Airventure doesn't get it.

[mustangdriver]

Speaking of rocket science, wait until you see what the Einsteins at your favorite museum did to the A-25 to move it from MN. I don't whether it was a chainsaw or a butcher knife, but it ain't pretty.

If you don't want to go to Oshkosh don't go. You said before you didn't like it both times you went. I tried to explain that it really is not a warbird show but a convention for all aspect of flying. You still continue to bash it and the EAA so I provide you with the same answer of just don't go, so you move on to bashing the NMUSAF because of my time there? Whatever man, have fun.

[EDowning]

Just timely info, since it occurred today and I know you or anyone else hasn't seen it yet. Even you will be appalled. I usually don't have much of an opinion of the museum one way or the other, but this is bizarre. I'm sure some pics will be posted in the a.m.

Try to look at the pics and then make your comments.

[mustangdriver]

I'm not saying your wrong. I am not sure who they had move it. I also didn't know that they were going to move it yet. I know they were going to leave it unpainted for the move, but is it done?

[Dan K]

Oshkosh is great if you want to buy a new Mooney or a 49% assembled kitplane. It has lost it's grassroots flavor and the spirit of innovation in exchange for the pursuit of money.

For crying out loud - have you actually been here???

No, never been, that's just what I heard...

You don't feel that Gerry Beck's efforts were innovative?
XCOR's rocket engines?
White Knight?
"Glacier Girl" (both recovery and restoration showcased)
Vickers Vimy?

No disrespect meant to Mr. Beck's memory, but what exactly was innovative about his P-51A? Nice piece of work, but innovatve? Do tell!

And just because you display an innovative car at a car show, it does not make the car show itself innovative.

Even Sport Aviation turned into something not worth the paper it was printed on (and no, I haven't seen one in about 4 years- I decline the magazine now). I'm a member now primarily for the EAA's lobbying efforts and still get the Warbirds magazine.

So when did you first start going?

Innovation; n. The act of introducing something new.

I had never known anyone to scratchbuild Allison Mustangs before. The plan was to make even more. In my eyes, that made Gerry an innovator.

We were definitely talking apples and oranges: You were looking at EAA as a source of innovation. I was looking at the excellent job that Airventure does showcasing the latest innovation in private aviation. In fact, I can't think of another venue that does this better. Can you? Do tell!

And my first OSH? Do I have to tell? Ok, true confession... 1978... yeah, I'm old. And, yes, it has changed over the years. Personally, I'm not into big crowds. I could do without the multitude of aerobatic acts. But--love it or hate it--there is nothing else on the planet quite like it. It is unique among aviation events. We locals put it this way: Airventure...size matters.

[RickH]

No, you ARE part of the scheduled show, you're just not part of the "Showcase" portion of the show.

[Bear]

I've been going to Airventure since I was 6 years old, so that puts me at the 22 year mark this year. I admit there has been many changes over the years, mostly for the best. The experiences and friendships made are priceless. See you all at the show, and afterwards at the watering hole.

[RNDMTRS4EVR]

Hey Eric;
Just go to Reno Air Races instead, it's geared more toward big round and V engines anyway!
Scott..........

[bdk]

Ive been going every year since I was 15. That was 1995.

I went almost every year from 1976-2003 and stayed in Camp Scholler for at least 4 days each time...

There used to be lots to interest a budding aerospace engineer (not specifically warbirds, and yes I went to the forums). Either I just got burned out over the years or the place has changed for the worse (to me, YMMV).

The last straw was when I got kicked out of the warbirds static display area (not even the hot ramp which is closed off) at dusk by two warbird "official" youths on a golf cart. Apparently there is an unwritten law that you can't take photos when there aren't 1,000 people surrounding an aircraft. Doing exactly the same thing in Aeroshell Square is OK though for some reason.

[bdk]

Innovation; n. The act of introducing something new.

I had never known anyone to scratchbuild Allison Mustangs before. The plan was to make even more. In my eyes, that made Gerry an innovator.

They have been nearly scratchbuilding Spitfires and Hurricanes in the UK for years.

We were definitely talking apples and oranges: You were looking at EAA as a source of innovation. I was looking at the excellent job that Airventure does showcasing the latest innovation in private aviation. In fact, I can't think of another venue that does this better. Can you? Do tell!

Personally, I'm not into big crowds. I could do without the multitude of aerobatic acts.

In my mind, one of the greatest innovations they had was when the IAC got the Russians to bring their Sukhois to Oshkosh that first year. Just sitting on your duff and taking credit for Gerry Beck bringing his scratchbuilt Mustang to the airshow is neither innovating nor showcasing innovation (in my opinion).

That's OK, you go. I've been, and I've even flown there from the west coast. Maybe I'll go back someday, but Oshkosh doesn't hold the same year to year draw as it used to. Of course if I lived a few miles away I would probably still go, it just isn't worth my effort any longer. Whatever magic was there I can no longer find.

[vanguard]

I had never known anyone to scratchbuild Allison Mustangs before. The plan was to make even more. In my eyes, that made Gerry an innovator.


I always thought NORTH AMERICAN scratch built the first ALLISON P-51. I learn new things here every day.

[Dan K]

Whatever magic was there I can no longer find.

Perhaps it's time for a run to your optometrist!

I'll save you a seat by the bar just in case you change your mind.

Last edited by Dan K on Wed Jun 18, 2008 4:19 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Zachary]

Nice Dan!

Zack

[bdk]

Well, it would have been worth the trip to meet Gary I suppose, but I already know Kevin and we have plenty of guys with funny hats in California.

[mustangdriver]

I couldn't have said it better Dan.

[Django]

Bravo Dan!