Just an update on my first experience to Airventure for anyone interested and for my own records (terrible memory). I flew into General Michell international airport (MKE) Monday morning early from Newark, NJ (EWR) direct flight. The cost was reasonable and WAY more options going into MKE. It was roughly a 1.5hr drive to Oshkosh from the airport, mostly country scenery. There were 6-8 different car rental co's available. Best deal was Budget and you can definitely haggle with these companies. One hi-lite about an hour into the drive was a field of huge wind turbines. Very cool. I stayed at the U of Wisconsin at Oshkosh in a none airconditioned room. I was a little concerned not having AC but I made my arrangements back in February and it was all that was available. $75/night. Turned out to be a fairly cool week so heat really wasn't a factor. Although, next year I would make sure I get a room between the dorm North Scott and Gruenhagen hall instead of one on the street side. Buses and garbage trucks started really making some noise around 5am every morning. The dorm room was very basic, felt like a cell actually. Two beds, fridge with freezer, couple desks and that's it. Bring Pillows if you can. There pillows felt like a piece of cardboard wrapped in a pillow case. I asked for more and the kids running the dorm were very friendly and accommodating. Communal restroom. Despite only three shower stalls I never had to wait for a shower. Buses started coming at 6:30am for Airventure and literally was one right after the other. Little to no wait and the ride was about 15 minutes. The dining hall was the next building over, Blackhawk, $8 for an excellent buffet breakfast and the bus was $3 round trip to the airshow. I think breakfast started around 6:30am. The campus was basically empty and there was plenty of parking. I thought it was great.
I could go on and on about Airventure. I went to the show around 7am everyday and stayed till 10pm and still didn't see everything. Last bus back to the campus was 11pm but I heard they never leave anyone stranded. Airventure was amazing! I took a ride in a Tri-motor (finally got to ride First Class in a commercial airliner LOL) and a Bell47. If you like looking at airplanes (who doesn't) it could easily take an entire day walking from one end of the airfield to the other. The night shows were amazing and I even caught one of the out door movies, free pop corn compliments of Ford. One thing I was on the fence with was hauling some sort of a light weight folding chair in my luggage. I didn't and really didn't need one. Although the airshows themselves were awesome, I found myself on my feet all day long. Only occasionally did I stop, sit down on the grass and watch. You can see all the action pretty much from anywhere on the field. One thing I should have taken more advantage of was the forums. (need to plan better next year) The hands-on workshops were really informative and fun. (I brought my rib home on the plane, got some strange looks LOL)
The high light of the week and really one of the main reasons for going was to see a finished Legal Eagle thanks to Scott Johnson. I was even able to try it on for size.....literally. Scott was gracious enough to untie the control stick and let me climb into the cockpit. I was happy to see that it was very comfortable. I had the pleasure of chatting with Scott and his brother for quite a while, couple of really nice guys and even met the man himself, Leonard!
All and all it was an excellent adventure. Looking forward to next year!
