EAA’s AirVenture 2008 offers much to all who are interested in aviation. However, after a few days of wandering the grounds, this reporter is beginning to get a sense of what might be missing, and it is significant.Although EAA has made a laudable effort during these financially challenging times to demonstrate that the point of entry for purchasing and building an airplane can be as low as buying a car, the organization seems to be missing the point that most people know that the first check, the one to buy the aircraft, is probably the smallest check they’ll ever write for an aviation purchase. It is the cost of maintaining and actually flying their craft that adds up.Take my RV-10. Sure, building it has been a drain on the checkbook in a steady, significant way over the past four years, but until that engine fired up and the aircraft took to the air those costs were predictable. Then we got the first fuel bills had to replace the electrical components that did not work and a tire. And – well, you know where I am going with this.Forums that have anything to do with engine and/or aircraft efficiency or longevity are packed at this show, which means the people here are definitely interested in learning more about how to build, modify, and fly their aircraft for less money. It is just too bad that there are not more displays by EAA and manufacturers here at the show that can offer these folks some solutions.I’m a little worried that this key issue isn’t being addressed. As pilot numbers shrink, manufacturers make fewer aircraft, oil companies refine less avgas, and the cost must go up. We in the industry must demonstrate both to these folks, who are clearly trying to keep flying their aircraft even as costs go up, but also to those people who are considering learning to fly, that general aviation is an affordable pastime by coming up with solutions to make our aircraft and engines more efficient and less dependent on traditional fuels and materials.
What Does Affordable Flying Mean to You?
Key Takeaways:
- EAA's AirVenture 2008 is criticized for primarily showcasing low entry costs for aircraft ownership while failing to address the significantly higher and ongoing expenses of maintenance and actual flying.
- Despite strong attendee interest in forums focused on aircraft efficiency and longevity, the show lacks sufficient displays and solutions from EAA and manufacturers to help reduce operational costs.
- The author warns that neglecting high operational costs threatens the affordability of general aviation and urges the industry to provide solutions for more efficient aircraft and alternative fuels/materials.
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