As a current (and repetitive) builder, my first stop in the vendor area of AirVenture is at the B&B Aircraft Supply tent. Armed with a list of “needs” from my shop (yes, you have to do a little homework before the show), I love to get there early because there are often little special things (latches or other goo-gahs) that go quickly at the start of the show, and I like a crack at them. Sometimes you see something cool that you can’t identify, but that you just need to have—and for a good price.
But the real reason to visit B&B (and/or Airparts Inc., just down the row—we visit both) is to stock up on things like nylon lock nuts, washers, bolts, and other items that get used throughout the year. It’s a time to top up supply bins that have been depleted by a year of building and maintaining—and for a good price that doesn’t involve shipping.
Just don’t be surprised if you go in for a couple of bags of washers and emerge having spent $200… Yes, it is that much of a toy shop for airplane builders!
