I’d like to assure you all that homebuilt aircraft are as much a part of EAA and Airventure as they have ever been. I have just returned from the show and would like to give you my impressions and some examples that support this statement. I have a slightly different perspective than the casual observer or attendee, as I have been a volunteer at Oshkosh for the past several years. The first indication that the focus is still on homebuilt aircraft was the display in Aeroshell Square (west ramp) of the Hallmarks of homebuilding. This was a collection of aircraft designs that shaped the
progress of homebuilding from the early days up to some of the later designs. Next is the fact that homebuilts still occupy the majority of the center of the flightline from the West ramp all the way up to the Warbirds area. The auto engine aircraft are prominently displayed in front of Homebuilders head quarters along with the past grand champions and homebuilts with 1000 hours or more. While it is true that the overflow area for the homebuilts (where RV’s and canard aircraft are parked) is growing larger every year, improvements are made every year to accommodate these aircraft and those who wish to camp with their aircraft. Next year I am told that this area will expand further west eliminating the Red auto parking lot. My volunteer duties include the organization of the Homebuilt review, which is a flying parade of various aircraft representing the whole gambit of experimental aviation. This was nearly eliminated from the schedule several years ago when the person organizing it quit. In previous years this was done as flybys on the main runway while the airport was still open to arrivals and departures on the alternate runway. We had to fight for time with the Vendor showcase and other groups doing flybys. This year things have changed due to some changes
in Part 49 of the FAA regulations. Flybys while the airport was open were no longer allowed. The EAA felt that the Homebuilt review was important enough that it was made a part of the airshow and we flew 26 aircraft under the airshow waiver. I spoke with some of the vendors who usually flew their aircraft in their showcase and they were very upset that they were not allowed to fly this year. Especially since they paid a high price for their static displays. I’ve also heard that many of the Warbird owners decided to boycott airventure this year because the EAA decided that they would no longer comp them for their fuel cost as they have done in years past. For those who have
complaints about the EAA there are several avenues that you may use to have them addressed. There is the Homebuilt council whose charter is to represent the homebuilders within the EAA. This was formed seven years ago and continues to champion the homebuilder’s agenda. There is an EAA staff member, Charlie Becker, who also represents the homebuilders at the EAA. If you belong to a local EAA chapter this is another avenue to address concerns within the EAA. As an example one or our chapter members has been elected to the EAA board of directors as a result of our chapter’s participation in the nominations process. The point I am trying to make is you can sit on the sidelines and complain like so many are prone to do, and make excuses why you don’t wish to participate, or you can
get involved like others do and try to change things to what you wish them to be. Both Tracy Crook and Dave Atkins have been there year after year, to great effect. Every year there are more alternative engines on display than the year before. Don’t sit on the sidelines. Get involved. You will really enjoy it and be glad you did. Perhaps you will fly your rotary powered aircraft in next years review. I hope so. Ranting complete. Jim Maher |