If you’ve flown into AirVenture, you have no doubt seen Charlie Becker rushing from venue to venue, often in his red Thing. Charlie is the EAA’s Director of Communities who works directly with the homebuilt and ultralight communities and in a more complicated relationship with the warbird, vintage, and the International Aerobatic Club. But, during the week of AirVenture, he sees his primary mission as a “fixer” and he clearly works hard to ensure a great experience for everyone during the week.
Charlie recited many of the issues that he had addressed during the week: Attendees form Peru wanted country’s flag to fly above the Brown Arch–Check! Provide a recognition award for a notable but last-minute visitor–Check! Provide “letters of deviation” to several attendees requiring special considerations–Check! Attend various homebuilt “type” gatherings (often two or more a night)–Check! Check on rumors and work to spread a correction, when needed–Check! Ensure an aide to assist for an elderly forum presenter–Check! Attend various award ceremonies–Check! Make 30th anniversary buttons and special award plaques for Van’s RV-6 pilots–Check! Provide timers for the coffee pots in Homebuilt Camping–Check! Coordinate with the various teen builder programs–Check! Work with the FAA controllers to clear up confusion about whether the field was closed to new “Showplane” arrivals (it wasn’t)–Check! Ensure judging of an airplane that arrived late because of the confusion about field closure–Check!
Spending just a couple of hours with Charlie to recognize that he is very organized and dedicated to make the Oshkosh experience as wonderful as possible for all attendees. We are extremely fortunate to have him in our corner of EAA.
