Kubotek Forum

I live a couple hours south of Oshkosh, so I drive up every year. I've sat out along runway 09/27, on the Saturday before, to watch arrivals. And that's been enough to convince me I never want to fly in. (There's some real knuckleheads up there in the sky.)

I've gone every year since 1992. Made a lot of good friends over that time. (I share a camp site with some of them.) And these days it's more about getting together with them, than it is the "show".

The event has changed quite a bit in the last 25 years. It's not the same "EAA members convention" that it used to be. Nor is it as focused on the homebuilding hobby as it once was. In fact, I think it's getting harder and harder to find the "E" part of the EAA every year. It's still there. But they do a good job of tucking it away behind the Cirrus', Evolution Turbo-Props, and Honda Jets.

Oh well. I guess you can't stop progress. Then again, maybe I'm just getting old and nostalgic.

I had polio as a young toddler and don't have a lot of strength in my legs. And while I do own a set of portable hand controls, STC'd for the Cessna 150/152, 172 & 177 series aircraft, I decided in 2004 to go Light Sport. So I finished up my training, and earned my ticket, in an Ercoupe 415-C. Trouble is, about 3 months after I passed the check-ride, the FBO sold the plane. And I haven't been able to find a suitable replacement. So I'm no longer current.

The FBO at another nearby airport has a "BushCat LSA", on their line. I've considered checking it out but there's something about it that just doesn't appeal to me. For one thing the fuselage & wing are covered in sailcloth. Which doesn't excite me. And it uses the Rotax 912 for power. (I've flown a couple of Rotax powered planes. And just can't get used to a 5500RPM cruise.)

Then there is also the issue of rudder pedals. I have movement in my legs & feet. Just not a lot of strength or endurance. So that could present a problem, too.