By Balaji Sivasubramanian, EAA 1461827
In the realm of aviation, where machines rule the sky, there exists a magical haven where the spirits of people, puppies, and planes converge. AirVenture Oshkosh, a pilgrimage for aviation aficionados, beckons like a cherished family reunion, invoking promises to return, etched in the very soul of those who have been captivated by its allure. Almost a year’s worth of planning had gone into this adventure – arranging a rental bird, forging ties with fellow aviators, and poring over the NOTAM like a hundred times. Yet, as the event loomed, companions faded and weather cast its uncertainty. Aeronautical decision making prevailed, urging a prudent choice: as a VFR pilot with a modest logbook, flying solo didn’t feel right. The sensible route veered toward the open road.
Departing from Kansas City, a picturesque train voyage commenced, punctuated by animated discussions with an inquisitive Uber driver, whose imagination caught the flight bug. A fleeting pause in Milwaukee heralded the gateway to the eagerly anticipated embrace of Oshkosh. The morning breeze carried whispers of aviation — the tang of fuel and the drone of engines — a prelude to the symphony awaiting. The registration desk welcomed me with warmth, offering a foretaste of the camaraderie that awaited.
Amidst a tapestry of RVs and tents, the resounding arrival of warbirds heralded the presence of a seasoned AirVenture attendee who went out of his way, extended a helping hand, guiding a confused me to a campsite strategically situated near the ultralight entrance. This made my everyday journey to the air show a breeze, saving me hours of walking to the show, and portrays the selflessness that threads through this community. Within this tableau of humanity, I set up camp next to a family with four kids immersed in the world of balsa wood glider racing. The scene soon witnessed an explosion of energy — Valkyrie, a spirited black Labrador retriever and her French owners who shared her boundless zest for life. Meeting Valkyrie’s owners was a delightful encounter that bridged cultures and languages. We exchanged stories of our respective journeys to Oshkosh, weaving a tapestry of shared 
experiences despite our diverse origins. Valkyrie’s infectious exuberance mirrored the spirit of AirVenture itself, a living testament to the unifying force of passion and camaraderie. With every bounding leap and tail-wagging greeting, she reminded me that beneath the wings and engines, it was the shared moments of joy and connection that truly made this journey unforgettable. In her presence, I found not only a furry friend but also a reminder of the boundless joy that comes from embracing the simple pleasures of life and forging connections that linger long after the engines have quieted. While there were also countless other puppies that I had the opportunity to say hello to or give the “good boy” head rub both this Oshkosh and the last, it was Valkyrie who truly stole my moments and lingered in my thoughts.
Another singular figure who added an extra dose of merriment to the festivities was Randy, the tram conductor. Randy and his remarkable talent for delivering dad jokes had passengers, including myself, nearly falling off the tram in fits of laughter and reminding me that even in the world of aviation, a good joke can soar just as high as an airplane. As the day unfolded seamlessly, transitioning from the blush of dawn to the embrace of dusk, the harmonious strains of the USAF “Band of the West” resonated, heralding the magnificence of ultralight pilots ascending the heavens. The STOL competition took center stage, a showcase of skill elevated by spirited commentary. Amidst the audience, strangers metamorphosed into comrades, enriching my perspective by offering me front row right by the ropes and contributing to the collective awe. As the sun dipped beneath the horizon, the evening morphed into a realm of luminosity. Paragliders, skydivers, and unmanned craft painted luminous trails, yet it was the shared humanity that left the most indelible mark. Amidst camaraderie and connections that transcended diverse origins, an overwhelming sense of belonging took root. Encounters continued to weave the rich tapestry of human narratives — a grandfather’s tales of initiating his grandson into the world of aviation, anecdotes from aviators of bygone eras. Each story paid homage to the diverse and vibrant patchwork of experiences that shapes the aviation realm.
Before bidding adieu to Oshkosh, a final venture beckoned — a meeting with Hal Bryan, EAA’s managing editor, the catalyst behind my journey. Guided by kind souls, I stood face-to-face with the individual who had been pivotal in my returning to Oshkosh AirVenture and prompted me to share my story, just as he did during my first visit last year. In the presence of kindred spirits, the meeting reaffirmed the sentiment that at AirVenture Oshkosh, it’s the people who infuse the event with its profound significance.
In Oshkosh’s farewell embrace, an undeniable truth resonated — the aircraft that grace the skies transcend mechanical marvels; they embody a collective dream nurtured by a community united in its love for flight. AirVenture is a canvas where human connections flourish, friendships are forged, and the magic of aviation melds with the warmth of fellowship. This journey was marked by laughter, the exuberance of puppy play, and the harmonious symphony of engines — a tribute to the lasting bond between individuals, loyal companions, and flight, forever etching AirVenture Oshkosh into the heart’s memory.
Balaji Sivasubramanian, EAA 1461827, is a senior aviation systems engineer at Garmin. He comes from Vellore, a small town in southern India, and has his master’s in aerospace engineering from ERAU (Go Eagles). Balaji has been passionate about airplanes since he was in the fourth grade. He is a private pilot who is currently on the journey to getting his instrument ticket. An RV-4 builder, skydiver, and aviation enthusiast, Oshkosh 2023 was Balaji’s second AirVenture experience.