Oshkosh Comes to a Close
Sunday, August 3, 2008

We’d come to the end of the flying for Team Oracle and The Collaborators but that didn’t mean that we were quite finished with our responsibilities. Although we did get to sleep in for a bit and could take our time getting over to the show from the Weeks Hangar, we did have one family coming as Oracle Guests. Once we arrived Sean had some autographs to sign, so I hopped into his car with him and off we went.

Today was different than the other days. Sean was able to relax a bit, as much as he can ever relax. Although still moving at a million miles a minute, he got to walk around a bit. And of course we got to talk about life and work and I soaked in all the words of wisdom he had to offer.

From sponsor to sponsor and tent to tent we zipped around with exuberant Sean leaving everyone in his wake with a smile. I have so much to learn from Sean and all of my coaches and mentors that it is unbelievable. From flying to business to interacting with current sponsors, potential sponsors and fans, the opportunities are endless.

The show was great, as is expected of Oshkosh, yet there was almost a touch of sadness looming over the entire airport. It was the last day of Oshkosh. Airplanes had begun departing a day or two before and as we drove through the warbird area it looked bare and lonely. Tents began to come down and people were packing their things.

Could it be that it had gone by that fast? Absolutely! They say that time flies when you’re having fun, no pun intended. I guess they’re right!

As we hurried back across the airport towards the hangar after the show, the sky began to get darker and darker. After doing some things we raced back over to the show side to drop off the golf cart and it was a good thing we went when we went. No sooner had Ian hopped in the car that I drove over than the sky opened up and thunder began to clap. It rained pretty much non-stop with thunderstorms rolling through off and on the rest of the night.

We all headed back to the house for an amazing dinner prepared by Kureha, Ben’s girlfriend. And let me tell you, this girl can cook! I’m not just saying that…it was an awesome dinner and a perfect ending to a long hard week of work and fun. After a night of laughter and camaraderie it was time for bed. Then next morning we would all be heading home; different places for each us of, but only for a little while. The airshow schedule will be calling everyone back together soon enough.

My final thoughts on Oshkosh…it is a MUST for anyone who loves flying or just loves a good time. I could never have imagined that my first Oshkosh experience would be so amazing. From making new friends, seeing old ones to growing as a member of my new flying family, it is something for which I will be forever grateful. It just supports my belief that you should always dream big and never stop working hard for what you want. You never know what might come of it!

Oracle Day at Oshkosh
Saturday August 2, 2008

Today was a little different than the rest of the week. The Collaborators were done with their performances at Oshkosh 2008 and this was Sean and Team Oracle’s last performance day. With this came hosting some of Oracle’s employees and customers in what ended up being one of the nicest “chalets” that I have ever seen!

Sean Cutting Ribbon #1

Ian and I both work as hospitality representatives for Team Oracle and our job is to make sure that our guests have an outstanding time the whole day through. From eating to sunscreen, watching the show and meeting the Team, we are there to make sure that they experience the airshow in the most amazing way possible.

Once we set up the catering and gift/sign-in table I snuck around taking a few shots of the setting just to make sure to show people how great this “rig” was. We were told it actually is used most often at racing events, but I definitely say that if you are ever looking for something like this, you should contact this company!

How about some VIP seating?	Nothing better than having AC at an airshow!

This company has the most amazing set up!	Here's Sean talking with the guests about Rocket Racing.

Our guests enjoyed a quiet spot to relax in the truck, air conditioned seating in the tent area and the best seats in the house right on the show line once the planes took to the sky. It was fun for all as always.

Once the show had ended it was time to head back to the Charlie Hillard Building for the Performers’ Party. This was an experience that I am so thankful to have had and something that I will definitely never forget. The evening was filled with good food, good discussions and good people. And to hear the speeches from many different people, some of whom have no idea how inspirational and influencial I think they are, was truly amazing to me.

Sean and Danny thanking all of the volunteers at the Performers' Party.

Could you ask for a more beautiful evening?

Sean also pulled the whole team together to say thank you and to reiterate that we are all a family. Of course because I was there with a team full of guys I could not let on that my eyes were a bit watery by the end of the whole thing…but it really was a big deal for me. I can’t believe I am doing what I’m doing and flying what I’m flying. All I can say is, dreams do come true.

