and have been attending EAA conventions since 1969, when it was still based in Rockford, Illinois, and out of all those years, only missed three or four. They both volunteer for EAA, with Dave having 40 years and Wanda clocking in about 30 years volunteering.
In the beginning, Dave flew in with his Aeronca Chief and camped in a tent with his friend under the wing of the airplane, while Wanda stayed home taking care of the kids. For 16 years, Dave taught aviation maintenance at Vincennes University in Indiana, and being friends with Paul Poberezny, one year gave his students the experience of practicing what they were learning by helping to build a wing rib for Paul’s airplane, the Baby Ace. Dave had all the students sign their name on the wing, which are still there to this day, and claimed that after being given the wing for his airplane, Paul kissed the wing, smiled, and thanked Dave.
Dave has been involved in the Vintage area since it opened, and many of the changes that have helped Vintage
be what it is today are because of him. In 45 years, Dave went from judge to chief of judges, to board director for 20 years, and finally, vice president of Vintage. During this time, he was able to create the type club forum and youth activities where kids learn to use tools. He is now a Vintage board member emeritus.
Dave and Wanda mentioned that when they were trying to find a name for Vintage, the original name was Tall Pines because of the area’s trees. Even though they moved to the area it’s in now and called it Vintage, the Tall Pines Café, chaired by Steve Nesse, keeps the past alive.
Dave and Wanda celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary 15 years ago in this area, where they offered French toast, which has since been a big seller for the café, along with the original breakfast staple, pancakes. In July, they celebrated their 65th anniversary here at EAA. When asked their favorite part about being at EAA all these years, the answer was simple, quoting Paul Poberezny, “The airplanes are great, but the most important part is the people.”
THERE HAS BEEN a significant presence of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) leadership joining us at AirVenture this week to engage in discussions on aviation policy and the future of the industry. AirVenture remains an invaluable platform to showcase the immense scope and strength of the global general aviation community while providing an opportunity for the FAA to interface with industry leaders. For 70 years, EAA has been a steadfast supporter of
general aviation, working closely with regulatory bodies and advocating passionately for the industry.
Throughout the week, senior representatives from the FAA and EAA have been engaging in productive meetings to advance our work on various initiatives and topics pertinent to the GA community. Our collective efforts are aimed at ensuring the continued well-being of general aviation within the United States and worldwide.
While a significant amount of work with FAA representatives is happening behind the scenes, AirVenture is also a great opportunity for the public to directly hear from and interact with senior FAA officials. This year, FAA leadership will be joining EAA’s government advocacy team at Theater in the Woods to celebrate recent EAA and FAA accomplishments and provide updates on issues that are of interest to the GA community. Additionally, the FAA will be presenting its annual General Aviation Awards at this time.
Today’s General Aviation Discussion Forum will include panelists from the FAA, including Katie Thomson, FAA deputy administrator; Shannetta Griffin, associate administrator for Airports; Tim Arel, chief operating officer of the Air Traffic Organization; Paul Fontaine, acting assistant administrator for NextGen; and David Boulter, acting associate administrator for Aviation Safety. EAA panelists will include Sean Elliott, vice president of advocacy and safety, and Rob Hackman, vice president of government affairs.
Please join us at Theater in the Woods at 11:30 a.m. as we give a warm welcome to our panelists and GA award winners!
The award is named for the late Dr. August “Gus” Raspet, a professor at Mississippi State University and avid light aircraft enthusiast. Raspet was instrumental in elevating the aeronautical engineering program at Mississippi A&M College, as it was originally known, into one of the nation’s preeminent aerophysics research centers. The Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville, Mississippi — a tribute to all of his efforts — was completed in 1962.
As the first private aircraft producer in the Balkans area, Boscarol has been actively involved in setting the standards for microlights since the early 1980s. Under his leadership, Pipistrel has garnered multiple awards and the company’s aircraft have set and still hold multiple world records. He is recognized as an entrepreneur both in Slovenia and around the world, and he was awarded “most trusted businessman” in Slovenia nine years in a row. He’s been honored by the FAI and was awarded the Golden Order from the president of the Republic of Slovenia.
