David-aviator
Well Known Member
I have been EAA member since 1979 and have not missed many trips to annual convention, sometimes flying, sometimes driving. The airplanes and people light my fire every year.
What is becoming an issue is getting around, there is so much to see over a large area.
This year I invited a brother, retired USAF and American Airlines mechanic, to come along, he had never been to the annual gathering. He has had trouble walking so I reserved an electric scooter available just outside the main entrance. He was a little shy about needing wheels but as soon as he was familiar with the little 4 wheel unit, he moved right out and enjoyed it. I walked along with him.
Years ago I could walk OSH for several days and not be the worse for it. But now at age 77, I was beat by 1pm. The iPhone health meter recorded 6.5 miles that morning and my battery was low. So I bit the bullet and returned to the main gate and rented a scooter for myself. What a blast, it saved the day! We drove all over the place, down to ultra lights and watched the airshow.
l noticed there much younger guys doing likewise, it sure beats walking and not being able to see all there is to see in a short time. My brother commented, real pilots do not use the scooter but realistic pilots do.
It was a good day except for sleeping accommodations at the dorm. The darn sheets kept coming off the mattress all night. I asked guy at desk if they had sheets that fit the mattress. He said no sheets were all same size, but some mattresses were too big. Several other guys overheard the conversation and laughed, seems like Taylor Hall had a large mattress problem.
One notable experience this year was being up front (under B-25 wing) and hearing 101 year old Lt Col. Richard Cole talk about the Doolittle Raid. He is last man alive from the mission and still quite lucid and humorous. He remember lots of details of what happened.
I like the war birds arena presentations. About 5 years ago the #3 German ace from WWII, Gunther Raul was there. Shook his hand, bought his autographed book My Log and couldn't help but notice the missing left thumb shot off in combat. He passed away about 6 months later but at the time walked by himself very erect and was a gentleman to speak with if just briefly.
OSH is OK for young and old, there's something for every one.
What is becoming an issue is getting around, there is so much to see over a large area.
This year I invited a brother, retired USAF and American Airlines mechanic, to come along, he had never been to the annual gathering. He has had trouble walking so I reserved an electric scooter available just outside the main entrance. He was a little shy about needing wheels but as soon as he was familiar with the little 4 wheel unit, he moved right out and enjoyed it. I walked along with him.
Years ago I could walk OSH for several days and not be the worse for it. But now at age 77, I was beat by 1pm. The iPhone health meter recorded 6.5 miles that morning and my battery was low. So I bit the bullet and returned to the main gate and rented a scooter for myself. What a blast, it saved the day! We drove all over the place, down to ultra lights and watched the airshow.
l noticed there much younger guys doing likewise, it sure beats walking and not being able to see all there is to see in a short time. My brother commented, real pilots do not use the scooter but realistic pilots do.
It was a good day except for sleeping accommodations at the dorm. The darn sheets kept coming off the mattress all night. I asked guy at desk if they had sheets that fit the mattress. He said no sheets were all same size, but some mattresses were too big. Several other guys overheard the conversation and laughed, seems like Taylor Hall had a large mattress problem.
One notable experience this year was being up front (under B-25 wing) and hearing 101 year old Lt Col. Richard Cole talk about the Doolittle Raid. He is last man alive from the mission and still quite lucid and humorous. He remember lots of details of what happened.
I like the war birds arena presentations. About 5 years ago the #3 German ace from WWII, Gunther Raul was there. Shook his hand, bought his autographed book My Log and couldn't help but notice the missing left thumb shot off in combat. He passed away about 6 months later but at the time walked by himself very erect and was a gentleman to speak with if just briefly.
OSH is OK for young and old, there's something for every one.