My first time at Osh, and it was unbelievable. From the immense formation flyovers to the multitude of weather conditions in a single week...hey, I'm from California!
I was fortunate to have a job when I arrived in Osh working with
www.Aero-News.net. Those guys had me running all over the place learning things about aircraft I didn't even know were there. Other fun events included the Wright Flyer stamp unveiling, interviewing Chuck Yeager as part of the Young Eagle Program, GyroCopters from Fon du Lac, meeting EAA's founder Paul Pobrezney...ok well, he tried to run me over in his modified VW Bug...what could I say? And of course, I can't forget about the interview with Neil Armstrong...he did a great job evading the media at Dayton, but even he knew that eventually I'd find him!
If there was one thing I could change during my stay at Oshkosh, it would have been to spend more time with Jim Wright. I walked passed his aircraft photographing the children admiring their reflections many times. On three different occasions, I was supposed to interview Jim but our paths never crossed at Osh. Though I had met him a couple times as a passerby, I never thought I would regret not having the ability to actually sit down and talk with him. While editing some of the images, they suddenly took on a new meaning. He and the H-1 will sorely be missed.
On the lighter side, the Stars of Tomorrow took to the skies each day for the first time in front of a major air show audience...not counting the smaller audience and intended 'practice' show at Selfridge ANG base the week prior. Shandy, Goody, Nick, David, Wytch and Zach took their turns in the sky and performed flawlessly. It was bittersweet to end the week and see all these guys go their seperate ways. I'm sure we'll be seeing them again in the near future!
All and all the show was fantastic! Over 11,000 aircraft showed up scattered throughout Winnebago County. From The Lagoon to Fon du Lac Airport, there wasn't a single moment when one could look up and not see an aircraft flying. Seeing Airbus' A300-600 Beluga, Russia's BE-103 Beriev Seaplane, 3 Ford Tri-Motors airborne at the same time, Adam Aircraft's A-600 corporate concept jet and NASA's TR-1 taxiing within feet of me made the trip so worth while!
Hope you enjoy the pics half as much as I enjoyed the experience.
http://www.tvrphotography.com/Aviation.htmSo many people to thank! Buzz, what more can I say you're awesome and a great friend to boot! EAA PR guy, Dick Knapinsky...I owe you! ANN's Jim Campbell for having faith enough in my photography to add me to his staff despite having never met! Karl Koeppen for keeping me on the in with the S.O.T. gang...look forward to seeing you at Nellis next weekend. Fellow photogs, Richard V.M. and Eric Hildebrandt for lending an ear to talk off! Hey Rich, where's my pole holding pic? (now you know why I stay behind the camera!) Speaking of pole holding, thanks Willie for allowing me the priveledge of taking your position on the runway for Eddie...of course if Eddie asks why the pole was crooked...I claim no responsibility! If I'm forgetting anyone...you know who you are, many thanks!!!
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