This year due to a poor scheduling decision (in my opinion), it was a choice between the Dayton Air Show and the EAA. I chose the EAA. For what it's worth, Dayton moved their date to accomodate the Blue Angels schedule and it seems the EAA benefitted as well with the Angels putting in an appearance at Oshkosh before their weekend show. Nevertheless, having the Dayton show on the same weekend as the EAA is not smart.
Once again Oshkosh showed why it is one of the top tier aviation events in the nation. New product announcements from Cessna and Hondajet, enough Warbirds to fill the skies, appearances from the F-22A Raptor and B1-B Lancer, a Beach Boy concert, and a week-long aviation extravaganza make Airventure a must-see event.
The weather started off shakey as a black stormfront passed through early Saturday morning, but the sun reappeared before noon forcing me to pick up a new hat for protection. After a quick bite to eat, it was off to the flightline to reserve space in the front row. Our group took turns watching the chairs as the others went off exploring more of the grounds until the show began. Although I always enjoy the EAA, I will say that the Saturday airshow was a letdown compared to previous years. Don't get me wrong, it was still worth the wait to watch as WW2-era B-17's, a B-24, B-25's and a rare Lancaster roared overhead, but rather than being the climax to the week's events, it seemed as if this was just another day.
In the end, I emerged hungry, thirsty, and hot - another successful day at Airventure! I hopped in the car and within seven minutes I was back on the highway heading home - Dayton are you listening?
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