Boscarol has dedicated his life to making aviation affordable and environmentally friendly, and he has established Pipistrel as a leader in the design and
production of electric aircraft. The company’s Alpha Electro was the first production electric trainer when it was introduced in 2014, and two years later, the company co-developed the first four-seat hybrid propulsion aircraft powered by hydrogen fuel cells.
In 2022 Boscarol sold the major share of Pipistrel Group companies to Textron, where he continues his vision of emission-free aviation under his role as president emeritus. Under Textron’s ownership, a Pipistrel Velis Electro was donated to EAA to be auctioned tonight during The Gathering, EAA’s largest annual fundraiser.
Visit
Booth 3087-3088
PHOTO COURTESY OF IVO BOSCAROL
Aircraft manufacturers worldwide have come to rely on products from Aircraft Wheel & Brake by Kaman.
MORE THAN 300 young people have reached their dream of earning their pilot certificate with support from the EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship program.
The scholarship program is funded by the Ray Foundation, managed by EAA, and administered through the EAA chapter network. Through the program, EAA is able to provide deserving youths up to $11,000 to help cover flight training expenses. EAA is receiving $1.8 million from the Ray Foundation for 2023.
“The cost of flight training can be a barrier for many aspiring pilots, so EAA working with the Ray Foundation helps break down the barrier and make the goal
of becoming a pilot even more attainable for future generations,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of commu nities and member programming.
“We’ve found that more than 80 percent of Ray Aviation scholars are completing their pilot training, which is the complete opposite ratio of those who would start flight training on their own, so this program’s outcomes are having a direct, significant effect on the pilot population.”
There are EAA chapter and scholar eligibility requirements for the Ray Aviation Scholarship that indicate a commitment to success. Once a chapter is approved for the program, it nominates the chosen scholar
for EAA’s final review. Many chapters are granted the full $11,000 for their selected scholar, but some chapters have committed 25 percent of the award to secure their slot in the program. All EAA and divisional chapters in the United States and Canada are eligible for a grant up to $11,000.
The Lightspeed Aviation Foundation and EAA award a Zulu 3 headset to each
Boeing supports general aviation service providers—like FBOs/overhaul facilities, aircraft OEMs and flight schools—by supplying the products they need to keep their customers flying. Wherever. Whenever.
For nearly a century, Boeing has been the preferred source for parts, supplies and chemicals from more than 450 of the industry’s leading manufacturers.
Stop by the Boeing Pavilion or visit shop.boeing.com to learn more.
scholar after they complete solo flight or, if they soloed pre-scholarship, after passing the written exam. This is meant to recognize and incentivize the scholar as they progress and ultimately complete flight training.
More information on the EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship program can be found at EAA.org/RayScholarship.
H H H H PLATINUM LEVEL SPONSORS H H H H
H H H H GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS H H H H
DeltaHawk Engines H Epic Aircraft H HondaJet H Honeywell BendixKing H Lightspeed Aviation H
Lycoming H Mars Wrigley H PenFed H Phillips 66 H Redbird Flight
H H H H SILVER LEVEL SPONSORS H H H H
AeroShell H Airbus H Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) H Aspen Avionics H Cirrus Aircraft H Collins Aerospace H
Dynon H Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University H Icom America H John Deere H Piper Aircraft, Inc. H Pratt & Whitney H Wipaire
H H H H BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORS H H H H
Air Wisconsin Airlines H Aircraft Specialties Services H American Airlines H ASA (Aviation Supplies & Academics) H
