Story and Photography By Jessica Schaefer, EAA 1284501
Back on Cottonwood Avenue in Camp Scholler, the sounds of Top Gun echo across the tents, interrupting the rhythm of the campfire conversation. But there’s only four of us, for now. Chairs start dragging over wet grass, the fire flares, and conversation builds. Before long, Top Gun fades into background noise. The real story is here, in the circle.
Adam and his 13-year-old son Henry are first-timers at AirVenture, soaking it in. Adam talks shop — airline flying, cockpit dynamics, seniority lists. Henry listens quietly, but when asked, his interest comes out; he’s thinking about helicopters, he says. His eyes light up.
Scott first showed up in 2018. He tells the story of the storm like it’s folklore — because it is. Each year, the tale grows a little more dramatic. “Everyone take cover, but we’re all in tents — where are we even supposed to go?” he says. We all laugh, because we know; there are already shirts and shoes and rain jackets hanging out to dry. Sometimes it gets wild, and there’s always a storm.
Cody’s up again, keeping the fire going. He’s tossing on logs, welcoming new arrivals, making sure the drinks stay full and the stories flow. It’s his fire, and we’re just lucky to gather around it. Cody would tell you we’re all family here.
Craig’s talking about his RV-12 build, the way it’s coming together piece by piece. There’s something grounding about hearing someone speak with that kind of patience and purpose.
The baton passes back to Adam, who breaks down the interpersonal dynamics of airline life. “That first leg is always about breaking the ice — you’re flying with a total stranger,” he says. “Some folks want to connect; others just do their own thing.” Everyone glances around the circle — familiar territory. Just like here.
We pass the bug spray and refill the drinks. So far, no one’s mistaken the two. We call that a win.
Scott’s made progress since last year, too — he’s started his flight training. “Everyone’s seen the video,” someone says. “Well done,” Eric says and nods. “Anytime someone gets up in the air and learns to fly? That’s a win for all of us.”
The laughter rises and falls with the sparks. There’s teasing, there’s storytelling, but beneath it all, there’s agreement — quiet and sure. There’s nothing like flying. And there’s nothing quite like this: a fire, a few folding chairs, and a shared love of the sky.