Airventure 2021

[bumsteer]

In a hopeful sign, EAA has listed volunteer weekend work parties for Airventure. I've signed up for 2 so I'll report back on what is happening. A little while ago on the EAA forums, there was a discussion on "will you attend Airventure". There were some interesting responses. So guess I'm curious as to how Kitfoxers feel. From what EAA has put out so far it will be different as far as exhibit hangars, evening movies, theater in the woods and even the afternoon airshow ( 2 performers at a time on each end of show line). So what say you.

Rick

[jrevens]

If it happens, I'll be there with my Fox !!!

[Av8r3400]

It is happening. That is certain. I'll be there.

[Iowa 67]

My bride and I will be there. Its going to happen, although I believe attendance will be down.

[Slyfox]

My bride and I will be there. Its going to happen, although I believe attendance will be down.

ok I'll bite on this one. How is the attendance going to be down? They going to limit how many tickets sold each day?

[Iowa 67]

Sly, foreign travel is still banned in places, those people need to have plans in place to attend by now. Also there are many people, even though vaccinated are still concerned about the virus. A lot of the people that normally attend are considered high risk, I dont think their going to be there.

[bumsteer]

If you haven't seen it, you can go to www.eaa.org/covid and read some of the initial plans.

Rick

[Flybyjim]

It is still a bit to soon for me to say for sure but I do really want to be there. I camp in the camp ground and I can see that working.

[mattkalin]

I will be there Friday-Sunday 7/30 - 8/1. When we get closer Id like to meetup to talk and see your birds!

[bumsteer]

In order to help prevent long lines, if you purchase your tickets online, your wristband ( not a voucher) will be mailed to you. Also they will have an express check-in process for Camp Scholler if you pre-buy camping. You will be sent a bar code which will be scanned and your in.

Rick

[GuppyWN]

For those curious, I did read that masks will be recommended but not required. I'm in. No way I'd spend a week in the July Wisconsin heat wearing a mask.

[Av8r3400]

I will be there Friday-Sunday 7/30 - 8/1. When we get closer Id like to meetup to talk and see your birds!

I'll be at the Ultralight field. That's where most of the LSA planes have been coming in. It's a lot more fun down there.

[iflywhatevr]

I will be there with the family just like every year in Camp Scholler as long as they don’t try to require masks or mandatory vaccine proof. Even a slightly toned down airventure is better than no airventure.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Mark123]

My wife and I will be there. It’s just amazing of what we have all gone through in the last year. Can’t wait to get back to a sense of normalcy. It looks like they have made some nice improvements.

[Jaguar56]

Planning to be there this year working the South40 aircraft parking. Honestly, I have a feeling it will be empty as it is an overflow used only when all other aircraft parking is full. Working on having the trailer and the Kitfox for exhibition in the Ultralight area.

[Slyfox]

me and Cheryl will be there

[rocketman2tm]

My wife Jen and I will be there. Still debating on just flying the plane and camping under the wing or having my wife drive the camper up and staying in there. It will be my first Oshkosh with a flying airplane...

[rogerh12]

For those curious, I did read that masks will be recommended but not required. I'm in. No way I'd spend a week in the July Wisconsin heat wearing a mask.
You should try Kansas....

[Maverick]

For those curious, I did read that masks will be recommended but not required. I'm in. No way I'd spend a week in the July Wisconsin heat wearing a mask.

Be sure you have one available when you get around congested areas, especially in the forum tents or people congregated around vendors, etc. Covid19 is not through with us yet. My cousin died night before last. She was generally a healthy 60 year old but the virus destroyed her heart. Some of you are likely vaccinated now but remember that even the best vaccine is only 95% effective in the research studies and around 90% in the general population. This means even with the vaccination 5-10 people out of 100 will get the virus. If you were one of them you likely wouldn't have as bad of a course of illness but you'd become a carrier for a while. I'm not trying to be a doom prophet but to be pragmatic. I'm sure some of you might disagree with my opinion and you are certainly entitled to it but in my 45 years as a clinical nurse specialist and 20 years of critical care experience, I've witnessed too many patients dying on ventilators and it's not the way you want to go. Really, how many of you would play Russian roulette? Also, while it does help when you wear a mask you are not protecting yourself as much as you are protecting others. As pilots we consider safety the most important aspect of flying looking for the weakest link in the process and trying to mitigate it. Why not apply the same logic to your health in the battle of the pandemic?

