Listen And Learn

By John Dorcey

Many of the events that make AirVenture what it is today were also conducted at the first EAA Fly-in and convention in 1953. Education played a big part in that first convention - builders telling their experiences, founder Paul Poberezny sharing his vision, and lots of talk amongst the attendees.

Fast forward to 2005 and the story is pretty much the same - builders are still telling about their experiences, Paul Poberezny will share his thoughts on General Aviation's past and its future, and there will be lots of talk in forum pavilions, the Vette Theater, the Eagle Hangar, the FAA Safety Center, and six other locations - more than 20 seminar locations in all.
 
There are 21 forum categories ranging from Aviation Firsts to Sport Pilot, from History to Family Aviation, from Aerobatics to Type Clubs. Forum presenters include aviation's movers and shakers - from Mike Melville and Burt Rutan to World War II aces, authors, scientists, engineers, aircraft designers, and builders. The opportunity to hear presentations on all kinds of aviation topics has never been greater.

Forum choices are almost endless. Whether you are an EAA Chapter newsletter editor in need of help, a future pilot in search of information on Sport Pilot certification, a homebuilder looking for some hands-on training in welding or sheet metal work, there is a forum for you. If you are looking for help, guidance, practical experience, motivation, or maybe just to be entertained then the forums listing is where you should be looking.

New this year will be an Inspection Authorization (IA) renewal seminar. One method of meeting their annual renewal requirement is for IAs to attend 8 hours of classroom training. The seminar is co-sponsored by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), AMT Society, the FAA, and EAA. The seminar's sessions will be held exclusively in Forum Pavilion 8. Attendance at any of the 6 individual seminar sessions will earn credit towards the AMT Awards program.

Whatever your interest, you will find a forum or seminar about it at AirVenture 2005. Experts will be sharing their knowledge, experience, and passion for aviation. There will be more than 800 forums and seminars conducted at the over 20 locations throughout the convention site. The problem will be limiting the number of forums you attend so you can experience the rest of AirVenture.

FMI: www.airventure.org/forums/