KOSH

Another EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is in the can, and writing this is one of my first considered actions since returning home and putting the airplane away late last night. Many attendees are saying the 2008 edition was one of the best ever, if not number one. The weather was magnificent, with no rain at the site, there were just enough new aircraft and gadgets to keep things interesting and most people seemed to be in a good mood. Perhaps one of the reasons this years event was so good has to do with their (and my) expectations. Through no fault of their own, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) spent the several weeks leading up to the event fending off gloom and doom predictions centered on the price of aviation fuel and general economic conditions. Theres no way, many observers said, for this years show to be as well-attended as previous ones. Notably, the associations staff took a "wait and see" attitude.

Key Takeaways:

• EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008 was a surprising success, exceeding expectations for attendance quality and exhibitor sales despite pre-event worries about high fuel prices and economic downturn.
• The author's personal travel to Oshkosh highlighted the need for fuel cost management and included peculiar air traffic control interactions.
• A notable demonstration involved the Cirrus SR22's new "blue button" (LVL), an autopilot feature proven to effectively return the aircraft to straight-and-level flight from unusual attitudes.
• The event showcased broader aviation news and a collective industry resolve to innovate and enhance safety despite ongoing economic and fuel challenges.

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