Blackhawk Aerospace H Bose Aviation H Cleveland Wheels & Brakes H Continental Aerospace Technologies H Covington Aircraft H
CubCrafters, Inc. H Delta Air Lines H Electroair Acquisition Corporation H Flight Outfitters H GE Aerospace H Gulf Coast Avionics / Pacific Coast Avionics H Hartzell Engine Tech H Hartzell Propeller H Horizon Hobby H Jani-King H JP Instruments H Lincoln Electric H McFarlane
Aviation Products H NATCA H Pepsi H Piedmont Airlines H Pilatus Business Aircraft H Poly Fiber, Inc H PowerLift Hydraulic Doors H Red Box Tools and Foam / Priceless Tugs H Rotax Independent Service and Training Centres H Siemens Digital Industry Software H Southwest Airlines H Superflite H Superior Air Parts, Inc. H SureFly Partners H Tempest Aero Group H True Blue Power H United Airlines H Van’s Aircraft H WACO Aircraft Corporation H Williams International H Women in Aviation International (WAI) H Zenith Aircraft
H H H H PATRON LEVEL SPONSORS H H H H
B & C Specialty Products Inc. H Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company H
SOFTIE PARACHUTES by Para-Phernalia, Inc. H Starr Aviation H U.S. Air Force H uAvionix
H H H H SUPPORTER LEVEL SPONSORS H H H H
4imprint H Arena Americas H Crewchief Systems H DATC H Endeavor Air H EnerSys ® H FliteTest H General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) H GES H Global Aerospace H Green Bay Austin Straubel Int. Airport H Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation H
Honda Power Equipment H JSFirm.com H Scheme Designers, Inc H Sherwin-Williams Aerospace H UND Aerospace H Walkabout Hats H WILCO H Wing Aviation H Wisconsin Imaging, LLC
EAA would like to thank its sponsors for their support in making your convention specialEDUCATION & OUTREACH
FOR THE PAST 20 years, a volunteer team of women representing many walks life have come together to share their talents and time in an effort to provide high school girls with an experience that will motivate and inspire them to reach their full potential. Originally called Women Soar You Soar, EAA’s GirlVenture Camp was only two days long, which included a dinner and series of forums highlighting the aviation careers of the presenters. Now, the four-day event, July 23-26 this year, included hands-on workshops, tours of the AirVenture grounds, and exclusive speakers. “Our goal is to
50 YEARS
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Aircraft
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introduce young women to a variety of careers in aviation from piloting to avionics and fabrication,” EAA Educator Courtney Condon said. “Aviation holds a wide range of opportunities, and we try to expose our campers to as many as possible.”
GirlVenture first started encouraging young women in 2004 with the hope of increasing the number of women in aviation careers, which is currently less than 20 percent in the United States. This year, GirlVenture hosted more than 100 girls from 26 states. Along with the campers, GirlVenture also invites successful
women in the aviation and aeronautical science fields to mentor the young women. These mentors represent a wide range of aviation careers, including airline pilots, air traffic controllers, engineers, military pilots, and a variety of other professional and recreational aviation outlets.
“Since I’ve been a part of [GirlVenture], I’ve tried to get mentors who are diverse in their professions or their experiences,” said Debby Rihn-Harvey who’s worked with GirlVenture since 2006 and is now chairwoman of the annual camp event. “We try to match each camper with a mentor in a profession that interests them. That way they can ask questions and find a clear path to their goals.”
Through the support of HondaJet, the U.S. Air Force, and Airbus, GirlVenture strives to provide these young women with experiences that spark an interest in aviation and provide resources to keep them engaged. One parent stated, “[My daughter] had the opportunity to go to Houston and visit NASA with a friend, but she would have missed camp. Yet she chose GirlVenture, as she loved all of it and learned so much. That says you’re doing something that makes a big impact.”
High Aviation Gallery
Flight Systems, Inc.
