Cute as a Button for AirVenture 2009

Some folks really believe that the hit of this month’s AirVenture is going to be the arrival of the Airbus A380 at AeroShell Square. And no, the big deal this year is not going to be EAA’s director of public relations Dick Knapinski dancing the Macarena at Theatre in the Woods … at least I don’t think so.

Nope, the big act this year will be the arrival of this little fellow – or maybe it’s a girl. We just call it Jet “Whiner” for now. More on that in a bit.

The idea for a Jetwhine mascot actually came from a reader, Ryan Keough at Cutter Aviation in Phoenix. Keough is the voice behind the social media efforts at Cutter and the guy I credit with giving me my start on Twitter at @jetwhine. He was waxing poetic about how much he enjoyed Jetwhine and I of course, was loving it all. He mentioned he enjoyed being a whiner and I thanked him.

It probably took a few days, but the idea of being a whiner kind of stuck with me. I connected up with my graphic design and illustrator buddy Ken Smith – @artistmac for you Twitter types – and this little guy, girl … well thing began to take shape. And the rest is history. Or as the French say … “voila!”

There are already a number of noteworthy individuals in possession of this coveted “Jetwhiner” emblem, especially since we turned it into a button. And friends of Jetwhine who make it to AirVenture this year will have their chance to take a few of these little babies back with them. Find me on Twitter at @jetwhine, or drop me an e-mail and we’ll connect up. 

Or …

Social Media Geek-Up at AirVenture

Since social media geeks from around the world will be getting together on Thursday evening around the RV campground home base for anyone and everyone who is connected with MyTransponder, I’d say you just might find some of these guys there too. More details on the Geek-Up as the date draws closer. Might even find me around the grounds trying to drum up a few interviews for the Airplane Geeks podcast.

I only ask one thing.

Can you help us name this guy or girl or whatever it is? It’s so cute I can just feel it needs a name.

Maybe we need a contest. Name the Jetwhiner thing.

First prize is 10 free Jetwhine buttons. Second prize is 20 free buttons. Third prize 20 buttons and an autographed photo of writers Scott Spangler and myself. How much better can this get???

This is open to air traffic controllers, pilots, mechanics, flight attendants, ramp agents, CSRs and even airport managers, so don’t forget to send me a name for our little pal here.

Fourteen days to AirVenture folks. See you there.

Rob Mark

And BTW, if you enjoy Jetwhine, please tell your friends. A subscription is free, but the experience is priceless.