Did You Save Your $5 bucks yet?

[Floatsflyer]

I got spoiled by the old ones where actual flying occurred during the fly-in. And the cost was reasonable. Now it costs a bunch for admission, there's no flying of regular homebuilt and antique airplanes plus there's way too many people there for the sole purpose of trying to sell you something. I went into overload in 2003 and I probably won't go back.

It's not at all productive, helpful or remotely relevant to come to unsubstantiated conclusions based on opinions and data that's 14 years old. $16.86 per day admission based on a weekly pass is hardly "a bunch".

Both homebuilts and antiques have been flying for the past few years in the pre show showcase and the main show.

I have never felt close to being overwhelmed by the crowds, the grounds are huge allowing for easily walking around without bumping into people. The only deep crowds occur at lunch time so go at 1pm instead of noon.

The aviation oriented exhibitors are not remotely aggressive and don't hard sell. That might only happen if you're in the market for a mattress or recliner.

[CHICAGORANDY]

I would add that if crowds are in one area - hop a shuttle and go to another one. The reenactors down by Warbirds always look a little 'lonely' and they have some great stuff to show and tell. During my off duty hours I wander the grounds and tour all the Hangars and tents - so that I can advise and direct shuttle passengers to points of some interest. Sure there are the non-aviation related hucksters/peddlers in the Hangars and the Fly Market, but they can also be part of the fun and the experience.

I can honestly say that AirVenture and the NRA annual Convention are two events I can count on to be filled with nothing but fine folks all sharing a common passion. That alone makes the trip worthwhile.

[cwilliamrose]

Hmmm. A classic example of cutting off one's nose to spite one's face. Sure there have been changes, but they're by no means all bad. To miss 14 years because one year wasn't to your tastes seems awfully extreme. At least 500,000 of my closest friends seem to disagree with you.

Cary

Maybe. But after many years of going and seeing the changes 2003 was just the year I figured I'd been there and done that enough. It wasn't any one thing in any one year. It's just different than it was and I'm OK not going again. It's a long trip so it has to feel like it's worth the effort and expense. The multitudes of folks happily going every year mean very little to me, I'm old enough to make my own judgements and not follow the crowd.

[scuba72]

Save 5 bucks, whoop te doo. So I can buy another 6 pack this year? Let members save $20-30 bucks by buying passes early, say in January and lowing it every month by $5.00 then that might be an incentive to get your passes early. I don't mean to sound negative, but saving $5.00 by buying my admission early isn't much of an incentive.

Dave in Missouri

[Floatsflyer]

Save 5 bucks, whoop te doo. So I can buy another 6 pack this year?

Dave in Missouri

5 bucks for a 6 pack? Of what?

[turtle]

5 bucks for a 6 pack? Of what?

Water. Bought off-site from a non-EAA approved vendor, of course.

[Floatsflyer]

Water. Bought off-site from a non-EAA approved vendor, of course.

$5 for 6 waters, you got ripped off.

[Cary]

Maybe. But after many years of going and seeing the changes 2003 was just the year I figured I'd been there and done that enough. It wasn't any one thing in any one year. It's just different than it was and I'm OK not going again. It's a long trip so it has to feel like it's worth the effort and expense. The multitudes of folks happily going every year mean very little to me, I'm old enough to make my own judgements and not follow the crowd.

Well, yeah, most of us who go are old enough to go are old enough to make our own judgments, and most of us have to make a long and expensive trip to get there. But if that's too much for you, then save your money. Life is full of choices. My choice is to spend the money, fly my little bird there, and spend the whole week, meeting new friends, seeing old friends, and enjoying the greatest aviation spectacle on earth. When I can no longer fly there, I'll drive. Life's too short to voluntarily give up something that is so much enjoyment. Age and health will catch up to me soon enough--I don't want to give it up before that happens.

Cary

[scuba72]

5 bucks for a 6 pack? Of what?

I drink cheap beer. 4.99 a six pack here in Missouri

[Rod Schneider]

For me, $5 isn't near enough incentive to buy flightline passes early. I'd consider it if they were refundable, but I'm not prepared to waste the entire cost of a weekly pass if something happens at the last minute to prevent me from going............