Oshkosh 2016 - A dream come true

[Sonex1517]

When I was growing up in Madison, WI, we went to the EAA Convention in Oshkosh a few times. That was where I learned you could build your own airplane, and a dream was born that one day I would do that and fly it to Oshkosh.

Fast forward to 2016 - a dream came true.

On Sunday July 24th I flew from the Aurora IL airport (KARR) to the RIPON intersection, then to FISKE, then to KOSH where I landed right on the orange dot on Runway 18 right. I taxied to the Sonex Aircraft ramp where I found John Monnett was the only one there just after 7 am. After tying down and covering my Sonex, a passing storm gave my airplane its first bath....I went to breakfast with a friend.

I came back for the open house - photos at http://sonexbuildersandpilotsfoundation.zenfolio.com/p882807769?customize=3 and enjoyed seeing friends old and new. The mass taxi was fun - for once I participated instead of watching, and tied down on the show line behind the Sonex booth.

Monday morning was the Type Club Coalition meeting, followed quickly by the SBPF membership meeting. Monday evening was the Sonex party at their hangar.

My family arrived Tuesday and stayed through Wednesday - I had the chance to show 3 of my siblings and their spouses, two nieces and four friends from work, plus my wife and son, the airplane.

Wednesday evening was the SBPF member BBQ - photos at http://sonexbuildersandpilotsfoundation.zenfolio.com/p825899824?customize=3

I managed to get out after this mornings rain for a nice flight home to Aurora, before this afternoons storms in Chicagoland.

I'm tired, sunburned, and still in disbelief - I finally achieved a dream that I had for many, many years....

[fastj22]

Welcome to the flock Robbie. Always fun to return to the nest.

[MichaelFarley56]

You've accomplished a dream held by many but completed by only a few. I'm thrilled for you Robbie!

Congratulations! Your plane looks beautiful!

[wlarson861]

Welcome to the club. I consider myself lucky to have been able to be a member of the builder pilots as I stood outside looking in for over 30 years. Having flown my own creation here 4 times and done the mass taxi once, consider that bucket list checked. Your plane looked great on the flight line and you and your family should be very proud of your accomplishment.
Blue skies,
Bill

[caveman370]

Congrats! I felt the same way last year! It's great to have such a close nit group


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[Bryan Cotton]

It is a dream I'm still reaching for. I appreciate the inspiration from all who have done it though!

[planeolbob]

Robbie,
It looks like you had a great time and congrats on a wonderful aircraft. One thing you still need to do is fly in the Homebuilt Review. I will be at OSH next year and volunteer at HBHQ. I know the lady that runs the program (so does Lisa). We can show you how to sign up for the event. They always want a Sonex in the mix. The list fills up fast. Lisa or I will put you name in but you need to visit the headquarters building anyway to get "Mugged". One of us will be there.

The good thing is flying in the review. The bad thing is God and everybody is watching (Ha!). See you next year.

Bob Mika

PS here is the video of my flight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CZrc22jRjA

PPS Where is your nose art?

[N111YX]

It was great to see you at OSH, Robbie.

Just wanted to say thanks for the pics. I failed (once again) in taking many this year!

[Corby202]

Congratulations Robbie and thank you for all the pictures.

[fastj22]

It is a dream I'm still reaching for. I appreciate the inspiration from all who have done it though!

Bryan, sorry we missed you, but we did fly over your airpark coming up from Rochelle. Nice community.