It’s Friday, And The ANN Advance Team Is Ready To Pull The AirVenture Trigger

Saturday is the day when the entire ANN team joins together at Oshkosh to form a well-oiled machine (at least, that’s the plan) for the big push to AirVenture 2016. The advance team has everything prepared for the action to start as we make our plans for the super AirVenture coverage that we have in store.

Here’s a reminder of what’s going on and a list of things to think about that our experienced AirVenture staff has put together for those that have not been to EAA AirVenture before.

First, remember that our coverage of AirVenture will actually begin Saturday evening on our webcast of the AirVenture Innovation Preview, we call it the AIP. The AIP is a massive news teaser... an invitation to build serious BUZZ and promote all the amazing innovations that make Oshkosh one of the most outstanding examples of ingenuity and aero-entrepreneurialism. Just come to our website and you can pick it up there.

Also keep in mind that you can be part of our team with our ‘#OSH16Coolest’ program that is being initiated this year. This gives you the opportunity to report to us which you think is really cool at AirVenture. The rules for reporting are, if it’s cool to you… it’s cool to us.

If you have some news, you can always stop by our news office located in the AirVenture press center just north of the control tower. Our staff wears blue logoed shirts and ball caps; so flag us down if you have news to report.

To get the inside scoop, watch for the five-part interview of Jack Pelton by ANN CEO and Editor-In-Chief, Jim Campbell. Jim says the interview time he had with Jack not only ran longer than planned but is chock full of insight and information from the man who is responsible for making EAA work.

Now, here are some tips for those of you that are making your first visit to AirVenture:

• If you are flying in to Oshkosh you must have the special AirVenture NOTAM that is issued by the FAA. You cannot get this NOTAM over the phone, but you can download it from the EAA or FAA websites.
• Be sure to load the AirVenture 2016 app onto your phone or tablet. It’s an easy way to keep track of where everything is and, even more important, where you are.
• EAA's AirVenture Welcome Center is part of EAA’s Four Corners located at the intersection of Knapp Street Road and Celebration Way, and it’s a good place to start.
• Be ready to walk, a lot! Wear foot gear that can last for miles and miles because that’s what you’ll cover in a day at AirVenture. One of our staff remembers a few AirVentures back where he actually needed medical attention for his feet.
• It almost doesn’t need to be repeated, but we’ll do it anyway. Stay hydrated. The best way to do that is with water. There are plenty of water fountains scattered around the grounds so keep your plastic bottle and you can refill it. Many vendors also offer free water.
• You’ll enjoy the airshows much more if you have some sort of hearing protection. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just simple foam ear inserts will do the job. This is particularly important for the kids.
• You never know what the weather’s going to do at AirVenture, so bring a simple plastic raincoat to give you time to run for cover if one of the infamous Oshkosh thunderstorms pays a visit. You can buy these raincoats on-property, but the lines get long when the skies get dark.
• If you enjoy collecting flyers, brochures, and free goodies being offered by vendors, be sure to wear a backpack or carry some sort of shoulder bag.
• EAA AirVenture is a very safe place, but it’s also a place were small children can easily get out of sight. The kids don’t mean to hurt things, but some airplanes can be easily damaged, so do not let children mess around with any of the airplanes. It’s bad for the airplanes, and it may not be safe for the children.
• Adults also need to remember that it’s considered bad form to climb on or touch someone’s airplane without permission.
• EAA AirVenture is one of the cleanest venues on the planet, but that only works partly because visitors understand the need to throw trash in proper containers.
• Last but not least, EAA AirVenture is a place to have fun and join with thousands of others that share our interests. Whether you fly in or drive in, keep your positive attitude up and forgive those who transgress in some way. And here’s a word to the wise; almost everyone has a video camera on their cell phone nowadays.

Well, that’s a wrap up for our “Week Before AirVenture” coverage. We at ANN will be providing terrific coverage this year and we’ll bring you follow-ups in the weeks after AirVenture 2016.

(Image from File)

FMI: www.aero-news.net