What I Learned at Oshkosh
AVweb continues its coverage of EAA AirVenture 1998 … .
It's been a long time since I last visited the EAA Fly-In atOshkosh. Twenty-one years long, to be exact. Back then, I was visiting because myboyfriend at the time wanted to go see the airshow for a day. It was fun. I rememberpurchasing a visor and sunscreen because I forgot them, and I got a sunburn anyway.
In 21 years, sunscreen has improved a lot, the Fly-In has become AirVenture, and I'vestarted (and almost finished) my training for a private pilot's certificate. It seemed awonderful time to re-visit Wisconsin and immerse myself in all things aviation. On thelast visit, I learned to bring sunscreen. On this visit, I learned a lot more.
I learned ...
... how to shower at 4 am.
... how to spell Poberezny.
... to put on sunscreen early.
... how to navigate around the Oshkosh area in a car.
... the rules for combining SCUBA diving and flying.
... where in Oshkosh you can find a realistic 50's drive-in complete with waitresses on roller skates.
... what a Waco looks like on floats.
... how to navigate around the airport in a golf cart.
... a little bit about instrument approaches.
... that black baseball caps are a bad idea.
... to put on sunscreen often.
... the best places at the show to catch a nap.
... to take my own lunch.
... to buy fresh squeezed lemonade to go with the lunch I brought.
... that maybe I want to save my money for a taildragger, rather than looking for a 172 to buy.
... that off-site camping is kinda cool.
... that camping under your wing is way cool.
... that my boots are really good.
... that shorts really are a better idea than jeans.
... that it doesn't matter how cold the night was, the day can still be very hot.
... that a huge majority of Oshkosh attendees are incredibly civilized people.
... that even SPF 45 waterproof sunscreen is no match for the Oshkosh sun.
