Opinion and Observation...

by ANN News Editor Tim Kern

It's just an informal survey, of course: I went around Oshkosh for the past few days asking vendors, pilots, and anybody walking around, how they liked this year's Oshkosh.

Out of about a hundred people who had opinions (100% of those asked, by the way -- who are these guys?), all but one said that this year was better than last. The other 99 or so said that they thought the show was "about the same" (a small number), or better (at least 90%).

Several, some of whom have been attending the annual extravaganza for decades, said that this Oshkosh was "the best ever."

Spectators and vendors alike cited large (though not the largest-ever) upbeat crowds, pleasant (if unpredictable) weather, the safety record (so far), and the "buying" mood of attendees.

Airworthiness certificates were awarded, for airplanes that are deeply pre-sold. Airplane companies are introducing new models; accessory and component manufacturers are displaying brand-new items this year. Any concerns of September 11, outside of the increased government harassment, seem to have dwindled away. Around-the-world flights are again possible -- all in all, a great year!

What's happening?

New airplanes -- really new airplanes -- are setting up a giant rift between the new and used aircraft markets. In not too many years, we predict that new pilots won't know how to read yesterday's 'steam gauges.' Aircraft are becoming easier to fly, easier to monitor; engines, thanks to refinement, new technology, and better lubrication, are lasting longer than ever; propellers have undergone significant change in recent years; and avionics -- Wow! dare we even open the subject for discussion?

For those who can't aford the latest and greatest, the new wave of truly modern aircraft has had a beneficial side effect: used airplanes are more-affordable, and more-plentiful. Healthy new life forms (PPCs, for instance) are establishing themselves as viable aviating experiences.

Engine technology, across the board, is delivering not only new engines, but the best-ever 'classic' engines. The 'big guns' in engine rebuilding, too, are offering Sport Plane builders more, and better, engines for their homebuilts. Engines, mated to modern props of every construction, are burning less fuel, lasting longer, and providing more-reliable power than ever.

Modern aircraft are safer, stronger, better-equipped, easier to fly, longer-lasting, and, when adjusted for inflation and equipment, even cheaper than at any time in recent memory.

The flying community has been awakened by Mayor Daley's act of vandalism in destroying Meigs Field, and it's not likely any other tinpot official will try his stunt. We aviators are paying more attention to government, even as government pays more attention to us. The non-flying public is starting to realize the differences between GA and commercial transport; even some writers in the average press are starting to make the distinction; politicians will need to follow.

Aviation insurance has had a rebirth, and is getting more-scientific. Progress on that front will be aided by increased safety -- and real stick-and-rudder skills seem to be coming back, at the primary level. Recurrent training is focusing to a greater degree than in recent years, on getting ahead of the situation, rather than on just managing systems. And systems are so much better, they can manage more, with less pilot distraction.

New aviators, hooked through programs like Young Eagles and nurtured by pilot-mentors and programs like CAP Cadets, are joining new adult pilots, introduced by innovative programs like Be A Pilot. Student starts are up.

The whole light-aviation picture is looking better, and the feeling was on everyone's face at Oshkosh '03.

FMI: www.airventure.org