It's already Friday!?!?
Friday August 1, 2008

Friday morning … the Collaborators’ last day to perform this year at Oshkosh. It was a beautiful morning and we were all ready for another great day and a crowd-pleasing performance.

Yeah Baby!

Before the airshow started the guys had lots to do which included Ian and me heading to the Ford Tent to help them out with an autograph session. It is so much fun to see all of the different people who show up for these events. You see everyone from hardcore fans who know everything about each pilot and plane to Oshkosh newbies who saw these guys fly for the first time this year. Kids and ol’ timers, everyone who comes through the line gets a personal one-on-one experience with Ben, Bill, Eric and Sean. It is something that I think sets the team apart, as they take such outstanding care of each and every fan. I can’t even guess how many kids will become pilots just because of the experience they have meeting these guys; they truly are an awe-inspiring bunch.

After the autographs it was time for the guys to get ready to rock. Here are a few pictures from the flight line of getting ready (luckily I can sneak in some shots while I’m working, capturing memories I will always treasure.

Ben getting all ready to go.	Bill having too much fun!

Kevin ready to be Bill's helping hand.	John acting as the Team's very own paparazzi!

Before the show ended Ian and I (with John in tow) headed to their hotel to get packets together for our Oracle guests who would be joining us the next day. Once we were finished we headed back to the hangar and grabbed the golf cart and Seamus to go over to the Charlie Hillard Building for a post-wedding party with a large group of their airshow family. Of course there was food being provided for the performers at the hangar so John and Seamus couldn’t wait. Guys are always hungry.

Burnt meat good....gr....gr.....arrr......

The party was fun and we had a great time relaxing and enjoying a gorgeous evening on the side of the runway with lots of wonderful friends. It was a great way to close the day and we even got to “sleep in” the next morning before heading back out to the airport for Sean’s last performance at Oshkosh 2008.

An Evening At Oshkosh
Thursday July 31, 2008

I know, I know, you’ve heard it before…it was another wonderful day at Oshkosh. But surely you must realize that every day is a wonderful day at Oshkosh and today didn’t throw a single kink into that tradition. Once we were up and running Brian asked Ian and me to fill in for him at the brief, which was very entertaining. I have been to a few briefs with the team and I can say that Oshkosh is a little different. Still greatly focused on safety and precision the difference of a pilot’s briefing here is that there is tradition. At Oshkosh there is camaraderie not found at others…everyone is family. We started out with an old black and white video of one of the “ol’ timers” driving around in a little old car back in 1938. From there it went on to finish up with “Big B” reading one of his one-of-a-kind limericks.

The show went off as planned and was filled with great flying and fun with the Team. I can honestly say that I absolutely love my job. Not only am I surrounded by awesome airplanes and amazing talent, but I also have the best teammates in the world. We don’t just work together, we are a family and that means that it really isn’t work at all.

Thursday night was the famous EAA dinner and so some of the Team went to that. This was a great time for me to finally get a chance to check out what Oshkosh was all about. Once all the work was done Brian and Devan invited John and me to join them on one of Brian’s favorite traditions (which he informed us he has to do every year). This tradition is to take the golf cart out in the evening, once the crowds have departed, and explore. The airport is quiet, with thousands of flying machines glimmering in the soft glow of the setting sun, and there is a sense of serenity surrounding the whole place. Now, for those of you who are not aviation enthusiasts you may just think that I’m crazy, but give it a try some time and you’ll see what I mean. It truly is a thing of beauty.

Of course, this wasn’t a time for meditation…we are still a bunch of crazy pilots. With Brian and Devan in the front and John and I me riding on the back, we started to wind our way through the fields of glowing metal and fabric. How about a military encampment? We’ve got one of those at Oshkosh complete with tents, transportation and reenactors. Being a student of military history, of course I had to snoop around and take some pictures. Luckily the bar was open and songs were flowing so I got a chance to enjoy some old military tunes before we continued on our way.