Mach Wilco, LLC H AirFleet Capital, Inc. Cessna Flyer Association & Piper Flyer Association
Aloft Aviation Headsets H McFarlane Aviation LLC
- National Transportation Safety Board Rainbow Aviation Services H SteinAir, Inc
Western Aircraft and Summit Aviation Mfg
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A.E.D. Metal Products & Supplies
Air Wisconsin Airlines LLC
Atlantic Radio Telephone/SatPhoneStore
Auburn University Aviation Auto PSRU’s LLC
Avilution, LLC H EarthX Lithium Batteries
Electric Pedals Inc H Flying Legend USA Inc
GoJet Airlines H LeTourneau University
MTS Aviation Models
Oshkosh Airport Products
Powrachute, LLC H Republic Airways
Round Engine Aero
Tosten MFG H U.S. Jaclean, Inc
World Famous Sunglasses/Andrew Constant
H Frontier Airlines H Frontier Precision H Garden City Aviation, LLC H Golf Aero Flight Training Center Grant Aviation, Inc H GrillGrate/Ecto Lifestyle H Hastings Air Energy Control Inc H High Tech Technology
Homestead Timber Frames H IAero Airways H IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) H Infinity Flight Group
International Homes of Cedar H International Society of Women Airline Pilots H Ion Space Expeditions LLC H Justrite Safety Group
Ken McConnaughhay dba USAeroSports H Kilo Charlie Aviation H Lab One, Inc. H Latinas in Aviation H L’BRI H Lippert
Lundeen Sculptures, Ltd. H LX Navigation H Maule Air, Inc. H Mohawk Lifts LLC. H Myers Aviation LLC H National Aviation Academy
National Nuclear Security Administration-NNSA H NEO Aeronautics H Neoteric Hovercraft, Inc. H Neptune Aviation Services
NetJets Inc H New England Aero Services, Inc. H NOAA/Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) Program
Noble Flight Simulation H Northern Lights Paramotor, LLC. H Olympus Machinery Group H Operation Backpack4Kids H Owyhee Aviation LLC
PaperPie H Pecan Plantation H Pilot
Thursday, July 27
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
• Easy to Fly, Hard to Fly Well - The Tailwheel
• Brave Hearts and Chicken Hearts
• Look Up! Clouds Tell a Story
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
• ATC and You: Taking Your Flying to the Next Level
• It’s Hard to Say Goodbye: How to Safely Depart Under IFR
• A Piper Cub Adventure
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• The Art of Negotiating with ATC
• Airspace 101: Rules of the Sky
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Personal WX Minimums
• Critical Thinking
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• ATC and You: Working Together Through Real-Life Scenarios
• Airline Procedures for the GA Pilot: Pro-Level Flying for The GA Pilot
• Glider Concepts for Powered Pilots
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Easily Remembering Emergency Procedures
• General Aviation Tips from a Military CFI
• Higher and Faster: High Performance and Complex
Presented by:
EVERY YEAR, MORE than 10,000 aircraft fly to Wisconsin for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Of those, nearly 3,000 are showplanes — vintage aircraft, warbirds, homebuilts, aerobatic airplanes, etc. — that are displayed around the grounds. But some visitors may notice other airplanes parked here and there that didn’t fly in at all, because they’re part of the
EAA Aviation Museum collection. Because our museum exhibits rotate, many of these aircraft are only viewable by the public during AirVenture, spending the rest of the year in long-term storage on the convention grounds. Each day, we’ll highlight one of these airplanes that you’ll see as you wander the neighborhoods of AirVenture.
AIRCRAFT: RUTAN MODEL 72 GRIZZLY
The Grizzly is a one-of-a-kind aircraft designed by Burt Rutan. First flown in 1982, Rutan used the four-seat Grizzly for short takeoff and landing (STOL) research. Sporting a large canard, which, like the main wing, has large Fowler flaps, and slender spring gear, the distinctive airplane is unmistakably Rutan.
SEAN WHITE WORKS for Jet Access and has been in his position for two years. He has attended AirVenture 14 years since 2009, sleeping under the wings of airplanes most of those years until about 2016 or 2017. He flies single-engine airplanes from Cessna to Cirrus. Now he camps at Camp Scholler, with 24 sites between himself, his coworkers, Jet Access customers, and AOPA workers. The best thing about EAA for him is when he gets to again see old friends and catch up. In his own words, “We get to see all our friends in one place.”
This is Bob Eubanks from Cincinnati, Ohio, and it’s his first time attending EAA AirVenture Oshkosh! Bob has worked for a company building AirCams for six years. One day he was talking with his coworkers and they mentioned EAA, and that is how he learned AirVenture Oshkosh was a thing. Arriving this past Thursday and staying until Friday, he was able to connect with an old friend, Kevin West, who had served with him in the Army from 1984 to 1990. During AirVenture, Bob is excited to see all the airplanes, visit the AirCam exhibit, and watch the airplanes fly while meeting people at EAA.
