Disappointing Oshkosh 2013

[Scott.Woodford]

Well, after travelling from Australia for this year's Airventure, I am quite disappointed.

The lack of military presence here is very telling. This afternoon's airshow was very poor. There are only so many aerobatic performances you can watch before they all begin to look the same. The B25, P51 and Sea Harrier were by far the highlights, and were obviously strategically scheduled to keep the crowd around until the very end.

I don't for a minute blame Airventure organisers for this. I understand the budget sequestration has played its part in grounding the military and keeping them from attending events like this. But it is still disappointing nonetheless.

On the other hand, the people are as friendly as ever, and the variety of food stands is much better than previous years.

I am here for the whole week, but won't be hanging around for another airshow. Maybe I'll poke around the fleamarket in the afternoons!

[Janet Davidson]

Scott,

How about signing up for some volunteering? Incredibly rewarding, & fun. As the saying goes, "we come for the planes, and stay for the people". One way to fill some of the afternoons?

[CarlOrton]

Hi, Scott; Sorry to hear of your disappointment. I haven't watched the airshow in years, so I'm saying more than I know, but to my recollection, the military was never really that big a part in the "airshow" part of the day. Yeah, an F-18 or F-16 would do a few low and hot passes, but that was normaly during the pre-airshow times of the day. The military was more of static displays like the C-17, C-5, C-130, B-1, etc. Fun stuff to look at, but not really integral to the afternoon shows.

LIke Janet said, volunteer. I've met a lot of great folks over the years by participating. And there's enough to see that you still won't see it all, even if you do miss the show.

So far, I'm thinking this is one of the better shows! But to each his/her own....

[Joe Delene]

I do some show watching, but it's not top on my list at Airventure. I will say I missed the military aluminum, and noise. The Harrier seemed like it was overdue by the time it started to fly. The crowd was in need of speed & noise. Let the Gov't do what's it's gonna do, play games if they want. How hard(or expensive) would it be to fly an F-16 in from Madison?

There was a great article by I think Thomas Sowell a while back about Gov't budgeting/expenses. It was basically outlining how essentials are cut so people become willing to capitulate & go back to the normal excess. Just referencing, not calling military displays essential. I'd like to put off the USA joining Detroit as long as possible.

[Bill Greenwood]

Maybe I am different, but I am enjoying EAA this year, and one of the reasons is not having my hearing attacked by military jets. You can relax, talk to people, and even think without having to wear ear plugs and having kids crying from the noise.
The pleasant cool weather is fine by me. One jet I do want to see is this "jetman" guy. That might be the highest thrill with the lowest margin for safety of anything flying.

But then I enjoy EAA every year.

[BeagleOne]

There has never been a big military presence in the actual airshow itself. I would like to see the Raptor come back, though, that's an outstanding airplane. The Harrier is always cool, too, and I can't wait to see the WWII bombers fly.

Also outstanding: someone in the ultralight area appears to have attached a car body to a paraplane and was flying around yesterday evening. Gotta go check that out!

I would like to find whatever vendor or activity is giving out whistles on lanyards to children and shut that down, though.

[Scott.Woodford]

Thankyou to those who suggested volunteering. I am here with 3 mates, and we did see a sign asking for volunteers down near the Red Barn yesterday, and we have been discussing doing exactly that.

I also had a chat with one of the staff over at the Pioneer Airport when I was taking my Bell 47 ride and he agrees the lack of military has hurt them this year in terms of business.

I was spoiled as my first Airventure was 2011 being the centenary of US naval aviation. That was an awesome show to attend. Whilst I agree that military involvement in the afternoon airshow isn't a big thing, what we did have in 2011 was a constant stream of military movements. This year, the odd warbird will land but they are few and far between.

The static displays are always a great attraction and the warbirds here are, as always, phenomonal. But again, the lack of current military hardware is conspicuous.

Again, I labour the point that I understand all of this is beyond the control of EAA and I am not seeking to blame anyone associated with the event as I think it is awesome to be here and be a part of. Something else also detracting from my previous experience is that there is no post office nor laundry service available this year.

In summary, I will be back but I will be making sure that it coincides with a significant military anniversary to give myself the best chance of seeing something other than RV's and ultralights! ;-)

[Flyfalcons]

If you went to Oshkosh expecting a big military airshow beyond some WWII flybys, then you came for the wrong event.

[I_FLY_LOW]

I'm highly dissappointed, too...
Dissappointed that I didn't make it there, this year, that is.
Military or no, there's always something interesting to see or do, whether in they sky, or ground bound.
Hopefully next year will be in the cards.
You guys are so lucky, with the awesome weather there this year.
That's my usual summertime migration excuse, to get a little break in the hot and humid weather where I'm at, currently.
I usuallt tent camp, and the last few times I went, it wound up being hot, or stormy.
All part of the experience, but those nice, cool temps are surely appreciated!

[Gil]

I was there from Sunday morning until a few hours ago. To be honest, I never even noticed a lack of military airplanes... there is so much to see and do, it didn't matter to me. (And I am a former USAF pilot.) We all enjoy different things at OSH, and for me it is always the vendors and all the new aviation related products. Plus the camping in the North 40 and making new friends and seeing old friends. The weather was fantastic.

[BeagleOne]

Well, the two B-25s, five or six P-51s, Corsair, 11 T-28s, 17 Red Stars, and 29 T-6s in the air at once today was pretty darned cool!

