Handicapped... But Airworthy

by ANN Correspondent Franklin Porath

We're not talking about the handicap you get as if you were going to shoot a few rounds of golf with Tiger.  No, this is the sort of handicap that gets you a premium parking spot at the supermarket, and the Experimental Aircraft Association has a similar policy for parking aircraft at its annual AirVenture celebration.

In this case, the EAA Handicapped Parking area is that last acre of the North Forty at the end of the road, just at the aircraft camping registration. Perhaps you may have noticed a roped off area that may not always be completely filled with aircraft as are the rest of the aircraft parking spots near the bus-turnaround area. Entrance to this exclusive location is the identical to how you get to (legally) park your car near the mall entrance, with your government-issued blue auto handicapped pass.

This year, the most prevalent handicap appears to be knee damage... with at least three aircraft parked in the handicapped area flown in by gentlemen with total knee replacements or recent arthroscopic surgery. This location gives them easy access to the red tram which goes to downtown AirVenture, as well as to the bus which will take you to the showers or the restaurants.

EAA has a long-standing policy of helping its membership in ways beyond technical assistance for aviation projects. The Young Eagles, the trams... even the diaper changing stations indicate the family orientation typifying its events. And how many have been trudging the lanes of Wittman Field and had an EAA staff member stop his golf cart and offer a ride?

It should be pointed out that these so-called "handicapped" pilots have all been severely vetted by the FAA before returning them to service... and as a result, their health and fitness is probably better monitored than the majority of the rest of the pilot corps.

The EAA obviously recognizes that a good proportion of its membership, some going back 50 years, are maturing... and this is one additional way that they can accommodate their needs. 

FMI: www.airventure.org