BY ROBBIE CULVER AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF
PROJECT FIRST FLIGHT is intended to fulfill the dream of flying for those who may not achieve it otherwise. By providing a towed flight under very controlled conditions, those who may not be able to fly using more traditional methods are able to experience true flight — low and slow — safely and legally.
Designer Lee Fisher clearly did not like focusing on his own work — instead he wanted to talk about the mission and the team.
The mission of Skonkwerks is to inspire, educate, mentor, and enable youths, special needs, and adults to achieve the dream of flight in a solo towed glider flight. To achieve these ends through the development of a legal, safe, slow, tow-only aerial vehicle system.
Fisher says he was inspired by low and slow fly ing because it is “so beautiful.” He added, “I did it because of the challenge to build.” The towed air craft is a SnapDragon 1.0. Fisher said, “It’s not an airplane; it’s not a glider; it’s not a trainer.” It weighs 139 pounds, has a differential tail, and is a very sim ple yet elegant design.
As with all projects, Fisher said this takes a team to achieve the goal. “To do this, you need a really dedicated crew that’s well-educated on how the thing works and how it flies.”
“You need a pilot. That can be anybody. You need a flight director that sits in back (of the tow Gator), holds on to the drop, and operates the throttle. And then you need an observer that videos everything, and then you need a driver that knows exactly how to turn the bridle out of the wheel.”
The speed of the tow depends on the weight of the
pilot. Fisher says for his flights, the Gator is going about 20 mph. Lighter pilots may fly at 10 to 15 mph. There are open-source partial plans on the Skonkwerks website, Skonkwerks.org. For those interested, there is also a Project First Flight Facebook page featuring videos: Facebook.com/ groups/996863550844900.
TO SEE VIDEOS, VISIT THE PROJECT FIRST FLIGHT FACEBOOK PAGE.
aboard one of EAA’s unique Flight Experiences
B-25 Berlin Express
$425 per EAA member
$475 per nonmember
B-25 Operations are located at the southeast corner of Warbird Alley
Ford Tri-Motor
$85 per EAA member
$95 per nonmember
Ford Tri-Motor Operations are located at the southeast corner of Warbird Alley
$65 per person
Helicopter Operations are located at Pioneer Airport behind the EAA Aviation Museum®
Your go-to destination for EAA Chapters™ and EAA Young Eagles® at AirVenture.
> Attend a forum about growing your chapter, engaging youth, and more
> Represent your chapter by placing your pin on the chapter map
> Become a Young Eagles or Eagle Flights volunteer
> Learn about chapter resources and best practices
> Connect with chapter leaders and EAA’s Chapters staff
Become part of the timeless tribute to The Spirit of Aviation® and those who support it by purchasing a brick at the summit or entry plaza of this monument.
A scholarship has been established within the EAA Aviation Foundation™ to recognize Tom’s impact and help a new generation of aviation enthusiasts pursue their aviation goals. Contributions will extend the legacy of Tom Poberezny, who was dedicated to the world of flight and inspiring people of all ages to be a part of it.
DOWN:
1. The wings and the tail are usually attached to this.
2. We’ve flown more than 2.3 million of them since 1992 (two words).
4. He flew a Cessna T-50 and then a 310, his name was ___ King.
6. Our annual fly-in was here in 1956, and then came back in 1970.
9. A _______ is optional, a landing is mandatory.
ACROSS:
3. EAA’s beloved B-17 (two words).
5. When you listen to our podcast, you’re cleared to land on the _____ ___ (two words).
7. If it doesn’t have a stick, it probably has one of these.
8. To carry passengers, you have to ____ current.
10. It’s where the pilot sits.
TRY YOUR HAND at these trivia questions and find out. The answers, along with a new batch of questions, will be in tomorrow’s paper.