The history surrounding not only the show, but all of the aircraft that graced the grounds is amazing. How about Jimmy Doolittle’s very own aircraft? Absolutely stunning, to say the least!

Jimmy Doolittle's Stinson Reliant (It's For Sale!!).

From warbirds to vintage aircraft and homebuilts to helicopters, there is a little of everything. Where else will you see a sea of P51 Mustangs, or how about a pair of P40’s ready to attack at the drop of a hat? There are Cessna 195’s and Cessna 150’s, Kodiaks, SBachs, even a flying Norseman! Whether you know the names or not, your eyes tell you it’s clear how truly amazing the selection of aircraft at Oshkosh is.

A beautiful P40	I think Brian wants it...

Drying laundry the Oshkosh way!	I think the paint speaks for itself.

We then headed over to the Sea Plane area. The background on this must be given in order to realize the chances of what occurred next. Brian and Devan were just recently married and, of course, are both pilots. Brian loves float planes and soon after their wedding Devan received her Seaplane Rating (woohoo Devan!!). They have a dream to have a Cub on floats and they are just so darn cute that they want their tail number to be a meaningful one including their initials. Brian told us that he had tried to reserve N418BD but it was already taken (4/18 being their anniversary). Lo and behold, we drive down a row of planes on floats and look what we find!

Brian & Devan with "their" plane.

Talk about a small world! Devan left a note for the owners…possibly there was an aircraft to be purchased while at Oshkosh!? But the next morning she talked to the owners and although they loved the note, the aircraft and the tail number were not for sale. Why, you ask? Because they love their airplane and the tail number is actually their anniversary and their initials!!

While we drove from one side of the airport to the other it began to get dark. It was time to head back, but not before getting a bite to eat. From the Weeks Hangar we headed off to Witzkes Tavern for a few beers and pizza. Of course some of the rest of the Team was already there so we had a good time before calling it a night and heading to bed. What a way to spend a day at Oshkosh!

Ty & Clyde	Devan & Me

Seamus & Brian	John & Darrick

Oshkosh Behind the Scenes
Wednesday July 30, 2008

Today was the Collaborators’ day to fly again which means we had all four planes out and lots of work to be done. We had two media flights in the morning so that meant that the planes were pulled and warmed up before the pilots arrived. Next came a briefing for the flight and passengers on what to expect, and how to handle any unforeseen emergencies including use of the parachute. Then it was time to get going!

The Boys Getting Ready to Go!

Of course, Oshkosh doesn’t have the normal ground control/ tower routine that most pilots are used to. Here, at least during the show, ground control is not done by radio but hand signals provided by all of the wonderful volunteers along the taxiways. Because of this when we have a formation flight going out that will be taking off together we have to head out ahead of them in a vehicle to let the volunteers know that they are all together.

Now, getting to the runway doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to call up tower. Again, to declutter the radio they have another mode of communication. There is a makeshift “mini tower” just along the runway with actual controllers communicating directly to the tower telling them who they have ready to take-off and help keep eyes on the arrivals at the same time. Thus, we had to scurry out to them in the golf cart so they made sure to have the right spacing for all 5 aircraft to take off. When your time comes for departure there is a mad dash as one of the controllers on the ground waves frantically at you indicating it’s your time to get rolling and that means move!

Waiting for Takeoff!

Runway Contollers

After the photo flights were over it was back to the flight line for the show. We were constantly busy running around getting airplanes cleaned, fueled, smoked and ready for the next performance. Then there were the autograph signings at different companies’ tents around the grounds which are always a blast.

By the end of the day we were all beat. Of course I couldn’t stop snapping pictures any chance I got while riding around in the golf cart…but then again, who would be able to resist?! When we arrived to the hangar that evening the lighting was just too perfect to not take a few more pictures. There I was, surrounded by airplanes of the greats, including those of my team, Patty Wagstaff, Kyle Franklin and more. It was eye candy for anyone, young or old. Everywhere I looked was another breathtaking sight melding power with pure beauty.

Inside the Kermit Weeks Hangar	Gene Soucy working on his biplane.

Patty Wagstaff's Extra in front of the Weeks Hangar.	Isn't it gorgeous?!?!

