Experimenter is a magazine created by EAA for people who build airplanes. We will report on amateur-built aircraft as well as ultralights and other light aircraft.
Issue link: http://experimenter.epubxp.com/i/178050
To w e r Fr e q u e n c y Oshkosh Many challenges, much success By Jack Pelton As the weeks counted down to AirVenture Oshkosh your board identified many challenges facing EAA. When we tightened the focus it became clear there were seven specific objectives that must be accomplished for Oshkosh and EAA to be successful. First, we had to deal with the FAA's surprise charge of nearly half a million dollars to provide air traffic controller service for the week. Without the controllers there could be no waivers, and without the waivers the special traffic procedures that allow 10,000 airplanes to come and go would not be possible. We did our best to negotiate the fee with the FAA, we filed a petition in federal court asking for the fees to be overturned, and we asked you, our members, to contact your congressmen and senators asking them to help. The outcome of those efforts remains uncertain, but I have hope the situation can be resolved and, more importantly, avoided entirely next year. Second, we needed to have a safe event. We could not allow the distractions to compromise safety, and we didn't. Third, we needed more variety in our air show because federal budget cuts prevented active military airplanes from participating as usual. With the first U.S. public appearance of Jetman, the first public flight of the Terrafugia roadable aircraft, two night air shows and fireworks displays, and an expanded mix of air show performers, we succeeded. Fourth, we needed to up our game and provide a superior overall experience for every visitor. We delivered there with totally overhauled food service. EAA's team identified a number of local caterers and restaurant owners who brought a wonderful new variety and higher quality of menu items to Oshkosh. We also added a couple of national brands and held food prices in check. And as you asked for, we reduced bottled water prices to $2 everywhere on the field. On the cover: Remembering Paul Poberezny, 1921-2013. (Photography courtesy of EAA) 2 Vol.2 N o.9 / September 2013 The debut of Disney's Planes was another Oshkosh first and was wildly successful with an estimated 15,000 people filling every available spot to see the animated feature. We expanded our restroom facilities, had entertainment groups performing on stage throughout the week, not just on Monday evening, and expanded the tram service to make getting around easier. Fifth, we needed expanded transparency in EAA governance. We moved the annual meeting of the membership to Wednesday morning from Saturday so more members could attend. We presented a detailed financial report. We listened to requests by members and eliminated flightline chalets. And your board listened and responded to comments and questions from members at the meeting. This year the compliments overwhelmed the complaints, and EAA members showed their true colors by returning to the microphone at the meeting to thank the directors for listening to them when they complained last year. At the annual meeting your board was strengthened by the election of three new directors who bring diversity and vitality—along with very solid aviation experience and involvement—to the board. Sixth, we needed to establish better communication with the thousands of volunteers who make Oshkosh possible. We held monthly phone conferences with volunteer chairs throughout the winter and leading up to Oshkosh. We listened. We made certain volunteers are recognized and thanked. I believe we made huge strides in rebuilding the confidence among volunteers that your board understands them, values them, thanks them, and knows Oshkosh could not happen without each and every volunteer. Seventh, we needed to stabilize the EAA staff. Some key members who left last year have returned to Oshkosh, and I am doing my best to make sure EAA employees know they are valued and that we have the best possible people in each position. The crucial step in resolving problems is to identify them and not make excuses or simply wish they would go away. Your board understood EAA's course control was wandering and took the steps necessary to correct. We're not done, not perfect, but the hugely successful AirVenture Oshkosh shows our course corrections are working. And your directors thank you for your support.