Monday, July 28, 2008

Tons of excitement in the area this weekend with the opening day of EAA AirVenture 2008 in Oshkosh. The skies were buzzing with the arrival of all sorts of weird looking planes this past weekend. This the is largest airshow of it's kind in the world. HUGE! Over a half million people are expected during this 7-day event.

Thanks to Cathy who works at the EAA Museum, I will have a chance to attend almost every day, beginning with today, opening day. Thanks, Cathy!

Some of the events today included the only aerobatic helicopter show in North America. The Red Bull Helicopter did some things helicopters can't do, like fly upside down. Think about that for a minute, and wonder. (ok,time's up)

The 4 person team called the Collaborator Formation Flying Team were one of my favorites. Incredible stunts, hard to describe, just had to be there thing.

Perhaps my favorite, shown above, was the performance of the the U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B "Harrier II" jump jet, the unique fighter aircraft that features vertical takeoff. Very awesome and loud.

We watched the Boeing Dreamlifter, shown above, arrive. This colossal modified 747-400 aircraft is one of only three in the world. It features a significantly enlarge fuselage allowing it to carry more cargo by volume than any airplane. Humongous does not even describe this giant.

For those that are old enough to remember the 70's and for those that are old enough and can't remember the 70's, Foreigner played on opening day. It it weren't so hot and shadeless, it would have been more enjoyable.

As you might be able to tell from this blog entry, it was FUN! More coming on Tuesday and Wednesday. Enjoy.

For more excitement and pics and info, go to: www.airventure.org