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/339662
4 Vol.3 No.7 / July 2014 Oshkosh 2014 I hope to see you here! BY CHARLIE BECKER HOMEBUILDER'S CORNER THE BEST WEEK OF THE YEAR is almost here—Oshkosh! This will be my 21st convention in a row that I've attended, and as long as I breathe air and take nourishment, I won't miss it. If you have never made it to your annual membership convention, there is still time to make some plans, and I guarantee you'll love it. The campground always has room for one more, and private housing is a good alternative if you feel you must have a roof over your head. It may sound a little odd to rent a room from a private homeowner whom you don't know, but there aren't any areas of Oshkosh I would worry about staying in. And the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau has a great listing of available homes ( www.VisitOshkosh.com/eaa-lodging ). (My advice: Forget about hotels; they charge too much.) My fi rst visit was a some- what spur-of-the-moment decision to fl y in for a day, and it literally changed my life. For my fellow homebuilders who are coming to Oshkosh this year, I thought I might review some of the homebuilding highlights for you to put on your list of things to do. Homebuilders Headquarters: If you fl y your aircraft in, this is where you can get your showplane mug, your "I Flew My Homebuilt" patch, and register for judging. You can also purchase your weekly (or daily) admissions pass, tiedowns, camping credentials, etc. The Homebuilders Store is located here with the latest gear, such as this year's commemorative Breezy T-shirt. Homebuilts in Review: Twice each day, we will interview the owners of special homebuilt aircraft and have the aircraft on display in the Homebuilders Hangar. It's a great opportu- nity to learn from a fellow builder, get an up-close view of the aircraft, and ask the owner questions. Perseverance Awards: If you make the pilgrimage to Osh- kosh for the fi rst time in your newly completed homebuilt, you qualify for a Perseverance Award. Receive your award at Homebuilders Headquarters. Workshops: Every day at 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., we of er structured, hands-on training in the basic skills you need to get started in homebuilding. These sessions take place in the newly reconstructed Workshop hangars just south of the Forums area. Participate in a Workshop and light your homebuilding fi re. One Week Wonder: EAA volunteers, with guidance from the staf of Zenith Aircraft, are building a Zenith CH 750 during the show. Want to learn what's involved in building an aircraft? You'll see the entire process unfold in seven days at the EAA Square in show center on the Plaza. Forums: Every day we have some of the smartest people in aviation presenting on every topic in aviation. Do not overlook this opportunity to learn. You can view a complete listing of all forum presentations online . Aircraft Judging: This competition has been a part of the convention since 1953. If you want to try to take home the coveted gold "Lindy," just let the volunteers at Homebuild- ers HQ know when you register your aircraft. The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday at 6 p.m. int he Home- builders Hangar. Donut Day: On Wednesday, July 30, at Homebuilders Head- quarters, stop by 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and enjoy some free cof ee and donuts with your fellow homebuilders. Homebuilders Corn Roast: On Wednesday, July 30, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., make the short walk west of the Forums area to Homebuilt Camping and enjoy some fresh cooked sweet corn. (Try the Cajun seasoning on your corn; it sounds weird, but it tastes great.) Homebuilders Dinner: On Thursday, July 31, 6 p.m at the Nature Center, our guest speakers this year will be Chris and Sebastien Heintz. Chris is a member of the EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame and has provided the homebuilt movement with many dif erent aircraft designs to build over the years. Tickets must be purchased in advance at Homebuilders HQ. Of course, we can always use a few more volunteers to make the fl y-in happen. All of the activities noted above simply would not be possible without the help of our volunteers. So if you can't volunteer yourself, at least express your thanks to the many volunteers who make this wonderful event happen. Hope to see you here! EAA homebuilding volunteers at Oshkosh 2013 gathered in front of Homebuilders Headquarters. Charlie is at the far right in a bright blue EAA staff shirt. E A A E X P _ J u l y 1 4 . i n d d 4 EAAEXP_July14.indd 4 7 / 1 / 1 4 9 : 5 2 A M 7/1/14 9:52 AM