By Glen Towler, EAA 1112536
To celebrate 50 consecutive years of fly-in conventions in Oshkosh, we’re featuring Stories of Oshkosh told by attendees remembering their special moments at EAA’s long-standing home. If you or someone you know would like to share your own Story of Oshkosh, email editorial@eaa.org.
My story started in 2012. I was following a blog called Air Pigz that is run by my now good friend Martt Clupper. He had a photo caption contest for a photo of Cessna 152 with large four-bladed propeller. My caption was “Does this prop make my plane look small?”
I won the caption contest and my prize was a bacon sandwich at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. So I thought why not? I’ve never been and it looks interesting. So I booked my flights and bought tickets for three days. I ended up in a Super 8 motel in Beaver Dam. I found Camp Bacon, which in those days was a small part of Camp Scholler. These days, it is much bigger and getting bigger every year.
I made so many friends from attending AirVenture — it really has changed my life. I would have to say that AirVenture is the highlight of my year and I spend the rest of the year wishing I was at Oshkosh and seeing my once-a-year friends. Of course there is Facebook and Twitter for keeping touch with everyone, but it’s not the same.
My first impression was being blown away by how big the show is. I didn’t even know about the Warbirds area until Friday, which was my last day at the show that year in 2012. My favorite performer would have to be Sean D. Tucker. I have met a few performers over the years as I do attend a lot of parties over the week, so meeting them is fairly easy. One of my favorite parts was seeing a B-1 doing a flyby just as it was getting dark going down the flightline in full afterburner. My other favorite memory was getting a ride in a C-47 last year as part of the preparations for Daks Over Normandy. It is difficult to choose between those two things.
I have volunteered three times in the past at AirVenture. I have done various jobs including flight safety and ticket sales. I also do work for the Flying and Life podcast which is always fun, as I do interviews and chats with the host and others. I do hope to volunteer again this year.