End of public service announcement.

Fred, RN, CNS

[DesertFox4]

Fred, while I appreciate your years of service in the health field, every discussion on mask usage or vaccinations I’ve observed in the last year and a half has always gone “political” in short period of time. We won’t be doing that here. Be careful everyone and use your good judgement when it comes to your health.

[ken nougaret]

Planning to be there this year working the South40 aircraft parking. Honestly, I have a feeling it will be empty as it is an overflow used only when all other aircraft parking is full. Working on having the trailer and the Kitfox for exhibition in the Ultralight area.
I dont think it will be empty. If sun-n-fun was any indication, it will be full!

[GaAirman]

I'm planning on flying my Fox to Airventure for the first time this year and camping. Is there a collective Kitfox parking area by the Ultra-light strip or does everyone just park where-ever? I've been looking elsewhere but can't find any mention of it. Any tips for the newbie would be greatly appreciated! :D

Thanks!

Ryan Orr
N740RR - Kitfox SLSA

[Av8r3400]

Youre always welcome at the Ultralight Field.

(That’s where all the cool kids hang out.)

[bumsteer]

For those of you lucky enough to be flying to Oshkosh, the NOTAM for Airventure has been released and can be read or downloaded at EAA.org/NOTAM. Sounds like many changes have been made, including effective dates (starts Thur. 7/22).

Rick

[GaAirman]

Is it pretty straightforward finding a spot to airplane camp by the Ultralight Field? I'm planning to arrive the Saturday before the show starts.

[Av8r3400]

No powered taxiing in the area off the landing strip, but they have a couple tugs to help move you to a parking spot, where under-wing camping is allowed.

[GaAirman]

Thanks for the info! Hopefully see you there!

[bumsteer]

FYI, on 6/23 from 7-8:30 PM CDT, EAA will have a webinar "Tips For Flying Into Airventure 2021". From what I see the main item will be the new transitions on the Ripon arrival. I assume this is to avoid a repeat of the 2019 free-for-all. Link can be found under "News and Media" on EAA website.

Rick

[jmodguy]

Hoping to fly in as well... :D

[bumsteer]

Although I'm not flying in, I watched a video that was mentioned in the EAA forums about flying into the airshow when the NOTAM is in effect. If I got this right it's https://youtu.be/PF_zvRX4o-Y. If I messed it up , on the EAA website under News and Media go to Discussion Forums and click on Airventure Oshkosh and then Oshkosh Arrival Video. Veteran flyers into the show may have different opinions but I believe it would greatly benefit first-timers. I'll be at Oshkosh next weekend for a volunteer work weekend and I'll report back on what I see and hear.

Rick

[bumsteer]

I missed a capital letter in the link. It's https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF_zvRX4o-Y.

Rick

[DesertFox4]

Rick, I replaced the dead link with the correct link in the previous post so both should redirect properly now.
Thanks for the info on the 2021 AirVenture NOTAM. Also thank you for your long term service at the EAA AirVenture grounds. Much appreciation to all the volunteers. It doesn't happen without each and every one of you.

[bumsteer]

Thank you sir. I'm very interested to see what"s happening on the grounds and like I said I'll report back.

Rick

[bumsteer]

Just returned from Oshkosh work weekend. Biggest info items we were made aware of: Currently expecting at least and probably more attendees than 2019. At present time, masks recommended in high traffic areas but NOT required. Exhibitor space is close to being sold out. Non-aviation exhibitors have been moved out of Hangars A,B,C and D and moved to Fly Market or repurposed new exhibit hangars. Property has been purchased south of the ultralight area with the idea of moving Fun Zone activities to it thereby increasing activities on ultralight runway. EAA really trying to emphasize the early purchase program (you get wristbands in mail about 2 weeks prior) to limit congestion at entry points. Also many improvements (at least what they hope are improvements) to parking, tram and shuttle bus service.

