EAA AirVenture Oshkosh never disappoints. As a general aviation pilot, I look forward to the annual celebration of flight that is EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. More than just an air show, the event is an annual gathering of more than 650,000 aviators, aviation enthusiasts, manufacturers, and others from all over the world. Oshkosh, as everyone calls it, is a fixture on my calendar, and this was my 11th year in attendance. James A. Viola is HAI’s president and CEO. After a career as a US Army aviator, he joined the FAA, where he served as director of the Office of General Aviation Safety Assurance before joining HAI. A dual-rated pilot, James holds ATP ratings in both airplanes and helicopters and is a CFII. My first Oshkosh was in 2012 while I was working for the FAA. Seizing this opportunity to help my government colleagues better understand the role of general aviation (GA) in our country’s aviation industry, I flew decision makers to the show in my private aircraft so they could see the professionalism and focus on safety that is on display each year at Oshkosh. This year, I flew my Robinson R44 from my home airport, the Montgomery County Airpark (KGAI), to the show. Planning for the worst—as every pilot should—I had allotted two days for the cross-country flight, but the weather was great and I was able to do it in one. I made several stops on my flight to refuel, including at the Indianapolis Downtown Heliport, which is a great facility for vertical aviation aircraft that we are fighting to keep open. On approach to the Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH), I was grateful, as always, for the team of volunteer air traffic controllers who safely manage the landing and takeoffs of the 10,000 aircraft on-site. Their professionalism and dedication are truly remarkable. Enstrom Helicopter Corp. generously loaned us a 480B turbine to put on static display at the HAI tent. There is nothing like a beautiful helicopter to draw people in. Luckily, we had HAI staff and industry experts on hand to answer questions and promote vertical aviation. I want to thank Enstrom owner Chuck Surack and Dennis Martin, VP of sales and marketing for the company, for loaning us the helicopter for the week. Oshkosh celebrates aviation history, showcasing vintage and warbird aircraft, each with its own unique story, each serving as a tribute to the pioneers of flight. Although vintage, many of these aircraft still take to the skies to show off their true capabilities—an unforgettable sight. What started as an exposition of experimental aircraft has turned into an all-out display of innovation. Over the years, Oshkosh has seen the introduction of electric aircraft, cutting-edge avionics, and more recently, developments in advanced air mobility. This year didn’t disappoint! Wisk demonstrated its fully autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi. A highlight for me was participating in a town hall organized by Rep. Sam Graves, who chairs the US House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure committee. Chairman Graves happens to be an avid aviator and former professional pilot, and the US general aviation community is fortunate to have a fellow GA enthusiast in his position. I spoke at the town hall alongside five other GA executives, where we all stressed the important aspects of the House version of the FAA reauthorization bill that strengthens GA for the benefit of all of aviation. I am already looking forward to next year’s Oshkosh—this event is truly the grass roots of aviation—and I hope to see you there too! Hi, I'm James Viola
