Airshows energize me. No, I’m not talking about the hotdogs or the fried food. It’s the energy generated by a large group of people with a mutual passion for airplanes that fuels me. This week, one of the largest gatherings of aviation aficionados can be found at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin for the 2011 AirVenture airshow. After years of attending the show, I still get excited about the unbelievable aerobatic performances, and the never-ending sea of airplanes – anything from antique wood-and-fabric birds to modern, massive airliners. And while the spectacle is stunning, AirVenture is also a great place to learn about flying.
There are literally hundreds of forums and workshops presented every day during the show. I challenge you to find a serious aviation topic that is not covered. Seminars on how to learn to fly, improve flying skills, reduce risk, buy or sell an airplane, and how to use the multitude of new technological aviation tools that keep emerging are just a few examples of what’s on the menu. And this year, because of the 100th anniversary of naval flight, a special daily forum called “Naval Centennial” will take place at 10 am at the Welcome Center.
