By Hal Bryan

We all know Paul’s timeless quote about our annual convention, how you come for the airplanes and come back for the people, and it’s as true now as it’s ever been. The idea that once you’ve been here once the people become the draw is a big part of what shapes our culture. And that culture lives by and flourishes because of what are known simply as the Oshkosh Rules:

Treat everyone with kindness.

Be respectful around all aircraft.

If you see any trash, pick it up.

Thank the volunteers.

And, of course, once the NOTICE (previously known as a NOTAM) goes into effect, we say “Oshkosh rules apply.” That’s a whole different set of rules, granted, but they shape the culture as well with talk of colored dots and wings rocked.

Over the years (more than I care to count), I’ve found myself quietly developing some personal rules of my own to add to the list.

Stay Flexible

There’s an old military truism that says “no battle plan survives first contact with the enemy.” My version of that is “no plan survives opening Monday.” And that’s okay. If Plan A fizzles and evaporates, Plan B is all but guaranteed to be a pleasant surprise.

Trust the Magic

Like anyone who’s been here more than once, I have an army of dear friends that I usually only see once a year. Sometimes we try to make plans to get together, but that rarely seems to work (see the previous rule). Somehow, though, we invariably bump into each other through some set of circumstances that should be a coincidence, but it happens so consistently that it seems more like a law of physics.

Mix and Match

Out in the non-AirVenture real world, we all have friends with different common interests, but when you slip through the looking glass into AirVenture, a common interest in aviation is a given. One of my favorite moments this year was an impromptu dinner with several dear friends, most of whom didn’t know each other, whose ages ranged from 65 all the way down to 26. Fueled by wildly disparate backgrounds and experiences doused in a shared love of aviation, the conversation crackled and sparked in a way that found me thinking of it less as burgers at Pete’s and more as a golden age salon.  

Do It Now

If you spot an airplane you want to look at, someone you want to talk to, or a part you want to purchase, do it. Time speeds up in this part of Wisconsin in late July, and “I’ll come back later” is almost always followed by “… and be disappointed.”

If You Like It, Say So, and If You’re Curious, Ask About It

Some of the most memorable and enlightening conversations I’ve ever had started with a compliment — “What a beautiful airplane!” — or a question — “Is this a ’46 or a ’47?”

That Seat Isn’t Taken

When you stop to eat, if there’s an empty spot at your table and someone asks to join you, say yes. Whoever’s asking, they’ve already passed through some initial friendship checkpoints — they love something about aviation, and they’re really happy to be here. Listen to their story, and share yours in return.

Relinquish the Right of Way

This is a hard and fast rule that my team lives by as staff members. When operating any kind of vehicle anywhere on the grounds, just assume that the person who has the right of way is everybody but you. That flavor of humility is not only our obligation as hosts, but it brings a certain peace of mind that always feels better than a dash of road rage.

If You Have a Vehicle, Offer a Ride

This one is self-explanatory. Those of us who have access to on-site transportation only enjoy that privilege out of necessity, and our mandate is to opt for walking whenever possible. So, if we are on wheels and we see someone who might need a ride, even if it means going a mile out of the way, we offer the ride. This always leads to good conversations, often leads to new friendships, and sometimes even leads to new stories for the newspaper or one of our magazines.

Oshkosh rules, whether they are the original and sacred four, or ones that you’ve developed yourself along the way, are what transform 1,400 acres of Wisconsin into everyone’s beloved hometown for one week each year. And we keep coming back because for all of us, well — Oshkosh rules!