True North Blog

Never mind Carmen SanDiego . . . where in the world is Scott Chesnut this week? Well, I’m in Oshkosh Wisconsin at the biggest airshow in the world, in terms of attendees and aircraft. 608,000 attendees last year and looking like at least that this year. The on-airport RV park that we are living in goes on literally for mile(s) in each direction. It’s hard to describe how big this event really is. And from an aircraft standpoint, there is every kind of flying machine from the Wright Bros to present day on display, including military, vintage, and even a couple of airliners.

We had the privilege of flying in to the event in our own plane. The air traffic gets so backed up on the arrival to Oshkosh, that I planned for a very early arrival two days before the show. We departed Denton Texas at 4am and landed in Oshkosh at 9am (after one “comfort” stop). The early morning flight was wonderful—smooth, cool, and pretty watching the sun come up from 7,000 feet of altitude. My two traveling partners are great. Both aviators, with Sonny as a student pilot and Barry as a seasoned Air Force pilot. Thanks to both of them for getting up early and helping spot other airplanes on the arrival!

As with the previous blog posts from Europe, I already have some “takeaways” from this trip. First, since I’ve been to many, many air shows, the most enjoyable part for me now is the people. I ran into an old college flying buddy yesterday that I hadn’t seen in decades, but he was here because this is the aviation “Mecca,” with a similar type of pilgrimage. Tonight I’ll hob nob with a Twin Cessna group, and I’m making new friends every day just walking around.

Second takeaway is that now that I’m newly retired . . . I really don’t have to be anyplace at a particular time. And—this is the point—I don’t WANT to be anywhere at a particular time. I am enjoying just hanging out at the RV, chatting, snacking, and (occasionally) drinking ;-). This is opposed to my original plan to be at this and that presentation, and forum, and volunteer opportunity. Now, I will volunteer more at some point, but I’m figuring out that I probably shouldn’t rush in.” I am truly enjoying the Ferris Bueller approach to days!

What’s ahead for this week? My son Ian will be here tomorrow afternoon for some great father/son time. My old friend, co-worker, and entrepreneur George Bye of Bye Aerospace will be here on Thursday. And, a Facebook acquaintance that I call my doppelgänger Scott Chestnut (note the spelling) will be here soon for at least a selfie of the two Scott Ches(t)nuts. Should be an interesting week. More soon!