AirVenture Is Coming To Life At Wittman Regional Airport

There was a high overcast over Wittman Regional Airport Saturday afternoon, and a breeze from west was threatening to bring showers to Oshkosh by late Saturday night. But the preparations for the show are well underway, and the aviation faithful will start to pour through the gates on Monday.

Passing through the grounds, there is the ping of a sledgehammer on a tent stake as some of the larger exhibit tents take shape. Forklifts are moving large pallets into exhibits that are still largely empty late Saturday afternoon. There are airplanes in various states of assembly, some complete and ready to display, some that still need to have pieces attached, some that are not-ready-to-fly ... but with exhibitors hopeful that Oshkosh will provide part of the impetus they need to start delivering airplanes to customers.

There is, as always, an air of anticipation and urgency as workers scramble to prepare exhibits for the show.

There has been the occasional roar of a P-51 Mustang flying overhead. Airplanes are taxiing to their parking places, and engines clatter to a stop while others nearby set up campsites under the wings of their airplanes. Already, the fuel truck is moving through the parking areas, topping off tanks and getting airplanes ready to go where ever they're going next.

Several companies have announcements planned for Sunday, but things really kick into high gear Monday. We've got a lot of plans for bringing the show to you if you're not able to be here. And if you are, stop by and say hello.

Clear Prop! It's all about to begin.

FMI: www.aero-news.net