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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 encountered significant frustrations at the Paris Air Show, including difficulties with credentials and unhelpful staff, leading to restrictive access for himself and his crew.
  • The event offered a poor public experience, characterized by narrow thoroughfares, aggressive security around fenced-off static displays, and limited opportunities for interaction with aircraft.
  • The article consistently contrasts the Paris Air Show's trade-focused, uninviting, and "guarded glimpse" approach with the public-friendly, interactive, and enthusiastic atmosphere of EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh.
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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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