Tag Archives: airports

LEARN TO FLY CENTER EXPANDS OFFERINGS FOR EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2022

Posted on by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LEARN TO FLY CENTER EXPANDS OFFERINGS FOR EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2022

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (June 10, 2022) — The Learn to Fly Center is the main location for learn to fly information and inspiration at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022. The venue has expanded to provide an even more valuable experience. The center will be located in the busy Four Corners in the middle of the AirVenture grounds. Operating hours include Monday, July 25 – Sunday, July 31, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Learn to Fly Center is a must visit destination for attendees who are looking to kick-start their flight training journey. The EAA Learn to Fly Center will feature multiple stations, each dedicated to helping individuals take a step forward in their desire to learn to fly. Certified flight instructors (CFIs), experienced pilots, and those fresh out of flight training will be on hand to help answer any questions about the flight training process.

New features in 2022 include:

  • Daily forums at 10:00 am, 11:30 am, and 12:45 pm.
    • Topics include tips for passing your checkride, saving time and money in flight training, FAA medical certification, overcoming obstacles in your training, leveraging flight simulators, and more.
  • Redbird Flight Training Devices, with the opportunity to take a flight lesson with a certified flight instructor
  • At home flight simulators equipped with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Honeycomb Aeronautical flight simulator controls.
  • Young Eagles 30th Anniversary Exhibit
  • Young Eagles Mustang Raffle

Returning to the Learn to Fly Center will be:

  • Locater to find a flight school and/or FAA Aviation Medical Examiner
  • Information on EAA’s Learn to Fly programs and resources
  • Student pilot certificate registration station

Volunteers are still needed for the Learn to Fly Center. Whether you are an experienced CFI, low time private pilot, or brand new student, your skills are appreciated at the Learn to Fly Center. Those interested in volunteering can sign-up online.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s membership convention. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at www.EAA.org/airventure. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or visit www.EAA.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.

#OSH22

@eaa

Beech Skipper?

Posted on by

What do you think of the Beech Skipper?

Beech Skipper

From a reader – “I am not a pilot yet. Not even a student pilot. I want to start flying lessons sometime later this year.  I am thinking about buying a plane and then receive instructions in it.  After some research, I am inclined towards buying a Beech Skipper.  The plane was only produced from 1979 -1981. What do you think of the Skipper?”

Buying is good.

Well to start, buying an aircraft to learn in, is a great way to go… if you know you like the aircraft before you buy it. The Beech Skipper is a nice trainer, and a comfortable run around aircraft.  While it might not be a great cross-country traveler, it can be used for that if you have the time.  It look’s like only about 350 of the aircraft were built, so production and finding a good one might be an issue.

Fly more than one.

First, I would make sure you fly in a number of different aircraft before you settle on the Skipper.  Many new pilots buy an aircraft and after the first few hours realize they really would rather have a different model.  I would start my lessons and get hours in a few of the different aircraft available.  Cessna, Piper, Beech and many others all have advantages or disadvantages.

Insurance?

From the insurance angle, buying your own aircraft and buying insurance is not a problem if you stay away from complicated (complex), high performance or very expensive aircraft.  The underwriters do not want to put student pilots in aircraft that will increase their chances for claims.

Typically, insurance rates will be about the same for the similar models of trainers.  I would guesstimate that a zero hour, student pilot could insure a trainer for under $1,200.  That number is based on a $20,000 hull value, two seats, fixed, tri-gear, and all metal trainer.  A Cessna 150 would probably be a little less than the Skipper, mainly because of the numbers of aircraft that the underwriters have experience with.

CANCELLATION OF EAA AIRVENTURE

Posted on by

CORONAVIRUS UNCERTAINTY FORCES CANCELLATION OF EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2020

Health and safety of participants, volunteers primary concern

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (May 1, 2020) — The continuing uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizers of the world’s largest fly-in convention, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2020, to cancel this year’s event at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The 68th annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention was scheduled to be held on July 20-26, 2020.

“We looked at every possibility over the past six weeks as to how EAA could move forward with AirVenture this year, because it is such an important reunion for the aviation community,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board. “The current status in Wisconsin is that it is still under a stay at home order until May 26, which completely eliminates our ability to start grounds preparation May 1. The reopening of the state also has no specific dates, creating uncertainty about mass gatherings in July. Ultimately, preserving the health and safety of all who would attend – and all the varying guidelines between states and countries from where our participants arrive – along with the massive commitments needed now for an event to meet EAA’s high standards, made cancellation the only option for this year.”

All pre-sold AirVenture 2020 admissions and camping reservations can be rolled over to the 2021 event or are eligible for refund. Those who have made such purchases will be contacted individually within the next two weeks regarding these options.

“Those of us involved in aviation know very well the importance of information gathering and planning prior to any flight, and I looked at AirVenture in much the same way before reaching this decision,” Pelton said. “While no one can see every eventuality, as we looked as the scenarios for holding the event in 2020, it was dependent on a number of important factors where there are currently no definitive answers. That is not the way to commit to an event that welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors to Oshkosh from more than 90 countries.

“There is no way to describe the disappointment I feel for everyone who sees AirVenture as aviation’s family reunion each year. You can be assured that EAA is already eagerly looking forward to gathering along the AirVenture flightline on July 26 through August 1 in 2021.”

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive the lowest prices on admission rates and all those age 18 and under are admitted free. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.