By Loren Zehr, EAA 1252656
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.
To start with, my love of aircraft started when I entered the Air Force in 1973. I was assigned as an aircraft radio repairman working on B-52s and KC-135s. Over a period of 14 years I worked on many types of aircraft, including F-4E fighters and several different cargo aircraft and helicopters. As a result of my experience, I still look up when I hear an airplane to see if I can tell what type it is.
Over the years, I had heard about how large the AirVenture air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was and always wanted to experience it. Now roll ahead about 30 years from the time I no longer worked on military aircraft.
When one of my sons got married, I found out that his father-in-law, Gary Wiley, had been a pilot in the Air Force, and flew EC-47s during the Vietnam War and KC-135 tankers after the war. He currently owns both a Cessna and a Bonanza. Obviously, we hit it off immediately talking aircraft and comparing “war stories.” He told me of the times that he had flown to the Oshkosh air show with his family over several years and how he looks forward to going every year. I mentioned that I had always wanted to go but never had the chance. He invited me to go with him to AirVenture 2018 and I immediately said that I would love to. He told me he was planning to participate in the B2Osh mass formation fly-in, this was to be his first mass formation flight into Oshkosh, and my excitement grew just that much more. I could never have imagined that I would get to go to Oshkosh much less have the chance to fly with what ended up being a 149-ship formation flight, the largest one to date. I couldn’t wait.
The day finally came to leave Virginia and it was a perfect day to fly. After an uneventful flight we arrived at Rockford, Illinois, to meet up with the rest of the pilots and their families and crew. I was in awe of seeing so many small planes on the ramp at the same time. I was amazed to experience the camaraderie of everyone there and the sense of family.
The next day, after our preflight briefing, we loaded up for our 100-mile trip to Oshkosh. When we prepared to take off, the weather was overcast and a bit threatening, but we were hopeful to have a successful flight. After a short delay we taxied and formed up three abreast on the runway. The line of aircraft seemed to go on forever. Each element of three aircraft was to take off 15 seconds apart. Finally, our turn came to roll and I was so excited to actually be involved with this event.
However, our formation landing at Oshkosh wasn’t meant to be. Just 10 minutes from landing at Oshkosh, the weather closed in and we had to divert to the nearby Fond du Lac Airport. While Gary was concentrating on flying the formation, I was watching out for any other aircraft that may be a threat to us. Imagine looking to the right and seeing at least 50 airplanes flying in the opposite direction less than a mile away, you can bet that I stayed alert. Once we got on the ground and parked, I could see a line of airplanes landing one after another for more than half an hour. We all landed safely thanks to the skill and expertise of these pilots. After a short weather hold, we finally made it to Oshkosh.
Over the next week I was able to observe more air shows, more types of aircraft, and the largest formation flyover I had ever seen, and I met more people with common interests than I ever have before. I even met someone who knew one of my classmates from my high school in New York. The whole event was like a huge family reunion.
While I was there, I visited the EAA Aviation Museum. When I entered the main display area, I couldn’t believe the number of aircraft and other displays that I saw. I could have spent hours there looking at everything. But, unfortunately, I had to move on to see and do other things.
I was also able to attend some of the many workshops that were offered throughout the week. In one of these workshops I made a small wing rib. Displayed on the wall of the workshop area was an example of a rib that was used as a picture collage. I tasked myself with making one to display when I got home. After the difficult task of selecting nine pictures from the hundreds that I took during the week, I finished the rib and made a treasured souvenir of my week at Oshkosh that I now proudly display in my home.
I think the most memorable thing for me was to be selected to hold a flag for the Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight arrival. As a Vietnam-era veteran, this had a very special meaning to me to be able to participate in this ceremony and help welcome my fellow veterans back. It was my pleasure to thank them for their service and sacrifices.
To sum up my trip, it was unforgettable — so many new experiences in just a week’s time. It was my first trip to the largest air show in the world, my first participation in a formation flight, my first weather diversion in a formation flight, my first participation in the Honor Flight, my first ride in a Korean War-era helicopter, and so much more.
I realize that there is so much more I did not see and I can’t wait to return in 2019 to experience some of those things. Overall, it was trip that I will never forget.
As a result of my new friendship with Gary, our common interest in flying and the Oshkosh experience, I have assisted in some Young Eagles events and, at the age of 65, I have started working on my private pilot certificate. After all, it’s never too late to pursue one’s dream.