1. What was Paul Poberezny’s favorite genre of music?
a. Polka
b. Country
c. Western
d. Country and western
2. Who was the airport manager when EAA permanently moved the fly-in to Oshkosh in 1970?
3. Our campground is named after ___ and _______ Scholler.
YESTERDAY’S ANSWERS.
1. American Pickers
2. Ralph Bufano
3. c. Cordell
FIND THESE SONGS on your favorite streaming service, and let them help build a personal soundtrack for your trip to the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.
Homebuilding gets to the heart of EAA, and you can learn virtually every skill and gain the confidence you need to build an airplane while at EAA® AirVenture® Oshkosh™. Presented by Aircraft Spruce & Speciality and patterned after the highly successful EAA SportAir Workshops, these mini workshops let you experience a taste of aircraft building.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Workshops is sponsored by:
Presenting Sponsor Supporting Sponsors
At the AirVenture Forums Plaza, the very best from the aviation world come together for one week to share their knowledge with you. Hundreds of innovators, authors, experts, and legends are on hand in the most comprehensive collection of aviation knowledge available anywhere, all at EAA® AirVenture® Oshkosh™
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY JIM ROBERTS AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF
ON OPENING DAY of EAA AirVenture
Oshkosh 2023, members of the Vintage Aircraft Association (VAA) broke ground for a new Youth Education Building. Opening the ceremony, VAA President Susan Dusenbury commented, “I truly believe we all have a fiduciary duty to disseminate our knowledge to those who follow us.” The facility will house workstations, tools, and exhibits — all designed to open the world of aviation to the next generation.
airplanes and airplane construction, their place in history, and their economic impact.” She added there will be ample hands-on learning as well. “Simple things, like the basic components of an engine and how to use things like screwdrivers and drills,” she said. “We teach them how to swage cables, and they can make their own key ring. And we teach them how to make an electrical circuit with battery power, and a light will come on.”
The facility will house workstations, tools, and exhibits — all designed to open the world of aviation to the next generation.
The program began in 2016, housed in the Vintage Hangar beside the VAA Red Barn. Over the years, attendance outgrew space available, and the VAA began leasing a tent for the activities. Susan recalled, “The tent needed to be bigger. We were just busting at the seams, so many kids were coming out there to do this.”
While families will still find the tent in use this year, starting in 2024 the program will move into its new home. Resembling an aircraft hangar, the 2,400-square-foot insulated and air-conditioned building can house aircraft the size of a Piper Cub or a classic biplane. With an airplane inside, youngsters can learn about aircraft structures and flight controls without outdoor distractions.
Describing the program, Susan said, “The components are, of course,
Then Susan emphasized a more profound goal: “We want these kids to have a feeling of community, and values like personal integrity, friendship, patriotism, communication skills, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging.” When asked how you go about this, she replied, “To build character, you have to have people in there with character.”
To that end, VAA has enlisted A.C. Hudson to lead the program. Recently retired from Delta Air Lines, A.C. was instrumental in the success of the late Ron Alexander’s Youth Aviation Program at Peach State Aerodrome.
The VAA youth program has adopted the slogan “Dream it and let your spirit soar,” a sentiment reflected in the eager young faces present every year at AirVenture. Susan
reflected, “When I go over there to see how things are going, those kids are really into this stuff. This makes them feel like they’re part of the event, like they belong here, and they are into aviation.”
Estimated cost for the facility is $367,000, which will funded through donations and VAA resources. During AirVenture, donors can visit the VAA Red Barn to purchase an engraved brick, which will be placed outside the new building’s hangar door. You can also send a check to: VAA, P.O. Box 3086, Oshkosh, WI, 54903. On the memo line of the check, write “For Youth Building.” All donations are tax-deductible.
FROM FIRST ARRIVAL to final takeoff and everything in between, we want to see AirVenture through your eyes. Check out today’s featured social shots of the day! Share your highlights on social media using #OSH23 to possibly be featured in a future issue of AirVenture Today!
@trevorbair
Happy to be here again with the kiddo - love seeing how excited he gets watching the airplanes.
