My Oshkosh plans, Your Oshkosh plans

[LettersFromFlyoverCountry]

I've been talking to my pals at EAA Radio in anticipation of returning to do more work with them at this year's AirVenture, in particular doing more segments and stories around homebuilding and individuals (I like telling stories of just one person at a time), and I hope you'll share yours with me this year.

They've also raised the possibility of me hosting a one-hour show Monday-Sunday at noon and what guests I might like them (and me) to pursue.

I don't want to just be "the homebuilder guy" but I certainly want to be a homebuilder guy because I think that perspective hasn't gotten as much attention (although the interview I did with the RVers who flew up from Brazil in '10 qualified).

I'd like to get a list of people you'd like to hear on the air for a segment so I can go about tracking them down (and first finding out they're going to be at Oshkosh).

Don't hold back, now.

[Bob Axsom]

Mr. Neibauer - He gave a talk at Camarillo years ago when they were developing the Lancair IV. He was a good and honest first hand knowledge speaker that captivated the audience by what he said not so much how he said it although he spoke clearly and well I thought. I know the certification process ended with Cessna owning the design, etc. but I think he is unique in his thinking and action and he seems like a nice guy. I wonder what he is doing these days. If he has given it up and is now raising roses then forget I said anything.

Mr. Thompson - Mike is the individual that has carried the Sport Air Racing League from an idea to an enduring program that allows those with the need for speed to compete in a manner that improves the performance of the airplanes but insists on safe procedures. The First SARL race was in 2007 and the quantity of races increases each year. The sportsmanship and camaraderie are very big parts of the organization that he has created and sustains.

Bob Axsom

[aarvig]

Jerry Golden from the Minnesota wing who took 20 years to build an RV-6A. That would be a good place to start. That's some serious dedication. Realistically, he represents a lot of builders.

[videobobk]

Bob

I'm gonna have about 15 builders up there from the Eagle's Nest One and Two builds. Some of them are too young to get their driver's license. They love to talk about building, flying, or just about anything else of interest to an Oshkosh crowd. BTW, EN-II is being built by HS students who also happen to be full-time active duty military. This is a really new experiment. Be sure to stop by Phiillips Conoco Plaza and see EN-I!

Bob

[Bob Axsom]

Originally Posted by videobobk

Bob

...BTW, EN-II is being built by HS students who also happen to be full-time active duty military. ...
Bob

How does that work?

Bob Axsom

[Special Delivery]

Originally Posted by Bob Axsom

How does that work?
Bob Axsom

Hello Bob,

Bob Kelly and his Eagle's Nest-1 project have charted new territory in public education. The success of Bob's Eagle's Nest-1, an RV-12 build project at Jennings County High School in North Vernon, IN, has been capturing the attention of public education administrators throughout the state. The National Guard Patriot Academy, a specialized program for high school drop-outs, is also in Indiana and after Visiting Bob's Eagle's Nest-1 project, they immediately adopted the program for the Academy. BTW: Their first kit was ordered today, and they could easily complete two projects per year.

Eagle's Nest-1 will be flying soon and it will fly to AirVenture where it will display along side the RV-1 at ConocoPhillips Square. Accompanying the aircraft will also be the kids that built it and a group of ten or more from the Patriot Academy. It's going to be a spectacular event for everyone... especially the students.

Friends of the RV-1 recently acquired Eagle's Nest and we're proud to announce that Bob Kelly has been appointed Director of Eagle's Nest projects. I've already used up my word count, but Bob just emailed me a story about one of the students that I think deserves repeating. A requirement of all Eagle's Nest students to attend AirVenture is that they must pay minimal expenses. One of the students, one that everyone knew couldn't afford to pay even ten dollars, borrowed money and purchased a case of candy at a wholesaler; he then sold that candy and raised enough to pay his expenses. And therein is the success of the Eagle's Nest program... It builds character!

Regards,

[pierre smith]

Originally Posted by Special Delivery

..... One of the students, one that everyone knew couldn't afford to pay even ten dollars, borrowed money and purchased a case of candy at a wholesaler; he then sold that candy and raised enough to pay his expenses. And therein is the success of the Eagle's Nest program... It builds character!

Regards,

..Now THAT story is especially poignant! Thanks for telling it so well.

Best,

[LettersFromFlyoverCountry]

Originally Posted by videobobk

Bob

I'm gonna have about 15 builders up there from the Eagle's Nest One and Two builds. Some of them are too young to get their driver's license. They love to talk about building, flying, or just about anything else of interest to an Oshkosh crowd. BTW, EN-II is being built by HS students who also happen to be full-time active duty military. This is a really new experiment. Be sure to stop by Phiillips Conoco Plaza and see EN-I!

Bob

Bob, let's plan on scheduling a segment with you and a couple of hand-picked students (the ones who don't answer with one word answers :*) )

Who else? C'mon people, we're the ones who wanted more attention paid to homebuilding! This is our chance.

[Special Delivery]

Originally Posted by LettersFromFlyoverCountry

<snip>
Who else? C'mon people, we're the ones who wanted more attention paid to homebuilding! This is our chance.

Well said, Bob!
As a community we need to put something in before we can expect to receive, or take something out. Ever wonder why other communities are represented in a larger fashion than homebuilt? ...this is why!

Just sayin...

[edit] - Bob, within the RV-1 project there have been a number of human interest stories... two that come to mind are Will Carlton and his two sons, and the other is Doug Reeves and his son, Tate. Having attended almost every work day at RV-Central, I've seen emotions and personal connections at various levels from virtually everyone that visited and/or worked on the RV-1. Guys and Gals, please consider sharing YOUR RV-1 story with Bob. And Bob, if it's within the length of your cable-tow, we could certainly use your writing and media skills on a continuing basis in the Eagle's Nest program. /reb

[RPorter]

Oshkosh should be fun for our EN groups! I've been having withdrawals since we left last July