MNPilots Hangar Flying

Last evening I was visiting with a gentleman and fellow aviator who is a terrific supporter of aviation, and who has integrated his love of aviation into his life by maintaining and flying warbirds. By the time this article is published Oshkosh and AirVenture will be in our rear view mirror and for those of you who have partaken in the Oshkosh event you know that it is like taking a stroll down memory lane.

This memory lane is very important to many of us and is made possible by those who donate their time and resources to keeping the history of aviation alive. Sure, there are newer, more sleek aircraft at the event but the warbird area is special, the vintage aircraft area is special and it is really only at a few events, like Oshkosh and our own AirExpo, that we can literally walk up to and touch these beautiful aircraft.

It occurs to me that part of the appeal of aviation to me is the historical perspective that is provided by these gems. We are taken back in time, as it were, allowing us to think about what it would be like to pilot these wonderful aircraft. It takes us to a mindset in which we would like to know what it felt like to be at the controls of these wonderful machines. It would be terrific to be able to sit in the briefing rooms or hangars with the aviators who flew these magnificent machines!

The conversation I had with my friend turned to experiences he has had with warbirds, visiting different FBOs or aviation facilities and the ambience that are created by each. Amongst his favorite venues was the downtown Wausau, Wisconsin, FBO, managed by John and Angela Chmiel, and now their son Wyatt. John and Angela have helped preserve the spirit of aviation in the way they decorate their business. It’s no surprise to frequently find aviators of many different ages sitting around, sharing aviation stories, admiring the aircraft that sit on their ramp. Hanging from the ceiling are many model airplanes, there are old propellers prominently displayed, with aviation memorabilia gracing every aspect of this wonderful FBO.

Our discussion turned to the contrast of the “modern” FBO, which tends to cater to the corporate world. It is a more sterile world, replete with beautiful couches, patent leather, clearly decorated as per the direction of an interior designer in a concerted effort to appeal to the business

traveler. While there is certainly nothing wrong with that, I think that the grassroot crowd of aviators, if given the choice, would choose John and Angela’s approach to decorating.

I write this in hopes that you will consider taking a look at your local FBO and see what you might be able to do to make it the kind of place that Charles Lindbergh, or Wiley Post, or Jimmy Doolittle, might like to amble into, bringing the spirit of aviation with them.