Unique Abundance defines 2008 AirVenture
Aviation enthusiasts from 75 countries came to EAA’s AirVenture during August and were able to participate in more than 1,000 different activities. The event is nothing like you expect nor anything you can imagine – you have to attend it in order to understand. Some of my friends have said they won’t attend, “There is just too much to see.” I like to think of the EAA event as a yearly “aviation innovation” shot in the arm.
Where else could you spend a day walking among some of the smallest ultralights, posh personal jets, warbirds who helped make history or inspect some of the most beautiful vintage aircraft imaginable? One of the special treats of AirVenture is simply being able to wander between dozens of aircraft categories, just a few steps apart, and then step into a booth to see one of latest aviation products from anywhere in the world. With the nearly 800 exhibitors attending the event it’s very easy to spend hours talking hundreds of companies and aviation enthusiasts about something new.
I’m especially fond of LSA aircraft and the Oshkosh event offered an almost unlimited selection parked on the tarmac and a plethora of new models in vendor booths. Seeing a prototype of the Terrafugia Transition, a folding-winged, road-drivable light aircraft was electrifying. The prototype made its debut at the event and Carl Dietrich, CEO and CTO of Terrafugia Inc, said, “Completion of the Transition Proof of Concept is a significant milestone in the development of the first practical roadable aircraft.” Deliveries start next year, around $148,000 although you will have to wait for yours - all planned production through Q2 2010 was booked up long ago according to Terrafugia.
Another eagerly awaited personal aircraft made its debut at AirVenture, the Martin Jetpack. It’s an idea that has been around a long time, like the flying cars, and the Martin Jetpack is considered the world’s first practical personal aircraft. It’s distinguished by a unique, patented technology and capable of flying 100 times longer than the Bell Rocket Belt of the 1960s. Even better, it uses regular gasoline and complies with FAA Ultralight regulations. Watching a Today Show journalist master the controls and become of the few women to ever pilot the jetpack was an event in itself.
While the EAA AirVenture is always a showcase for aviation innovation, there are some special nostalgic moments too. Seeing the only flying Boeing Model 40 in the world gave this spectator the chills. Addison Pemberton, restored the aircraft after acquiring the wrecked aircraft eight years ago. His company spent 18,000 hours restoring the plane and it flew for the first time in 80 years on February 17, which happens to be the owner’s birthday. He flies the aircraft so others can experience one of only ten Boeing Model 40s ever built. Pemberton talking about the aircraft said, “It is a real tribute to Boeing engineering and insight, these guys were visionaries.”
Aviation innovation, nostalgia, and camaraderie are the best way to sum up a few days at the EAA extravaganza. Wondering if you should plan to attend? It’s all true, there are thousands of people and thousands of aircraft but I doubt there is a better place to satisfy a unique interest in aviation. With a little work you’ll find more of whatever you’re interested in at this one event than you could ever imagine. I think of EAA’s AirVenture as the place to see the entire world of flight but it lets me package it in the way I want to experience it!
John Cilio Contact John at: questions@vintageflyer.com