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Jumpseat: Paris Air Show vs. Oshkosh

** Getting up close and personal with the
airplanes was a challenge — quite different
from AirVenture — with perimeter fences and
disorganized crowd flow.**
Les Abend
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author found the Paris Air Show to be a disappointing "Trade Show" experience, characterized by restrictive public access and a general lack of excitement for aviation enthusiasts.
  • Even with press credentials, the author and their pilot companions faced significant hurdles, rude treatment, and strict security to enter the show and access static aircraft displays.
  • The event suffered from poor crowd flow, limited public amenities, and expensive souvenirs, contrasting sharply with a more public-friendly event like EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh.
  • The overall experience was largely unwelcoming and focused on business, leading the author to state they would likely not return unless direct interaction with aircraft was possible.
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I intended for this month’s column to be a summary of my experience at the world’s most highly acclaimed airshow, but circumstances dictated another perspective. Much to my disappointment, the circumstances weren’t what I anticipated.

After all my Paris layovers, I would finally be in town for the Paris Air Show. Instead of wearing my check airman hat, the month of June had me wearing the hat of a regular line pilot. It was a pleasant change. No instructing. No scrutinizing. No IOE (Initial Operating Experience) trips. Unfortunately, on the leg from Miami I had to pay for the privilege.

Les Abend

Les Abend is a retired, 34-year veteran of American Airlines, attempting to readjust his passion for flying airplanes in the lower flight levels—without the assistance of a copilot.

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