'Twas the week before Oshkosh
And for miles around
The hangars at airports
Were filled with the sound
Of pilots all working
Late into the night
On last-minute touches
Required for flight

Yes, it's that time of year again … when the activity in airplane hangars around the country increases dramatically as everyone scrambles to get their planes in shape for the big show. The year my friend Jim and I bought the Cessna 120 (way back when), we did it ourselves, staying up until 5 am one night (after a series of 11 pm and midnight nights after work) desperately trying to get at least the instrument panel repainted and the fuselage just a little more polished — or at least a little less oxidized — before taking our baby out for its big runway debut.

Is all the effort worth it? Ah, that's something every pilot has to answer for themselves. But the EAA AirVenture show, affectionately known as "Oshkosh" for most of us whose history there stretches back to when it was a far smaller affair, is really something every pilot should experience, at least once in their flying careers.

I'm not bringing my airplane to the show this year (it's actually in the shop), but I will be there! If you want to stop by and say hi, I'm doing book signings of my "Unforgettable" book in the Flying tent Tuesday July 27th and Wednesday July 28th from 1:00 - 3:00pm, and Thursday, July 29th from 1:30 - 3:00pm.

I'm also giving a forum called "Stories from the Road" on Thursday July 29th from 11:30am - 12:45pm in Pavilion 11 at the Forum Plaza. It's where I get to tell some of the back story that doesn't make it into some of my printed adventure stories.

So if you're staying up late getting your plane ready for AirVenture … you're in good company. And if you're GOING to the show — hope to see you there!