About 50 volunteers showed up for the weekend. I spent yesterday morning helping with the construction of planters, the rest of the weekend was spent constructing 26 charging stations. Next weekends crews will be working on making 300 (yes 300) sanitizing stations. This weekend another crew was busy installing plexiglas partitions at the entry points for wristbands.

The calm before the storm.

Rick

[DesertFox4]

Thanks for the update Rick. Glad the exhibit buildings are going all aviation venders.

[Flybyjim]

This sounds great. I have not flown in as I am always looking for parts and pieces for projects of L-birds that I am involved with. Perhaps when my Fox is finished I'll take that flight. I believe we will all be surprised by the turn out (large) this year, folks want to move on with their lives and be involved with their hobbies and addictions. My love of planes and building and restoring is an addiction for sure. I am looking forward to seeing and talking with many of you in July.

[desertdave]

Hopefully somebody can answer this question. Camping, can I prepay and make a reservation or is it first come, first serve and pay when I get there?
Thanks!

[Flybyjim]

You can prepay but you can not select your site until you arrive.

[bumsteer]

Dave

This is my take on how it works. As flybyjim stated, for general camping you can prepay but it is first come, first served. Camp Scholler opens on Jul 2. If you or someone you know who lives in the area can get to the campground on 7/2 or the date you selected, you can stake out your space but you start paying ($28/day) from that day whether you're there or not. In my case, I prepaid from 7/21 til the end of the show. If I don't get there until the 23rd the 2 days I missed are not refunded ( at least it wasn't a couple years ago when I arrived late). If you have deep pockets, you can select (online only) a reserved electric/water site starting 7/2. Even at $70/day, these go relatively fast. As I said, this is my understanding on how it works. You can always call EAA and get definitive answers. Camp Scholler also has the Express Arrival program, so if you prepay you will receive credentials in the mail allowing you to bypass registration lines. Also, if you're unaware, if you leave early, you can get a refund for unused days (3 day minimum charge).

Rick

[Flybyjim]

I ordered my weekly ticket and camping last evening. The site is easy to use except I could not find a way to combine both types of purchases at check out so I made two different transactions. I have a couple friends that have booths there and their early take on this is: This year will be bigger than 2019 at least with USA attendance, international visitors are still a guess. I am planning to get there several days before the show starts, I have some business to attend to around the area.

[rocketman2tm]

Anyone know if camping is allowed in the ultralight/light sport area?

[Av8r3400]

Anyone know if camping is allowed in the ultralight/light sport area?

Yes, underwing camping is allowed in the Ultralight Parking area.

[bumsteer]

A quick reminder in case you missed it, on Wed. 7/23 at 7pm CDT, EAA has a webinar on Airventure arrivals and on Wed. 7/30 at 7pm CDT a webinar on Ultralight arrivals. Both are for the days when the NOTAM is in effect.

Rick

[Av8r3400]

A quick reminder in case you missed it, on Wed. 7/23 at 7pm CDT, EAA has a webinar on Airventure arrivals and on Wed. 7/30 at 7pm CDT a webinar on Ultralight arrivals. Both are for the days when the NOTAM is in effect.

Rick

Are those dates correct? 7/30 Airventure is almost over.

[bumsteer]

Oops!! Senior moment. This Wed 6/23 and 6/30.

Rick

[rcsfca]

For any of those who may have missed the Airventure Ultralight Procedures webinar, it's stored in the EAA archives at this address: https://www.eaa.org/Videos/Webinars/Flying-Adventures/6261886103001

It's very instructive, and I dare say a "required viewing" for anyone flying in for the first time.

[bumsteer]

As advertised, I received my wristband and camping credentials in the mail yesterday. Hopefully heading up next Wednesday. Praying to the weather gods for good weather after all the rain we've been getting lately. Oshkosh got some pretty hefty storms this afternoon and like here possibly more to come in the next 24 hours.

Rick

[bumsteer]

For those interested, the live feed cameras are now online (at least they are right now) on the Airventure sight under News & Media then EAA Live. For those flying in don't forget the NOTAM is effective tomorrow 7/22 at noon. Hopefully headed up tomorrow or early Fri. I'll advise on how full Camp Scholler is.