[Joe LaMantia]

My last trip to OSH was a few years ago and the F-22 made passes and did some interesting turns. I always preview the forum schedule and spend part of each day in those tents, that F-22 made a lot of noise and speakers had to pause at times and wait for the noise to abate. I've been viewing the web cams each day and the crowds seemed a bit light at the start, but the aircraft parking looks normal. AirVenture is a very large event and if you spend the whole week there you can get "airplaned-out". Our flying club treasurer fly's out for a week every year camps and volunteers, he really enjoys it and there are some nice "perks" for volunteers. Having lived in Wis for many years I know that even in July the weather is "variable" by year. Camping is more of a chore when in rains or gets cold or both, the alternative is generally the opposite in the extreme. The real "hard-core" attendees are there for the people, it's a great party hope you enjoy the fun!

Joe
:cool:

[nomiddlemas]

I think that the airshow was ok from the cams. I could not make it so I was chilling on the live cams and the cameraman working those cams, CRAP. He was bad at what he did. He missed the ENTIRE rocketman stunt. Other than that its looking ok from where I am. You have to really appreciate aircraft in order to enjoy your time there. I hope to make it next year and have the time of my life.

[Paul Chandler]

I thought the Monday show was one of the best i had seen in a long time. Good variety with new acts etc rather than just having one aerobatic item after another which got a little tiring. Great idea combining the showcase item with the main show it really worked. New food vendors also much better than in previous year - well done from me

[Bill Berson]

Yes, the C5 Galaxy is missing from the central square, but....
the small details I find here are what I seek.

Here is a photo from Dyke Delta group that is rolling channel with roller mill in the Workshop 2 today and tomorrow around 4:

[Hal Bryan]

I think that the airshow was ok from the cams. I could not make it so I was chilling on the live cams and the cameraman working those cams, CRAP. He was bad at what he did. He missed the ENTIRE rocketman stunt. Other than that its looking ok from where I am. You have to really appreciate aircraft in order to enjoy your time there. I hope to make it next year and have the time of my life.

Nolan - I've explained the videographer's role repeatedly. He wasn't tasked with shooting the Jetman performance, so what he did was not "crap", nor was he bad at what he did. Comments like these directly insulting someone, especially when it's baseless and unjustified, aren't acceptable here.

[Paul Chandler]

Hal - you might be able to answer this question - as a brit visiting for 8th time i was really looking forward to seeing Fairey Gannet in the air. It was due to arrive on Monday but no sign of it so far. Has it had tech problems so will not be making it?

[Hal Bryan]

We're anxiously awaiting the Gannet as well, Paul. I know they've have some minor technical issues that they've been trying to get sorted, but last I heard they were still working toward getting here. Sorry that I don't have anything more definitive.

[Bill Greenwood]

Hal has a point, if you were upset about the video cam guy, you could say the same thing in a different way, like, "I am disappointed that the video cam operator didn't follow the jet man in flight."
For me the video cam is a nice extra feature, but hardly better than seeing an act in person.

For Aussie guy, maybe if you were at Ardy and Ed's last night when the two Mustangs came over low on short final for 27, you wouldn't miss the Raptor etc. so much. The Piglatus came over behind them and it stinks so bad that you can smell it on the ground.

For Brit guy, what exactly do you find so attractive about a Fairey Gannet? And did you read that the RAF is looking for a Gannet to lead their Battle of Britain Flight? Neither did I?

[Paul Chandler]

Hal- thanks for the update - will keep fingers crossed that they make it.

Bill - have not seen one fly in the uk for many years (25+) so would be good to see and photograph with modern equipment. Doubt the Royal Air Force would want one as the Gannet was a Royal Navy operated aicraft.The uk is not good at keeping its aviation heritage (other than ww2 stuff) alive. Nice to see a British jet being the noisiest thing at the show though :)

[Scott.Woodford]

I was also looking forward to seeing the Gannet in the air and getting some photos of this unique bird. Ugly as it may be.

Today is my last day here and I am hoping Veteran's Day give us something special (as it has in the past)

[mikeno]

What many fail to appreciate when criticizing Oshkosh/Airventure is that this event is entirely made possible by volunteers and an organization seeking to provide something for every taste in aviation. They have no control over military presence and the political shenanigans. However on Tuesday evening from home built camping I witnessed one of the most spectacular displays of military warbirds I've seen in my 63 years. It continued for over 30 minutes and that alone surpassed the lack of current military hardware. I fly my plane in for the first time and both arrival, parking and departure were flawless. The campground was entertainment in itself that I thoroughly enjoyed with my son and grandson. There was always a volunteer on hand if needed. Given the size of this event I think the quality of the entertainment, food, facilities and displays is amazing. I suspect those who are disappointed would be so regardless of the event. Personally, I salute EAA staff and volunteers and thank them for an Airventure I'll always remember.

[BeagleOne]

Very well said, Mikeno! The vintage military presence alone makes it worth the trip! Also if you get a chance to welcome the Honor Flight home...the expressions on the veterans' faces when they see the crowd...well...bring some tissues!

[baboss]

This afternoon's airshow was very poor. There are only so many aerobatic performances you can watch before they all begin to look the same.That's what we thought until listening in on the air frequencies via a handheld. Was really neat to hear the pilots during the performances. We also watched the airshows from under our wing in the North 40 every day where the beer was cold! That might have helped! :)

[mazdaP5]

I thought it would have been a fun idea to invite the Forces Canada to Oshkosh this year. CF-18's, the Snowbirds, CC-177, all of that stuff. Or maybe that F-100 that is making the airshow circuit. That being said, I didn't miss them, and still had a blast.