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Re: Oshkosh warbird extravaganza- comments?

Posted by Dan K on Mon Jul 29, 2002 07:26:27 PM

In reply top Re: Oshkosh warbird extravaganza- comments? posted by Pat Carry on Mon Jul 29, 2002 05:47:18 PM



Hi all,

I watched the shows on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, and can agree with Pat's assessment. The enormous warbird show in '95 (150+ overhead in mass formations including B-29, 5 B-17's, yadda, yadda) will probably not happen again until '05...if ever.

The gradual reduction in numbers of warbirds at Oshkosh over the years has a simple answer (or two): Frustration. For example, on Friday my son and I watched a string of 9 T-28's sit idling on the taxiway for just shy of 25 minutes...simply waiting for 9/27 to be clear of air traffic to take off. Added to that is the people traffic, long lines, a large FAA presence, iffy weather, and a few other odds and ends and I'm amazed at how many warbirds still do show up. Unless a warbird owner is trying for an award with a new restoration or displaying it for potential buyers, what's the point of bringing it to Oshkosh? I'm quite sure that the U.S.-based warbird owners that frequent this site (like Mr. Tim Savage) would agree that the less-advertised (translated: general public discouraged) events like Kenosha and Breckenridge (do they even hold the event at Breckenridge anymore?) are much more enjoyable to attend from the owner's perspective, plus you don't have to worry about some kid snapping off a pitot tube for a souvenir.

My warbird/warbug won't be flyable for awhile, but the only reason I can imagine flying it to Oshkosh one day will be due to my physical proximity to Wittman, not because it's such a great place to bring a warbird.

My best to all,
Dan

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