Originally Posted by
Dick Knapinski
Hi, Bill:
I can clarify that airplane number for you. That 10,000 number I've always been careful to say that is the total number of aircraft that come to the region specifically for the event. You're right in that when the airport is completely jammed with aircraft, it's a little bit over 5,000 airplanes. With weeklong movements, it's about 7,000-8,000 airplanes that park at Wittman during the week. However, there are also about 1,000 airplanes that park at Fond du Lac whose pilots shuttle to Oshkosh each day, and several hundred at Appleton in the GA parking area, too. Add in the hundred or so each in Neenah, Waupaca, New Holstein and other small airports where people land, and pretty soon the number easily tops 10,000. I use that as a conservative number.
Unfortunately, cancelling the event or boycotting unfortunately would send a message to no one – as the FAA or those above them do not care if that happens. We understand that those above are sending the FAA its marching orders on this as part of a bigger budget sequestration standoff. So, it’s more important that we keep the event going to show our resolve and unity – as well as provide the opportunities for all the aviation businesses that come to Oshkosh (by the way, 75% of those companies are American and 70% of those have fewer than 100 employees). AirVenture is their Black Friday and their Christmas season. Not having the event would effectively kill a number of those businesses and those jobs.
Thanks again for the question.