Making a pragmatic go/no-go decision is the goal of preflight preparation. Regardless the destination or activity one must weigh all the participating variables. These can change because life is dynamic and our goals, priorities, and individual capabilities transform with time.
Preparing my inaugural journey to Oshkosh in 1978, my primary preflight variables were getting time off work and/or school to make the weekend speedrun from Illinois or Missouri. The weather seasoned the road trip and cow pasture camping accommodations.
In 1989, Oshkosh was a weeklong business trip, and my variables became the transportation and booth distribution of 5,000 Flight Training magazines. In 2000, I was on the other side of AirVenture and involved in preparing for the event, which entailed different challenges.
Preflighting for AirVenture 2007 as a self-employed word merchant was most liberating. My variables were connected to my eclectic curiosity while prospecting on behalf of my clients, including JetWhine.com.
Covid canceled everyone’s 2020 preflight, but I still got an unexpected variable, my Oshkosh Roaming Range. I averaged about 15 miles a day, but Parkinson’s has progressively reduced it. Today it’s barely 2.5 miles, a one-way walk from a pasture parking spot to show center.
So AirVenture 2024 is a no-go, and I’m okay with that because I appreciate the 45 Oshkosh adventures that preceded it and everyone who made them special, especially Rob Mark, JetWhine’s illustrious publisher.
It is another life transition point, one reinforced by trashcan karma. Over the years I’ve tallied my trips with EAA’s Champion stickers. 2023 filled the last open spot, so with my trashcan full, I guess I’ll call it career. Thanks to all who made the time to read. Scott Spangler, Editor
Dear Scott. Please keep writing as we all will keep you in our prayers.
Scott, dittos with what Madeleine said. I look forward to your posts.
I grew up just 80 miles west of Oshkosh and one reason I got inspired for my 50 year career in aviation. I’ve only been to one fly in and that was when in college in Alabama and my school sent a few of us up to represent the school in 1981. It was a treat for sure and we flew in the schools Piper Aztec.
I live in Washington state now retired and it’s on my radar to get back there.
Nothing else matches EAA annual fly in and shows.
You are an amazing man. You were a great mentor to me during my short employment with EAA – I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for everything!