Reflective Vests Must Be Worn At All Times During The Week

ANN April 1 Special Edition (Parody)

Reflective safety vests: you've seen them on baggage loaders, tug drivers, and mechanics at major airports. In Europe, pilots perform  a preflight wearing them. And now you will see them on the grounds of AirVenture. Originally mandated by OSHA on construction sites, the requirement grew last week to include airport workers, and now will need to be worn by visitors and vendors alike on the airport grounds at Oshkosh.

Those who have attended AirVenture in the past can attest to the fact that airplanes are all about, including in public walkways. Taxiways that are used as roads are still in operation for aircraft, and any aircraft departing can just start up and go. In previous years, ground crews have temporarily blocked such taxiways or ramp areas when aircraft are moving, but this year safety precautions have been taken to the next level. On March 20th, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration teamed up with the EAA to pass the mandate for all entering the AirVenture gates. According to the new rule, reflective safety vests will be worn at all times while on the airport grounds, and those found not in the vest will be subject to removal and a fine. There will, of course, be some vest-free areas. The rule will not apply to sit-down, indoor dining establishments, nor will it to the EAA Museum and some select vendors.

Vest checks will be mandatory upon admittance into AirVenture, so expect the entrance lines to be longer this year. The EAA will be looking for more volunteers to regulate the vests and ascertain they are all up to the standard. Vests are required first and foremost to be the outermost garment, with color, size, and coverage requirements to follow. For those who do not come prepared, vests will be available for sale at the gates by the EAA.

Several businesses have already jumped on this marketing opportunity as well. Ford, Honda, and Canon so far have offered a free, logoed vest to the first 500 people who promise they will wear the provided vest only, and will attend AirVenture for more than three days.

General Aviation enthusiasts can look to more new additions and an exciting July as this year’s AirVenture is already shaping up to be a bright one.

FMI: www.eaa.org