Scott Spangler at Jetwhine has a rough pictorial overview that gives you some perspective on the overhaul taking place on the grounds at Airventure. We mentioned before that EAA had hired some designers of themepark fame to rework the grounds, and it appears that those efforts have begun now in ernest. Scott mentions infrastructure improvements like drainage and direct navigation to go along with aesthetic improvements like more shade. Coming from someone who's endured a number of flooded tents, I'm looking forward to the drainage. Let us know what your most anticipated improvements are in the comments!!

This has to be one of my all time favorite airplanes... huge engine, taildragger... I mean what else could you ask for?

The "Flying Farmer" classic airshow performance

The word on the street this year at Airventure is that EAA is looking for a facelift. The plan covers 10 years and 17 million dollars, to include what looks to be a pretty comprehensive upgrade to the facilities. If you've been to Oshkosh for the show sometime over the last decade you've already witnessed some pretty impressive growth. The new plans seem to dovetail into that growth by utilizing the existing exhibit buildings, and improving the "user" experience by upgrading the paths and making the journey through the grounds more intuitive. Also included in the plan are upgrades to the camping facilities to include more plug ins for campers and better shower facilities.

For those of you who will be lucky enough to make the EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh this year, I just heard about an event you will not want to miss! Author and pilot Kathleen Winters just announced that she will be giving a presentation about Charles and Anne Lindbergh at 4:00pm, August 2nd, in the Vette Theater Museum.

Look out... here comes another shameless plug for my favorite airshow, EAA's Airventure. I know you're probably sick of hearing me plug it but what can I say, it's one of the best shows in aviation. Probably the highlight of this show is the fly-in part, and if you're not familiar with the venue let me throw you some calibration, nearly 10,000 airplanes will be attending the show... Way cool. Now with the high price of gas, the organizers at EAA are offering a number of ways to cut down on the cost of your trip.

Robert Mark over at JetWhine has been so kind as to spearhead a gathering of the aviation bloggers at this years EAA Airventure. For the venue and location information click here. I'm guessing that the wifi access in that part of the grounds will be unduly taxed, "non-geek" attendees should plan accordingly.

If you weren't in Shreveport last weekend, then you missed out on some great acts and static displays at Barksdale Air Force Base's Defenders of Liberty Open House. Some of the acts include a P-47/B-17 duo, the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team in their gorgeous T-6s and a MiG-17 that I can't get enough of. Oh yeah, they also had those "other" guys who fly blue jets out of Pensacola.

Ok, I'm disappointed so stop rubbing my face in it, right?

Don't worry, there's a great solution to this problem.