It Happens Like This Every Year…

By Dan Billingsley

It's getting to be that time again, AirVenture is nearly upon us. And like a kid anticipating a visit to Disneyland, so it is with many of us with Oshkosh. The thought of simply entering the gate and seeing the warbirds off to one side and a sea of homebuilts on the other possesses a magical appeal for young and old alike.

AirVenture 2010 has a wide variety of family fun planned and as always, there are many activities to keep the whole crew busy for hours. For the kids, check out KidVenture which goes on daily from 0900 to 1530 (Sunday to 1400). Shuttle buses will run all day from the main EAA AirVenture bus stop as well as the AirVenture Museum. It is here the kids are encouraged to crawl through real airplanes, get lost in the sky with a flight simulator, or make a take-home project like a model rocket or balsa plane. While all of this is going on I'm betting your toddler will get a kick out of zooming around in the Pedal-Plane Corral.

Kidventure Activities

If sister is in high school and has an interest in learning more about women in aviation, she should check out a program called Women Soar. Now in its 6th year at AirVenture, it takes place over July 25-27th and does require registration.

Mom, don't miss WomenVenture scheduled to kick off Thursday evening at Theater in The Woods. Start-time will be 1900 which will introduce many activities and events encompassing the following two days. "WomenVenture is a fantastic opportunity to reach out to women at this world-class aviation event," said WAI President Dr. Peggy Chabrian. "WomenVenture provides an accessible way for women to take their first step into the aviation community whether as a pilot, for a career, or just for fun."

Last but not least, Dad… You certainly have more than a variety of workshops and seminars to work in. If you're anything like me, the hard part is making the choices and not missing anything of interest.

So round up the troops, jump in the car and make it out to the world's largest aviation event this year. Don't forget the sunscreen ... and umbrellas.

FMI: www.airventure.org , www.wai.org