Thorp Air Command - T18.net

I've just heard from EAA as to where they plan to put the us. SO listen up folks!!

The "Thorp Parking" will be from the brown arch northward I'm assuming for a few rows. Most know where that is but for those that do not I've attached a PDF map of the grounds. I've told them we're expecting a good turnout I surely hope we can make a showing worthy of this special year. BTW Bernie Fried that means you park with he Thorps this year! You can go back to your "VIP" parking next year!

I'm actually very pleased with the parking location. Most of us do not like our airplanes swarmed with people during the show, this area is generally not that crowded, so the planes should be safe. Also the Brown Arch was until a number of years ago "Show Center" so considering the age of the design ... it makes sense.

I'll be well on my way in one week ... looking forward to it guys!

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Good job, Lee. Great location!

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Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

I had the following made up to put up around the AC and on the prop . My wife at work laminated the signs to protect them from the rain . A small roll of caution tape will be on board . I just received the THORP banner and it looks great !

RB

For the record, my experience has been that Oshkosh is a unique event. The people that make the pilgrimage to the convention are for the most part aviation enthusiasts and have respect for the airplanes on the flight line. Other than a random local who may choose to use a fuselage as a back rest or a wing as shade I've never been concerned with any damage or felt the need to rope off the airplane, that certainly may apply to other airshows/flying events but like I said Oshkosh is different story. I'm confident that where were parked will be thin during the peak hours ... It's far enough away from show center to keep the airshow attendees at bay.

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Lee: All it takes is ONE to ruin my day ! One knucklehead that decides he needs to "step" up on the wing to look inside and provides me with a boot imprint and I spend the next week at OSH trying to fix the Aircraft . I agree , the majority (minus one) will respect our aircraft , but for a few dollars I can put a few signs/caution tape to keep the ill informed to keep their distance . If I am by the aircraft I will be happy to escort them to the AC to have a look . It's a long drive back to San Diego if the AC if down . I remember a post where someone at an airshow sat on the leading edge of a T-18 wing and put a huge dent in their airfoil ! That's a BIG BOOM !

V/R

RB

Awesome Lee!!....

Aunt B(razell).....you and your plane are going to stand out from the crowd. I do like your banner, and the years your put into building that aircraft are most certainly an achievement of which to be most proud. I think you'll have less to worry of than you may be imagining. Nevertheless, caution does rule the day. I'll bring my L-Slugger to help you keep the barbarian horde at bay. If I'm busy, Chuck will have his pipes.....and a sign saying "Stay Away, or I Play"........

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Fraser MacPhee
N926WM
Serial #279-1
Angel Fire, NM (KAXX)

Note to self, pack ear plugs.

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Bruce Finney
N18JF T-18C #262
Yelm, WA USA

Ira and myself atten shows in the area, Auburn, Oceano,Shafter and at Porterville airport day there was a parent with his kids, this guy tried to remove my Prop while his kids watched. I checked it for cracks and he didn't flex it enough to crack it but it looked like he was going to break it before I got to him...........we have to have a seat within 10ft of the planes at the shows, that is a given from past experience. At Visalia I had t o give up the young Eagles deal, couldn't keep the 10 yr olds off the plane,the wings the tail, the wheel pants. I have seen this crowd that Lee is referring to at Arlington airshow, nice folks and well behaved kids kinda fun having them around. They don't touch nothing they will ask a few questions and such. I would not be surprised at all to find the Crowd at OSH like this one at Arlington...........they are both far from California. Dan

I hear ya Dan . All it takes is ONE to ruin your day for several weeks...or longer ! It's one thing when we have a T-18 fly in and no touch is not a concern . The non flying public (with their young children) have no concept how much time goes into building one of these planes . Some adults have no concept either . If you want to see my AC you will have to cross an IED line and provide a password ! BOOM !

RB

I would think that the flying community at OSH would look out for one another and keep things on the up&up. There will be an awful lot of aviators eyes on the goings on at this event. I know at an event of this magnitude they will have security everywhere, including the dept of homeland insecurity. This place of all places would probably be least of concern to me and I probably wouldn't worry too much about it...............just go and have a good time.......Dan

A homeland insecurity TSA check point might be a good idea Dan ! We will have a good time ! Wish you and Gloria could be at OSH .

RB

Rich... try not to worry too much. Does anyone know of a Thorp that was ever damaged at Oshkosh by a spectator? In the 23 years since I test flew my T-18, this will be the 16th time I've flown it to OSH (hardly a record, as I know several guys on this forum who have had their birds there many more years). I worried a little about it the first few times, especially when they started allowing the general public to roam the flight line, but I've never suffered any damage. Since you'll be roped-off, would you mind parking as far to the east as possible, & leave the spaces farthest away from the flight line for the rest of us? Maybe Bernie will let you use his airplane as a shield? (I'm just trying to help!)

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John Evens
Arvada, Colorado
T-18 N71JE (sold)
Kitfox 7 SS N27JE

Worry no more . I will stay home and watch it on TV . boom !

RB

@ Frase and Bruce,

I understand Airventure heard I was coming and are now passing out earplugs to all it's patrons. Unfortunately for my soon to be roomies, I play through the night!

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Chuck Kincer
Richmond, Me
575CK
KIWI

Chuck:

I want to hear some of this bluegrass on the pipes???

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http://www.dixiefriedfabrication.com/