After running errands Ben, Ian and I headed to the store for groceries since Ben’s girlfriend, Kureha, and my husband, John, were arriving at Oshkosh at any moment. We had all been living off of the bare necessities in the house but figured that some real food might be required for our guests.

Oshkosh From the Sky!
7/29/2008

I don’t think that most people realize the amount of work that is put into running an airshow let alone OSHKOSH!! This place is amazing. It truly is its own little city, but more than that it is a community of like-minded people (read aviation nuts). So the routine, at least for me has been to get home around 9pm, eat and work until 11pm or so and then go to bed. Then Ben and I get up in the morning at 6am for a run/job/walk then get back shower and leave the house with Bill at 7:30am. Go to the airport, start working and then do it all over again.

Here's Collin prepping the Oracle Challenger for the show.

Here are Kevin and Collin cleaning out the tail section of the Oracle Extra 300.

Today, though, was a little different. Today we got to the hangar at 8am for a photo flight and lucky me, Eric’s Extra 300 had an empty seat. So, I went flying. This was, of course, not my first flight with the team but my first photo flight which was very interesting. Flying in formation with the Seneca setting up for some of The Collaborator’s famous shots for a USA Today photographer all the while maintaining the right set up with the sunlight with Oshkosh in the background was pretty darn cool! After that we broke up and ran through some of the team’s figures and portions of the airshow sequence. There’s nothing like a little negative G to start the morning! After that we broke apart and I got to do some flying with Eric. Loops, slow rolls, REALLY slow rolls, tumbles, barrel rolls…we did them all and it was great to be up flying here. The text my mother received after I landed was “Dude, I flew at Oshkosh!”

Here are the Collaborators waiting for takeoff at Oshkosh 2008

Today was Sean’s solo day so it was nice for the rest of the guys to get a little time off to do other things like add decals to the airplanes. I did lots of different things as is how it goes at an airshow. I went to Sean’s autograph signing session at the Lycoming Tent which was fun and then we stopped by the Extra display to say hello and check out the new Extra 330SP. All I can say is…DUDE! Very very cool! I hope I can fly one some day.

Here is the newest Breitling Plane, the new Extra 330SC. It looks AWESOME. We can't wait to see it fly on Thursday!

This evening was the Lycoming Dinner and a party at Ms. Dorrine Hillard’s house which, as always, was a blast! Lots of air show people descended upon the house on the lake to eat, celebrate and enjoy the gathering of so many longtime friends at Oshkosh 2008. It is also Sean O’Leary’s (better known to everyone as Seamus as we cannot have TWO Sean’s on the team) birthday.

Meet Seamus!

He is here with the team for his second year for a few months before heading back to his homeland, Ireland. We absolutely love him! So Kevin Coleman and I went to the store and picked up a cake for him and once everyone gathered together after dinner at both places we had a little surprise waiting for him at the Coleman’s house.

The cake...the "22" is another story all together.

Tomorrow we do it again, it’s the Collaborators’ turn tomorrow. As always it should be fun!

Chelsea Arrives in Oshkosh!
July 27th, 2008



That’s right, I have arrived in Oshkosh, Wisconsin for my first Oshkosh experience! I’m here with Team Oracle and The Collaborators and am lucky enough to work with, live with and even fly a little with this amazing group. Needless to say, I absolutely love that I get to work with and learn from them all, and to do Oshkosh with them is going to be a blast!

Yesterday afternoon I arrived at the hangar just in time to see the boys arrive. After some hugs, handshakes and an overall celebration of being in Oshkosh planes were wiped down and some briefing about the evening’s events occurred. The plan, Sean and I were going grocery shopping and then it was off to the house for a BBQ.

Shopping with Sean…this is something that you have to see with your own eyes. He is a shopping maniac. He knows exactly where things are and with two of us formation shopping we were in, out and unpacked before the boys or Katie arrived! BBQ burgers seasoned to perfection by Eric…and I do mean perfection, and sweet corn with good wine and the sacred nectar (that’s Tequila for those of you who don’t know) we enjoyed a great evening of stories, discussions and plenty of laughter.

Today is our last day of preparation. With practice flights and decal preparation for sponsors.

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