Rick

[Flybyjim]

The camping area are getting very full here already. I arrived on Thursday morning and I’d say it was 2/3rd full. Some changes have been made in site availability depending on how you camp. Where I have set up for the last 20 years has now been made tent only area. This morning, Friday there are some campers coming in but not the usual long lines. Pre-registration may be working well? If you are looking for mutable sites together that will be challenging, that is why we (4-5) camping families come early. It is a great vacation with lots of down time. Looking forward to seeing you at the burger night.

[bumsteer]

Finly arrived early this morn. Although advertised to open at 6 camp registration didn't open til 7. Was pre-registered so entry was quick once open. Further out towards Cedar/Cottonwood and out to hwy 41, fairly wide open but steady stream coming in. Several . camp stores advertised to be open today weren't. Decent wx but quite humid.

Rick

[bumsteer]

Still quite a lot of space available out towards hwy 40. Raining this morning and this has pushed back mass arrivals til later in the day.

[jrevens]

Arrive as a 3 ship group from Denver yesterday. As mentioned, some rain last night & this morning. Clear skies and a moderate breeze making it comfortable right now. There is a group of 5 Kitfoxes on row 300 in homebuilt camping at this time.

[bumsteer]

Welcome to the show John. This PM was listening to 9-27 tower. Got a little sporting with the north wind gusting to 18kts. Controller was continually advising it was one continuous turn from downwind to final. Cessna and Bonanza mass arrivals both had 115 aircraft. Impressive to watch if even from campground.

Rick

[DesertFox4]

Glad you made it in John. Looking forward to seeing you.

Just had a few minutes to see the Kitfox booth this afternoon. Pretty aircraft parked there. Stick & Rudder’s newest Kitfox is really
striking.
Saw some new style hats which will be available starting Monday morning.👍
Lots of shirts came in so get there early to get them in the sizes you need.
Have fun everybody. We deserve a little fun after surviving last year.
Looking forward to the Thursday night gathering at Larry and Julie’s camping spot.

[napierm]

Pictures or it didn't happen.
:)


Glad you made it in John. Looking forward to seeing you.

Just had a few minutes to see the Kitfox booth this afternoon. Pretty aircraft parked there. Stick & Rudder’s newest Kitfox is really
striking.
Saw some new style hats which will be available starting Monday morning.👍
Lots of shirts came in so get there early to get them in the sizes you need.
Have fun everybody. We deserve a little fun after surviving last year.
Looking forward to the Thursday night gathering at Larry and Julie’s camping spot.

[Av8r3400]

At the UL Barn…

[bumsteer]

If anyone is planning on arriving at Scholler tomorrow, you will have to drive around looking for a spot. From what I can see it is pretty full but some spots available. Camp personnel are helping in finding spots. In the past (who knows this year, crowd is sizeable) many will be leaving on Wednesday. I don't know about tent camping area.

Rick

[DesertFox4]

28477
Kitfox Booth
28478
28488

28479
Carl from “Fly With the Guys” on YouTube stopped by to try on the Kitfox.
28482
Also available in blue.👍
28485 28487

Busy day at the booth. I sure enjoy meeting all our TeamKitfox members. Great stories all.
Tomorrow I go Walk About. 👍

[desertdave]

Crazy night. Wind, rain warning PAs but still having a blast.

[DesertFox4]

28490
28491
As close as I could get to Scrappy. Crazy crowds. Crazy aircraft.😎

28492
Rex’s beautifully builr Kitfox.👍

28493

[bumsteer]

Everyone here stay alert this afternoon. Under enhanced possibility of strong-severe tsorms with tornadoes possible.

Rick

[Eric Page]

Kitplanes' coverage of Kitfox Aircraft at OSH '21:

https://www.kitplanes.com/meeting-the-kitfox-aircraft-family/

[bumsteer]

Felt like it took forever to get here, and in what seemed liked the blink of an eye, Airventure was over. Let the countdown to 2022 begin. July 25-31. Hope all can make it.

Rick