Synopsis Oshkosh 2014

Going to Oshkosh 2014 was on my places to visit for a few years. I was told that for the first visit I should drive to Oshkosh, and I may fly in after that. So, I did. The event was one of the most mind-boggling events I have ever experienced. Over 10,000 airplanes of all shapes and sizes participated and showed off their beauty in and out of the skies. It was a massive pavilion dedicated to the kings of the sky, filled with many activities and forums to enjoy. It was an all-around great experience for me.

One of the main attractions of Oshkosh 2014, the One Week Wonder, sure held up as a fan favorite as I watched over 12 companies and more than 5000 volunteers pitch in to build a complete airplane during the 7-day convention. The CH-750 Cruzer kit airplane was donated by Zenith Aircraft. All of the people looked very motivated and excited as they saw their work take shape into the charming two-seat Light Sport Airplane qualified Cruzer. Kiosks were also available in order to show people how to rivet properly and to see if they could participate in this wonderful experience. I participated in placing one rivet in the plane and I have my pin for that. The plan placed on the checklist board was to start the tail, a wing and the fuselage on Monday. By Tuesday the first wing should be completed, Wednesday and Thursday would be left for the second wing, and by Friday it should look like an airplane. Sure enough on the 5th day of Oshkosh Airventure 2014, I went and saw the complete silver body of the airplane. The work was completed in one week and the plane is with EAA to be used for a good cause. The One Week Wonder inspired hope that one can do anything if the mind is set to it.

Another very interesting event I took a look at was in the Sonex Aircraft open house. The new Sonex Aero-Vee Turbo engine was unveiled. Sonex CEO Jeremy Monnett explained the benefits of this new engine. Monnett identified how the engine has been powered up from 80 hp to 100 hp, but he added that due to the turbocharger, this engine would outperform engines rated at 120 hp to 130 hp. This increases the climb rate of the plane by about 200 to 300 feet per minute and cruise speed by another 25 mph. Next up I saw the Sonex plans for the SubSonex engine program and detailed the PBS TJ-100 Turbojet engine. I found it very interesting watching an engine with such power and yet relative small size just showing how far technology has taken us since the dawn of airplanes.

My visit to Oshkosh would not have been complete without attending the Ultralights barn or what is called the “Fun Fly Zone”. I saw the most unique and innovative flying gizmos in this category. Theses machines really make one ask how in the world does the pilot manage to stay on his seat. The Ultralights sector also featured participation, hands-on learning and flight demonstrations. There were also light planes powered by parachutes and trikes, hot air balloons, and most noticeably the emerging category electric-powered aircrafts. I got to the runway where I saw daily aircraft operations from morning until the evening. All I could think of while watching these small machines was how innovate and creative they are.

The category of gyrocopters was well represented this year. Daily they performed and presented the gyro capabilities and there were a few forums to highlight the modern gyros, obviously focused on the improved safety features of today gyrocopters.

The 7-day marathon was a nice vacation I treated myself with. The massive air show displayed how far people have come in developing a truly enjoyable environment for those with the want to fly. An experience that one simply cannot forget for the epic proportions that it held. The grand stage of airplanes whether fighter jets, light sports, or ultralights is Oshkosh and I cannot wait to be there next year.