Day 18 Summary

Well, the IFR Pilot's weather-related decision-making proved prescient. Reports out of the home base indicated hurricane-strength winds, with multiple aircraft being flipped over at Lakefront Airport. Glad that we didn't try to make our way home today.

So, we went back to Oshkosh. Today, we covered the southern half of the show: ultralights, rotorcraft, sea planes, etc. Also, exhibition hangars B and D.

But first, we managed an up-close and personal view of SpaceShip One and White Knight. Both were on display smack dab in the center of AeroShell Square. These pictures don't do justice to the beauty of these sleek aircraft, but hey, I did the best I could.




Those icons appear to represent the results of the various flights. Right next to "X2," in very tiny markings, is "$10M." Might be hard to see, but trust me, it's there. Of course, it represents the $10 million Ansari X prize that the project captured.

On our way around the site, we ran across the display for Snap-On Tools. Proudly stationed out front was the custom-built chopper from Orange County Choppers. You know, those guys from American Choppers. This machine is one remarkable piece of craftsmanship.



We made our way to the Seaplane Base. That proved to be less exciting than expected. Kind of a whimper instead of a bang.

On the way back, we saw this remarkable SeaBee, powered by -- of all things -- a Corvette engine. One thing I'll say for EAA: If you can dream it up, someone's probably already done it.




Finally, with regret, I must announce that the Dadster was fired today from his job as Chancellor of the Exchequer. As we left the hotel this morning, the IFR Pilot strongly admonished him: "Don't let me spend any money today."

So what does he go ahead and let me do? Try out a pair of Bose X ANR headsets.

Now, if you know anything about these bad boys, you will agree that trying them on is akin to taking that first hit from a crack pipe. You're hooked. (For the record, I've never smoked, and never intend to smoke, crack. But, you get the analogy.)

The Dadster failed to use physical force to prevent the IFR Pilot from withdrawing his VISA and snapping up a set. Hey, it's a thirty-day no obligation trial, followed by a twelve-month, no interest payment plan. And a free AeroShell Flight Jacket airplane detailing kit. If I sell that on eBay, plus my current headset, plus my left kidney, that should pay for the new headset, right?

Evidence of the IFR Pilot's contribution to this quarter's GDP:


We'll see how they work on the flight home tomorrow. They certainly did a good job blocking out the sounds of the air conditioner at Applebee's, where we ate dinner tonight. Fortunately, it was early and the restaurant wasn't too crowded, so there weren't that many witnesses to the IFR Pilot sitting at the dinner table with aviation headset on...