Anyone going to Oshkosh this year?

[grampi]

I just found out I can get a pass for a day (any day I choose) for free. Since I'm only a 4 hour drive from there, and I can stay with my outlaws (they live in Oshkosh, it would be stupid for me NOT to go. I'll probably go on Saturday (Aug 2nd). Anyone else going?

[Coyote Chris]

Re: Anyone going to Oshkosh this year?

If I dont need back surgery, I am going, just as I go every year now. But I won't stay for the weekend any more. I don't wish to be negative here, but it has become a zoo on the weekends with lots of "non- aviation" people , many of whom don't have, in my opinion, respect for other's property or others in general. Monday through Friday is pretty much EAA members and people who care about aviation. Lectures from aviation greats are easy to get into and one hardly sees a piece of trash on the ground.

If you have limited time, I would check the eaa.org website:

http://eaa.org/

And chose a day where you can see what you want.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008 'Keeps 'Em Flying' with Spectacular Warbird Activities All Week

One of the world’s largest annual reunions of warbird aircraft and dozens of associated activities are again among the highlights of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008 this summer at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. The 56th annual edition of EAA AirVenture, “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” will be held July 28-August 3.
The annual warbird activities include five warbirds air show performances during the week (every day except Thursday, July 31 and Sunday, August 3), with a 60-minute demonstration on Tuesday, July 29, and the “Warbird Spectaculars” on Friday, August 1, and Saturday, August 2. In addition, a full schedule of the popular “Warbirds in Review” programs with World War II veterans, current aircraft owners and other warbird authorities will take place throughout the week.

“Warbirds enthusiasts know that EAA AirVenture is the place to see an unmatched gathering of these magnificent restored aircraft,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. “We know that the warbirds area and programs are among the most popular attractions for attendees during the event, and thousands of people plan their visits to include the warbirds’ flying activities.”

The hundreds of warbirds expected at Oshkosh include an all-star roster of the best-known World War II-era aircraft, including B-17 “Flying Fortress,” B-24 “Liberator,” B-25 “Mitchell,” P-51 “Mustang,” P-38 “Lightning,” F4U “Corsair,” and many others. Some of the world’s top aviation museums and collections, such as the Commemorative Air Force, Lone Star Flight Museum and Cavanaugh Flight Museum, have warbirds participating at EAA AirVenture that complement the current military aircraft on display.

The schedule of guests at the Warbirds in Review programs held in the EAA AirVenture warbirds area is also an unmatched gathering. Such legendary pilots as Bob Hoover, Bud Anderson, Doolittle Raiders, Paul Poberezny and others are among the presenters at these informal and intimate sessions held each day at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Other warbird-related highlights include:

Top warbird aviators are featured in the regular AirVenture forums series and at the special EAA AirVenture Museum “Speakers’ Showcase” programs throughout the week. The complete schedule of speakers is available in the “Attractions” area of the www.airventure.org website;
The Warbird Spectacular air show performances on August 1-2 feature the full pyrotechnics and recreations that have proven to be popular visual treats for AirVenture attendees;
World War II re-enactors with military vehicles present on the grounds, who also participate in the Warbird Spectacular air show segments;
A special concert on Friday night, August 1, at EAA’s Theater in the Woods in conjunction with the Disabled American Veterans, featuring actor Gary Sinise’s “Lt. Dan Band.” This show is open to all AirVenture visitors with their admission wristband.
At non-air show times, the warbirds area is open for visitors to view the aircraft and talk to the owners and pilots of these airplanes, which are among the few remaining airworthy examples of these historic aircraft. The warbird public areas are cleared 15 minutes prior to engine start-up for each day’s air show for safety considerations, but re-opens after all warbird aircraft have returned and have been shut down.

[Peashooter]

Re: Anyone going to Oshkosh this year?

I'm hoping to. Depends if the boss (me) gives me time off!

[GeoffS]

Re: Anyone going to Oshkosh this year?

I'll be there most of the time from Saturday the 26th through Sunday the 2nd. I usually take a "day off" around Tuesday to do laundry and sit in some A/C, but otherwise I'll be on-site/camping all week.

Cheers,

Geoff S.

[grampi]

Re: Anyone going to Oshkosh this year?

Coyote Chris

Unfortunately, going during the week is about my only restriction because I just don't have that much vacation time saved up. I'm going to have to burn a day as it is going on Saturday. I'm happy as long as I get to see the warbirds fly.

[T. Adams]

Re: Anyone going to Oshkosh this year?

I will be there Thur., Fri., and Sat.

[race9]

Re: Anyone going to Oshkosh this year?

I'll be there, in a orange 185 with brand new white floats in the vintage section. Probably be there all week.

[Coyote Chris]

Re: Anyone going to Oshkosh this year?

The doc says I don't need surgery, so I will be there the first Sunday through Friday, wearing a Section 3 hat or a Nemesis NXT hat. Say hi if Skip does a lecture again .... I am sitting in the front row again ....

[grampi]

Re: Anyone going to Oshkosh this year?

Did any of you notice a lack of warbirds this year? Maybe it's just because I haven't been there in 19 years and how I remember things being then are a little fuzzy, but there didn't seem to be quite the variety of WB's this year as there's been in the past. There was a serious void of Navy planes such Hellcats, Tigercats, Bearcats, and there were no international WB's like Spitfires or Messerschmits. There were a couple of Corsairs and I think one Wildcat. I was disappointed that none of the Kalamazoo Air Zoo planes were there, but I have since found out they have been permanantly grounded since 2000 due to insurance reasons. I wonder if this has something to do with the fewer number of WB's at Oshkosh as well? Or maybe the cost of fuel is slowing them down?

[T. Adams]

Re: Anyone going to Oshkosh this year?

Rod Lewis just bought the Zoo's F7F, so hopefully it will fly again. They also just sold the F8F.

[Peashooter]

Re: Anyone going to Oshkosh this year?

Rod Lewis just bought the Zoo's F7F, so hopefully it will fly again. They also just sold the F8F.

Any insight into what the Zoo will keep? I did make it to KOSH -- Sunday - Tuesday.

[T. Adams]

Re: Anyone going to Oshkosh this year?

Who knows, the Zoo is dead to me after they grounded the planes. There are plenty of museums that fly their planes, their excuses don't wash.

[grampi]

Re: Anyone going to Oshkosh this year?

Rod Lewis just bought the Zoo's F7F, so hopefully it will fly again. They also just sold the F8F.

What the hell? Why are they selling their planes? It almost sounds to me like they're liquidating so they can close their doors.

[T. Adams]

Re: Anyone going to Oshkosh this year?

They are not closeing. I am just not a fan of non flying museums, unless its the USAF, or Smithsonian.

[grampi]

Re: Anyone going to Oshkosh this year?

The F7F and F8F were like the main attractions to the museum. Why would they get rid of those two? Doesn't make sense.