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Around 550,000 pilots and aviation enthusiasts recently visited Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA, to see the best of the world's new planes at a massive annual gathering.
Oshkosh takes place annually, and is like no other aviation gathering in the world. During the week-long event, about 10,000 planes fly in, and the exhibits include classic, experimental, leisure, sport, and commercial aircraft, Summary of the WeekOn Sunday, the first day, 60 Piper Comanches arrived in convoy from Europe, South America, and all over the USA, marking 50 years of the company’s first all-metal aircraft. Then a mass fly-in of Vans RVs arrived. Monday was the day the innovative ICON A5 amphibious kit sports plane was launched. On Tuesday and Wednesday more new innovations were unveiled. On Thursday it was time for the military to be in the limelight with some spectacular displays, and there was also the arrival of the Bell-Boeing V22 Osprey, the world’s first production tilt-rotor aircraft. By Friday the pace was starting to wind down a little, although there was a succession of warbird fly-pasts an simulated bombing runs, plus numerous aerobatic displays. All in all, it was an amazing week. So what were some of the highlights? The Plane Which Becomes a CarOne of the most interesting new innovations was the Terrafugia Transition experimental plane. This bills itself as ‘a roadable aircraft’, and is primarily designed to be a plane which can make its way on the ground on wheels when conditions demand it. The idea is that if weather conditions deteriorate, the pilot could land, and then drive. One could also land at an airport, then drive home or to a hotel. The new plane has folding wings, and can easily be kept in a single-car garage, thereby reducing hangarage costs. At Oshkosh, it was proving a hit with buyers! The Jetpack for Personal FlightNew Zealander Glenn Martin’s Jetpack drew crowds of thousands and a great deal of media attention from all around the world. Developed in its inventor’s garage, the Jetpack is strapped on to the pilot’s back, and enables one to lift into the air and fly along at low level. It is still in the developmental stage, but looks like being the ultimate in personal transport. The Oshkosh Seaplane Base Oshkosh prides itself on offering something for every kind of aviator…and that includes a place to land and park a float plane. Just a few miles from the site is the serene lagoon of John Moon Island, on the edge of beautiful Lake Winnebago. The lake was the Seaplane base for the week, a temporary home for around 150 float planes. The atmosphere there was relaxed and friendly, and a welcome refuge for some from the crowds at the main aviation gathering. Overall, Oshkosh had something for everyone. So roll on the 2009 event! SourceYour Ultimate Guide to Oshkosh 2008, LOOP Publishing (UK) Ltd. Related ArticlesBuilding a Kit Plane; Good or Bad Idea? The New Eclipse 400 Jet Aircraft
The copyright of the article Oshkosh 2008 in Aviation is owned by Helen Krasner. Permission to republish Oshkosh 2008 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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