EAA AirVenture 2020 canceled

[dave siegler]

This summer is going to be boring. 

I'll just have to fly more. 

The decision date was May 1 after that date, they could not organize it all. 

So support your local contest this summer if they have them. 



https://www.eaa.org/eaa/news-and-publications/eaa-news-and-aviation-news/news/05-01-2020-We-Dont-Gamble-We-Need-A-Sure-Thing

[Dan McEntee]

  I just got the news, and have to wonder if this decision might influence the AMA to cancel the NATS? It may depend on what Indian's criteria is for a gathering in accordance to their particular plan to reopen their economy, I would imagine.
  I also have received word that Art Johnson, of C/L carrier fame and our chief mechanic at KidVenture, passed away this morning or yesterday.  I think it would be fair to say that so far the year @)@) has really sucked!
  Type at you later, and God Speed Art Johnson.
   Dan McEntee

[dave siegler]

Art will truly be missed.  He had a stoke in the campgrounds a few years and demanded to be let out of ICU to wrench on Kidventure airplanes. 

He was one tough guy.  He showed up even when his heath was an issue.  Very knowledgeable about engines.   I learned a lot from him. 

We also lost Wayne Stevenson a longtime volunteer this week.     

[wwwarbird]

 I check the EAA news on their site almost daily and just saw the cancellation notice a few minutes ago. Damn. 

 I figured it was coming but I was still holding out and really hoping. It sucks no matter how you look at it but I was looking forward greatly to the planned tribute to WWII Vets theme this year, commemorating the 75th Anniversary the war ending. There were a lot of extra planned AirVenture events for this year in acknowledgement and thanks for their service. This was all to be combined with a much larger than normal Warbird presence with even more related daily forums and additional flight demonstrations. I was there all week when they did it all for the 50th Anniversary and it still brings a tear to the eye at times while wandering the EAA grounds every year, looking around, reliving and remembering some of those moments. This cancellation is especially sad because even if they (re)plan it for next year there will be that many fewer WWII Vets able to attend. Obviously this COVID thing we're all having to deal with is a significant issue, but our government leaders need to suck it up and greatly accelerate the curve of life and business back to normal, and EVERYONE needs to screw this chicken s--t "new normal" way of thinking. Be strong and stand up.

 Very sorry to hear about Art too, he was a great guy, very passionate about our hobby, and helping anyone with it.

[Elwyn Aud]

Don't know how much revenue Airventure generates for the area , but it has to be huge. This will be a big hit financially for Oshkosh  Food, lodging, teen summer employment, car rentals, fuel  for cars and planes etc etc.EDIT  Also all of the businesses people spent money at on the trip getting there and back.

[Dan McEntee]

Don't know how much revenue Airventure generates for the area , but it has to be huge. This will be a big hit financially for Oshkosh  Food, lodging, teen summer employment, car rentals, fuel  for cars and planes etc etc.

   I think I read somewhere recently that it is in the area of 170 million dollars, probably more. Time will tell the complete effects.
   Type at you later,
  Dan McEntee

[wwwarbird]

Don't know how much revenue Airventure generates for the area , but it has to be huge. This will be a big hit financially for Oshkosh  Food, lodging, teen summer employment, car rentals, fuel  for cars and planes etc etc.

 It's definitely a massive loss for Oshkosh, Winnebago County, and countless other businesses within a 60-100 mile radius. Worse yet is that it's just an example of everything everywhere right now. We've got to start moving forward again, fast and with determination. 

[Serge_Krauss]

How sad! This is of course the first time. I was an EAA member for over 40 years and attended several years. It was always such an inspiration and adventure, especially when designing and home building were at their peak. The local impact was immense, and the surrounding area benefited too. Dad and I used to go all the way to Ripon College to stay overnight.  One of the greatest events in the world will have to wait another year...

[wwwarbird]

 Coincidentally, this article is from today on the warbirdsnews.com website, a great example and large part of what Oshkosh is all about.

 http://warbirdsnews.com/warbird-articles/your-stories-the-tv-show-that-changed-my-life.html