Das boot!

Q: I’ve heard that the world’s biggest boot is somewhere at AirVenture 2006. I can’t find it. Where is it?

P.W., Oshkosh, Wisconsin

A: You can’t find it because it isn’t here. It won’t be here until late Saturday and Sunday. That’s when its sponsor, Red Wing Shoes, steps into the picture. You’ll be able to find it on Knapp Street Road, next to the Suzuki exhibit and near the forums. You’ll just have to wait. But patience is good for the sole.

By the numbers

Q: Why does that C-130 have a big orange "5" on the tail?

S.M., Indianapolis, Indiana

A: It needs the number because it is entered in the AirVenture Cup race. Not true. I made that up. According to a crew member, that is for quick aerial identification when the plane is involved in firefighting. It can drop 27,000 pounds of "slurry" on a fire at one time.

Yokes on you

Q: It’s not a "yoke," Tom (as stated July 27 in a discussion of steering wheel vs. stick), it’s a "control wheel." A yoke is the large "T" frame that the control wheels move back and forth. Check it out in your parts manual.

Bill Hounshell, EAA 95126

A: You are correct. I am wrong. Or, to get myself off the hook, what I was told that the alternative to a stick is a yoke was incorrect. And, by the way, at my age, I don’t have a parts manual.

Hitchhiker’s guide

Q: I’m a former pilot trying to get back to New England on Sunday. Is there anyplace I can post a "ride wanted" notice?

P.R., Springfield, Massachusetts

A: There are a number of things you can do. You can check on "rideshare" at the www.AirVenture.org website. Or you can post it on the bulletin board outside the Wearhouse. Or you can go to the headquarters of one of the EAA divisions, Vintage, Homebuilt, etc., and do it the old-fashioned way: Ask around.

Planespotting

Q: Last Wednesday, a four-engine plane flew low over Omaha, Nebraska. It looked like it had three rudders so I thought it would be a Lockheed Constellation. However, after reading that a Lancaster was coming to Oshkosh, I am not sure. Could it have been a Lancaster?

B.D., Omaha, Nebraska

A: Probably not, I am told. The Lancaster came from Ontario, Canada, so it really would have been taking the long way around to be around Omaha. There are some B-17s touring the country, also. Sadly, it probably wasn’t the Connie, which isn’t here this year because of mechanical difficulties.

Viva first flights

Q: I was wondering if the EAA is involved in reversing the decision that will not allow us to make first flights out of North Las Vegas Airport? Also, the involvement of EAA in stopping the future closures of other airports to first flights.

M.H., Las Vegas, Nevada

A: EAA doesn’t believe that what happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas. In fact, spokesman Dick Knapinski said, "EAA is certainly involved in any airport allowing or disallowing first flights. It’s very important to us." Contact Government Programs officials at EAA for more specific information.

See Dick fly

Q: I am a teacher, and I was browsing, trying to find some pictures of airplane posters. Do you have anything that would be of use to a fifth grade teacher who is having a great deal of trouble finding airplane-themed material?

LG., Center, Texas

A: The first place I would suggest that you look is www.YoungEagles.org. There is a lot of stuff there that is appropriate to that age. You might also contact the EAA Photo Department. They have probably the largest library of airplane images (that’s what photographers call pictures) known to man. The number is 920-426-4800.

Good vibrations

Q: Just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed the Beach Boys concert Monday evening. The threat of rain thinned the crowd a bit, but it still was a very enjoyable evening. One thought: What with EAA and Wisconsin being home to a few million country music fans, would Aaron Tippin be available? And thanks much for all the great work that goes into EAA.

T.O., Waupun, Wisconsin.

A: I will pass your suggestion along for next year, though as one who isn’t numbered among those millions, I do so only reluctantly. On behalf of those who work so hard to make AirVenture a success, you’re welcome.