EAA faced challenges as it headed into AirVenture Oshkosh 2013 that included new cost burdens and performance cancellations, but EAA Chairman, Jack Pelton, believes the association has overcome. Pelton told us that although military team performances were cut as part of the federal sequester, overall, there would be more performers at AirVenture this year. For pilots, AirVenture 2013 will also offer the most vendors ever, 821 in total, Pelton said. The show picked up a bill of nearly $450,000 to assure FAA air traffic control services (also the result of sequestration), but food prices are down on the field. Pelton says this year will see added focus on experimental, general aviation and vintage aircraft.
Pelton says that the field has better roadways, more food options at lower prices, and better facilities (restrooms). Disney’s movie, Planes, will also debut on Friday at AirVenture and there will be nightly musical performances (weather permitting). “This year we’re hoping to get back to a very strong sport aviation culture,” Pelton said, with highlights in diesel and iPad app development.
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