#OSH16 was perhaps one of the best #AirVenture I have been to over the past two decades. Airplanes plenty, everywhere! No wonder its known to be the largest air show. For that one week, #KOSH traffic control turns into the busiest of any tower around the globe. As usual the camp grounds were filled with enthusiastic visitors.
Noteworthy at this year’s #OSH16 was the strong presence of #simulation technology. The #EAA Pilot Proficiency center housed 25+ simulators. Over the past decade, slowly but surely simulators and simulation products have strengthened their presence at #AirVenture. But this year was different. There were multiple scenarios that visitors could sign up for. Many of these scenarios were provisioned on #PilotEdge, Keith Smith’s ATC simulation network. Once signed up, they had read and understand the scenario, review the associated charts and prepare for the session. Upon getting their turn, they would get 30 mins to complete the procedure with an instructor.
Despite owning a sim, I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to fly a sim. I waited for a light rush morning on Sunday and flew an IFR minimums scenario with an instructor. Reviewing the scenario and prepping for the flight was a good experience.
Vintage Hangar and Light Aircrafts were very interesting. It was also Boeing’s centenary. The #Boeing pavilion was filled with Boeing history, current and future. The Boeing tent had a #787 simulator inside. Got to fly a Boeing field approach on the sim.
As evening fell, the scene shifted to twilight and anticipation around the upcoming evening air-show.
The night show on Saturday was a splendid experience. Aerobatics during the day is a marvel in itself. I can never fathom how they accomplish them in the dark.
Sunday was departure day for many. I got to the field very early Sunday morning. I am fascinated by a quiet morning at an airfield. The sun was just coming up and the morning glow falling through the #EAA Arch was a great sight to watch.
I sat by the EAA Arch watching many early morning departures. The #Ford #TriMotor was doing takeoffs and landings. There were a few #Piper Cubs doing the same. Seeing them fly, one cant help but wonder. On one hand, powered controlled flight is over a 100 years old, yet it feels like it began yesterday. On the other, across #AirVenture there was so much innovation on display evidence of the enormous progress aviation has made over that period.
An airplane flying overhead never ceases to amaze me…
