Message-ID: <3F2D442B.7010001@nc.rr.com>
Date: Sun, 03 Aug 2003 13:19:39 -0400
From: Ernest Christley <echristley@nc.rr.com>
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To: Rotary motors in aircraft <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [FlyRotary] Re: Oshkosh report
References: <list-2510232@logan.com>
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Al Gietzen wrote:

> 
> I don’t think it reasonable to expect that the Oshkosh event, whatever 
> they chose to call it, is going to scale back down; and I don’t think 
> there is inherently anything wrong with drawing a large and diverse 
> audience, for this particular event. But it is the emphasis that is all 
> wrong.  The homebuilds, the innovative, the one of a kind, and the 
> associated issues and activities should be the centerpiece; and the 
> other stuff can gather around.  Otherwise it is no longer the EAA; and 
> it is not living up to its name.
> 

I think Al has it here with the 'one of a kind' aspect.  How many RV's 
can you look at before you know what an RV looks like?  The RV is a fine 
plane, and it's suitability to its task is making it somewhat 
ubiquitous.  Not very interesting for the typical, 
couln't-even-build-a-model-plane enthusiast.

If I could play devil's advocate here for just a moment.  Maybe the 
problem is on our side.  How interesting do we make the rotary 
installation?  Why would anyone care?  "Look, Daddy, ANOTHER RV...but 
this one's engine looks funny.  LOOK, Daddy, BIG, NOISY P-51!  LET'S GO!!"

I'm as equally stressed over the prize categories at fly-ins.  It seems 
that everything is about fit and finish.  While fit and finish are 
important, what about quality of investigation?  What about quality of 
documentation?  What about presentation of techniques so that the next 
homebuilder can use the cheaper/quicker/easier/safer methodology? The 
rotary guys do a great job of sharing information...on the internet. 
But how do we share that with the rest of the world.

Here's my suggestion.  Don't go to the head EAA guys asking to be put in 
front just because we're homebuilders.  Go to the head EAA guys and ask 
to be put in front because we have a wealth of information to share. 
Explain that we have a vibrant community that is pushing the bounds of 
aviation.  And then be ready to present that information and vibrancy in 
a format that is worthy of one of the largest airshows in the world.

Let me put it in a format that you might see in Sport Aviation:

Don't skimp (translation: buy their advertiser's overpriced 'aviation' 
equipment) on your presentation.  You've built years building your 
airplane, and you want it to impress the crowds.

-- 
----Because I can----
http://www.ernest.isa-geek.org/
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