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:

• The 2008 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh was an unexpected success, exceeding low expectations despite high fuel prices and a struggling economy, attracting strong attendance, brisk sales, and boosting industry morale.
• A notable safety innovation demonstrated at the event was the Cirrus "Blue Button" (LVL) feature, which effectively and smoothly returns an aircraft to straight-and-level flight automatically.
• Despite economic challenges, the event showcased significant industry innovations and reinforced a collective determination to continue flying, innovate, and improve safety within aviation.

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