L i g h t P l a n e Wor l d
Pilot's view of the ultralight runway at AirVenture. A new road is coming to the lower lef corner in this photo.
Changes Coming
to the 'Fun Zone'
By Dan Grunloh
One year ago, I wrote an editorial predicting many
changes to come in the year 2012 and making the
argument that we should consider the notion that,
basically, change is good. At the time I had no clue as
to the many changes that were to occur at EAA. It was
merely a philosophical argument illustrated by a famous
quotation from a classic science fiction film. Change is
good, I said, because "the sleeper must awaken." Now
there is news about changes coming to the ultralight/light
plane and rotorcraft area at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The
changes are big, and some are coming this year. A few of
us will no longer have that favorite shade tree, camping
spot, or airplane tiedown spot that we may have used
"down on the Farm" for many years.
Briefly, the immediate site changes are triggered by
a new security fence and 24-foot-wide patrol road
Photography by Dan Grunloh
being placed along the southwest boundary of the
convention site. We live there for one week per year,
but for the other 51 weeks Wittman Field is an active
airport and has a defense contractor on the field. A
wide swath taken out of the already too small ultralight
campground (used by pilots and volunteers) will
necessitate the creation of another camping space,
possibly near the ultralight barn. The runway itself
won't move, but almost anything else could be shifted.
Watch for future announcements.
More change will be coming in the following years
and will include new roads and pathways making it
much easier for people to get to the "fun zone" on the
south end of the convention site. We expect a facelift
and expansion of our area with new facilities and
services comparable to the rest of the convention site.
EAA Experimenter
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