When you go to Oshkosh, do you attend the type-specific gatherings organized by the builders and owner’s associations? If you don’t, you’re missing out on the essence of what is AirVenture Oshkosh—the meeting place for folks who are building or flying the same kind of airplane as you.
These gatherings are an opportunity to meet the people you might know only by their internet forum username. Some of them have really good food, too. Dan and Jim Dudley put on a great brat roast for members and friends of the Glasair Aircraft Owners Association — the Wisconsin brats are fantastic, and there’s live music, too.
Van’s builders can hang out at the banquet organized by the “mothership,” but they have to be quick to get tickets because they go fast, and Van’s Air Force organizes the RV Social, no RSVP needed.
Some groups don’t have a specific make/model they support, but they still get together, like the Biplane Forum members who organize a Beer and Pizza gathering.
Sonex builders are invited to a volunteer-organized annual BBQ and Lancair owners have a LOBO banquet.
For the Zenith owners, there is an informal social-hour “meet and greet” at the Zenith booth on Wednesday and a Builder Banquet is held on Thursday evening.
So check with your builder/owner group and go meet your internet friends in person.
