Quote Originally Posted by wyoranch View Post
I am just curious as to how many of you voiced your opinions directly to EAA as well as here? My point is that I don't get that warm and fuzzy feeling that these forums are truly monitored by the people who can affect change. Things do change , and you can not stop progress. The economy has been terrible, a lot of discretionary income got flushed down the toilet over the last few years with the housing collapse. I for one could not afford to go this year because of a general down turn affecting the company I started 20 years ago. That does not excuse EAA from what I believe is completely and utterly stepping over the people that have formed this community. My point is that complaining here is probably going unheard and what is being see is being discounted as a small portion of the AV audience. I will always be a member regardless ( and maybe that is what the board is counting on) because I believe in what the people stand for, I will even attend AV if all of my other obligations are met. AV (the event itself) is not what I signed up for. I signed up to be with like minded people and the friendships that would come with it. I TRULY believe in what all of you are committed to.
Feedback@eaa.org. Voice your opinion, please.........
Thanks to all of you for taking the time to read this
Rick
My email to them.... fwiw :-(

As a 20 year EAA'r, and and Experimental Aircraft Builder, I am truly saddened with the current direction of Airventure.

My disappointments are as follows:

1- The high-priced EAA 'chalet' and other sponser 'chalets' are an eyesore, displace the show planes along the flight line, ruin any panaramic views of aircraft, block the view of the flightline, and most importantly make if *very* clear that the EAA values their well-heeled 'members' more than the majority membership of long time EAA'rs who built and founded this organization. This class distinction is disgusting.

2- the relocation of the photo-platform from show center - why? because it ruined the chalet's view??

3- The sound system was ill-conceived and *much* too loud. One couldn't even hear the engines over the silly soundtracks. It appears that the EAA is now trying to appeal to the *non* flying general public, to draw ticket sales as the actual pilot attendee numbers appear to be declining.

4- The Homebuilt camping area has never been upgraded with proper showers or amenities - why has it not been updated as the North 40 has been? This group is the *Core* of the EAA, and the reason for Airventure in the first place. The reason the forums are there. The reason that flying can be made affordable.

5- The aviation vendors are decreasing in numbers and being replaced by mattress salesmen. Terrible. This is supposed to be the worlds "greatest aviation celebration". I have heard from many aviation vendors that the EAA is increasing the rent to the point where it is no longer feasible. Only mass-market product mfg's will be able to afford displays if this keeps up.


What is happening to 'my' fly-in? As a long-time EAA member, I am saddened to see the show decline. Eventually it will be just another AOPA/industry show. Not the Eaa

Sincerely,
Pete