This year I was fortunate enough to attend Oshkosh with the Piedmont Recruiting team. Going to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 would be my first ever time attending such an event. On Saturday, I met part of the team in Charlotte, and tagged along on a flight to Appleton, WI. To be invited to this event and a part of the team, I was more than excited to attend, interact with aviation enthusiasts and meet new friends. Furthermore, I was able to reconnect with a few of those I met throughout my time at ATP; bittersweet catching up with everyone briefly. The weather was perfect this week at Oshkosh, while there only had one short rainstorm pass through (Tuesday).
Sunday: We got to Oshkosh to start setting up in the morning. As a team, we decided it was best to prepare early which would give us the afternoon to relax and enjoy the evening ahead of the busy week. For my first ever time at the Oshkosh venue, I was astonished, almost like a kid in the candy store, seeing hundreds of planes already parked. I couldn’t believe my eyes to some of the airplanes I was finally getting to see in person. We utilized the afternoon to relax, do some team bonding and prepare for the week.
Monday: We gathered in the lobby of our hotel and headed to the airport early, to get set up. While Sunday’s feeling was still in an ‘awe’, getting to experience this event firsthand and time ever, was such an energy boost. I can recollect how many times my ears rang with the sound of fighter jets flying over or the biplanes performing stunts, hanging on by their props as they just floated in the air. It was one of the team members birthdays and we were celebrating the special day with them as well, what an awesome way to spend a birthday.
Tuesday: Seemed to be the busier day as many individuals ventured through the Career Center tent. I shared many stories, experiences and recommendations on what it’s like to go through the Piedmont Cadet and FO transition. I was fortunate to meet one of my favorite YouTubers at the AOPA 85th banquet dinner this evening, thanking him for inspiring many (like myself) to pursue their dreams.
Wednesday: Did someone say AIRPLANES, fireworks, pyrotechs and drones?! What a show Wednesday night…I have never seen a firework display (including drones and airplanes) like this. Earlier in the day, I joined Piedmont’s Manager Recruiting/Talent Acquisition at the ATP Flight School booth for an ATP x Piedmont Airlines Social Event, discussing experiences, talking with interested aviators, and sharing tips and tricks with fellow instructors.
Thursday: A bittersweet moment leaving Oshkosh, to return home preparing for the last trip of the month. We did get to spend the morning and a majority of early afternoon at Oshkosh as the second half team made their way onto the grounds to relieve us. As we departed ATW almost everyone onboard attended the airshow, sharing stories, pictures and videos.
Overall, this was an amazing event, and I am more than thankful to have been a part of it. To see the passion, love and enthusiasm of aviators in person at one of the world’s largest airshows is touching. I met so many people, talked for hours, and shared so many laughs as the days went on.
Something I realized in this industry. While you go through your career from student pilot to airline pilot, you come across millions of faces, some of which become your closest friends and longtime acquaintances. Sometimes you don’t get to see each other for some time, simply because airline schedules run completely around the clock. But, when you get to see these wonderful people, it’s like you never left off where your last conversation ended. Life is short, make the most out of every training session, good or bad, leave your instructor or colleague with a smile, and always leave with a positive attitude.
Brady