Oshkosh Highlights for Aeronca Crew

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Arrived at Oshkosh. Aeronca was sited near the Red Barn (Antique and historical aircraft focal point). Had lots of visitors even though Airadventure had not yet begun.

Monday, July 24, 2006

I heard that they got up at 0600 (6 am cdt). Wow! They arrived at the airport at about 0800. The boys were amazed at the numbers of people. They gave out lots of phamplets and talked to lots of people who wanted to know how to start the same program at their chapters. Talk about fame!!

The boys were amazed that they were such celebraties. Tom Poberezny (EAA President) came by to see them.

When they went to lunch, Dick and Burt Rutan were at the same resturant so they got to meet them. Again Wow!

The Aeronca was judged today. Don't know when the results will be posted.

The prop was somewhat damaged by the rains and rocks, so the new prop we had ordered was interecpted and sent to Oshkosh. Hopefully, it will get there tomorrow.

Tomorrow, the Aeronca is scheduled for air to air photos.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

They keep telling me that they are getting up at 6:00 am. And they are getting to the airport at about 8:00am. Sounds like they are in a rut.

The day was filled with more interviews, at least two. Also, they flew the aircraft (I believe it was Ron Caraway and Andrew Blase) for air to air pictures for Sport Aviation.

Robert Jordan has been busy fixing the Ercoupe. The problem with the electrical has been diagnosed as a faulty master switch which prevented field current to the generator. A new switch was found in the flymarket and procured. The exhaust system problems were nuts, bolts, etc., falling off and these have been replaced.

Jerry has purchased a new prop spinner to replace the damaged one for his Cessna.

A new propeller has arrived at Oshkosh for the Aeronca. It will be installed in the next day or two.

The boys were able to visit the Museum and hangars at Pioneer Field. They found some names most of us recognize, ... Ray Stits, Ed Marquart, Hal Nemer to name a few found in the museum.

The entire crew attended the EAA Chapter 2 50th anniversary dinner this evening.

Interviews are scheduled for Plane and Pilot tomorrow.

Wednesday, July 26,2006

Another day full of interviews and people asking questions about the Aeronca and the program that allowed the kids to rebuild it.

Plant and Pilot had to cancel their interview. It was to be at 3:00PM, but that coincided with a rainstorm, including hail. They will try again later in the week.

There was an interview on the public address system for the airshow today. The boys were quite impressed with that.

Steve Curry is feeling much better. He did go to the airfield for the first time today. Hope no one else got the bug.

One of the previous owners of the Aeronca, Dave Kerren of Utah, came by the display and was quite impressed with the restoration. He indicated that he still had some of the log books and would send them down to Falbob.

The big party for all Flabobians and Chapter 1 members at the house is tonight. I was told the menu would be spagetti, salid, and home baked bread by Ron. Soft drinks provided and BYOB. Sounds like a great feast.

Tomorrow night is the big banquet.

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Much of the day was taken up in rehersals for the "Gathering of Eagles" dinner and auction, which were at 10:00am and 2:00pm. One of the highlights of the event was the auction of a GT-H Shelby Mustang which went for $250,000. (There is a press release about the car in the press section of Airventure.org, Follow it, Media Room, ).

The event raised approximately 1.3 million dollars.,

Andrew escorted Dick Rutan, and Anthony escorted Steve Gustafson. After the dinner, the escorts and celebraties were photographed together. Picture frames were sighed by all the celebs for the escorts and the escorts will all recieve a copy of the picture.

Tomorrow is the rescheduled Plane and Pilot photoshoot for the Aeronca.

This busy day ended at about 11:30pm.

Friday, July 28, 2006

Plane and Pilot interview was at 6:15AM! Took pictures of EVERYTHING form every angle. Including air to air. The interview lasted about 3 hours.

The boys recorded an interview to be broadcast in the morning and the afternoon on the EAA Airventure radio website.. You may go there to see the schedule and listen to the interview. Hopefully, they keep the schedule they gave the boys.

Otherwise, it was a standdown day, with time to go to see the many displays.

The have been notified that they are to attend the awards banquet tomorrow evening. Perhaps an award?

Saturday, July 29, 2006

Looks like the grand adventure is comming to an end. Several cadets that had worked on the Aeronca came by to talk to the crew.

At the awards ceremoney, the group recieved an award for special achievement in the antique category. A job well done!

The plan is they will leave Oshkosh in the morning and spend the night in Portage, weather permitting. The will follow the same route back.

If my internet connections work, I will plot the route and post return comments daily in trackback.