After spending a whole week at Oshkosh, and reading over the various threads here about what’s wrong with AV, I’ll like to share a few thoughts.
I have read the various gripes and complaints (everything from the high price of water to the ticket costs to the lamenting of how AV has drifted away from its roots. Bottom line, I don’t know any other place in the world where I can bring my family (wife and 8 year old daughter) and do/see the things that we did. An event of this size will always have some issues, and having been held for so many years, will have changes. That’s just a fact of life. Hopefully the issues are small, and the changes are ultimately for the better. But that’s a judgment call, with everyone reserving the right to differ.
For my family the only other way to spend a week like we did would be a trip to the Big Mouse (Disney), which I know is not at all aviation related, but is a fair comparison for a family trip. I feel for value of each $ spent, a week at AV comes out on top. Ticket prices, food, and yes water prices charged are in line with what other venues ask for. For the most part we had our own water and some food, try doing that on the Big Mouse’s turf. You would not even get passed the gate carrying stuff on site.
One big highlight for us was Kid Venture, this was my daughter’s first time to AV, and she had a blast learning about all things aviation. Her favorite activity was making the propeller at Kid Venture. As an 8-year old she knows more about aviation then most adults. What will the Big Mouse teach my daughter, how to be a Princess?
Let’s be reflective on what we have, and what the world of GA would be without EAA. Not to say that all is perfect, but let’s see the forest from the trees. Let’s focus on what’s right (big list starting with Kid Venture) and keep working to maintain that level of excellence.
As for the chalets and other “high roller” venues, name any activity that does not have economic separation/categorization as part of their business plan. The key is, can the organization have this separation without disenfranchising part of the population. I think EAA has been able to do this. I for one would not even had noticed the chalets on the field if I had not read the forum traffic. I am well aquatinted that the museum closed early on Thursday, and that the Eagle Hanger is off limits for the “Gathering of Eagles” event. Am I upset that I have been excluded from this area because I don’t want to pay the price of admission? No, because this is no different from other experiences in life, i.e. First Class Vs Coach, and so forth. I’m glad that people with means are willing to donate to support EAA programs that my family and I can take advantage of.
Let’s look at the big picture: I’m fortunate to be able to fly and afford my own plane to the event. I’m fortunate to have an event like AV that let’s my daughter learn about aviation. We need young people like her to get excited about flying, and AV does just that.
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Originally Posted by Wilfred
