Fresh off of OSH15, Marc felt like an Airventure review from multiple perspectives was in order.  It's easy to understand the view from a General Aviation Private Pilot, but what about from the perspective of an 11 year old, who has never been before?  Or maybe a parent that took him there, that has never been part of the GA community.  That's what we did tonight.  Welcome to Nic Partington, who has recently discovered a love for aviation.  Enter father John, who got up on Saturday and put Nic in the car for the 3 hour drive to Oshkosh.  Walking the main drag, Nic saw first hand what a Citation, Cirrus, Icon, etc. looks like from the inside, up close and personal.  And then the air show started.  The formation flying, aerobatics, and the TORA TORA TORA reenactment certainly had an impact.  Getting both Nic and John's feelings of their first Oshkosh provides great insight into the mind of the non-pilot.  At the very least, we learned that regardless of the age or whether a person has a pilot's license or not, the passion and love of aviation is the same.  We're all part of the same family!
 
Returning guest, Tim Rylko, called in from California to provide is perspective on the show as well.  Tim was yet again, part of the B2OSH, mass Bonanza/Baron arrival.  His description of 120 airplanes taxing on the runway at Rockford, IL (KRFD) was awesome.  What a great experience.  You can bet next year, Marc will find his way to KRFD on the Saturday prior to OSH16 to watch 120 airplanes taking the runway and doing a mass departure in groups of three.  It sounds like a show in and of itself.  I can only imagine the OSH controllers heart rate when they hear "flight of 120" checking in!!!
 
Once at Airventure, Tim visited the career center and found the regional airlines to be sincerely interested in helping him get on board.  With signing bonuses, free training, and conditional offers prior to 1500 hours, TIm found multiple airlines quite interesting.  The encouraging news is that the young men and women working for these airlines remain excited to be earning a living as a pilot, and looking forward to advancing in their career for many years.  GREAT TO SEE and HEAR!!!
 
Finally Marc shared his perspective of Airventure.  Not surprising, he once again admitted going to the show for the airplanes and coming home thinking about the people.  The industry is filled with like minded passionate aviators, who indeed make up a very special community.  During his short day there, he met with many friends of the show, visited airplane manufacturers, headset vendors, sunglass innovators, and had introductions to individuals that were just there to enjoy the company of pilots from around the world.  A very special show indeed!
 
Blue Skies and Tailwinds.