The longest journey
Q:
How many steps is it from the Ultralight area to the Warbirds area? And
can I have a ride?
S.A., Charlotte, N.C.
A:
I understand that there are a few hardy individuals who have walked that
distance, but I wouldn’t attempt it without water and other supplies,
though there are places along the way where you can obtain sustenance.
Also, I have not been able to locate any of these hikers who have
counted the steps. However, Dick Knapinski, EAA public relations guy,
estimates that it is about 1,893 steps. That is based on a yard-long
stride. Add 10 percent if you take smaller steps.
As to transportation, of
course you can have a ride. There are trams running from one end of the
AirVenture grounds to the other from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day except
July 30, when they run until 6 p.m. There also are buses that run from
the Ultralight area to the Seaplane Base and to Camp Scholler. Consult
one of those little official maps for the routes. A word of caution: Pay
attention when you unfold the map so you can fold it back properly.
IFR or not
Q:
Is it necessary to have an instrument rating to get a commercial pilot’s
certificate?
K.W., Oshkosh
A:
Required, no; a good idea, you bet, especially in areas such as this,
where the weather can suddenly change. Just look at the sky. Anyway,
that’s what an FAA spokesperson said.
Cyber-snafu
Q:
I have been receiving EAA eHotline for a long time. For me, it’s
just a teaser, because the "Read More" links never work. I don’t
have trouble with links other than these. How can I solve this problem?
D.B.K., Ocala, Fla.
A:
I wish I could help you, but I’ve just learned that the on-off switch
is called "power." And I found out that when something goes
wrong with a computer, experts tell you, "Turn it off and turn it
back on and see if that helps." I am told by those who do know,
however, that the problem with the links is at your end, not at ours.
They suggest that you see your friendly neighborhood computer guy.
Picky, picky, picky
Q:
Is the food going to be any better this year? Last year it was terrible.
Should we bring some MREs?
C.B., Pocatello, Idaho
A:
Come on, lighten up. What are you looking for, funnel cake and
deep-fried Twinkies? The food isn’t terrible, especially considering
how many people are fed how much food. You expect maybe fine dining al
fresco?
By all means
Q:
Is the EAA going to support the development of new methods for
supporting aircraft in the air (alternatives to conventional wings)?
N.L., Reston, Va.
A:
"EAA supports any innovation that will safely and effectively get
people in the air," said EAA spokesman Dick Knapinski. Vagueness
and ambiguity breeds vagueness and ambiguity.
Bankers hours
Q:
Will the EAA be offering free sport-pilot student pilot certificates
during AirVenture this year? If so, where and when do I sign up?
S.T., Lexington, KY.
A:
Yes, of course. EAA members can sign up at the LSA Mall at the
intersection of Wittman Road and Vern Avenue, south of AeroShell Square
and across Vern from the Vintage Aircraft headquarters. You can do it
almost any time. Well, okay, not at, say, 3 o’clock in the morning.
EAA members can also
obtain a certificate at EAA Member Village, 10am-2pm daily.
Theo, call home
Q:
This is not your typical question. My son is at AirVenture with another
family and we need to contact him. Is there any way to do this? His name
is Theo Knaeble, and he should call home as soon as possible.
Sandra Knaeble
A:
I really hesitate to get involved in a question like this because
virtually everybody here is looking for somebody else and you offer
insufficient information to help find him. You don’t even give us your
hometown. Both the lost and found and the Com Center say they can’t do
anything with this. If this is a genuine emergency, you could contact
the Com Center 920-230-7800. But don’t bother them (or me) if all you
want to tell him is that, say, the dog has a headache or that his
girlfriend has run off with a flamenco dancer.
The light goes on
Q:
I’m building a sport class Sonex, which, of course, I will only fly
during the day. Do I need lights?
J.L., Willmar, Minn.
A:
You don’t need them, but they are a good idea, said Chris Williams, a
Sonex builder in the Member Village, where they are building a sport
Sonex. A good idea is a good idea. "Someday you may come home late,
and you’ll want them, he said. Light-sport aircraft are only supposed
to fly during daylight.
