I think the likelihood of a complaint aired in these forums getting action depends on the specificity of the complaint.

First off, understand that FAA staffers *do* read these forums. Some post occasionally. But rarely; when Hal posts, for instance, he's going to be viewed as an official EAA statement on the matter, no matter how much he might claim something is his own personal opinion. EAA legal probably has established some pretty solid restrictions.

If someone posts that "There weren't enough porta-potties in XXXX section," or "Access to the XXXX was poor," I suspect these complaints get forwarded on, for possible action. We won't see a response reflecting that, here, because again, EAA legal doesn't want the rank-and-file types to be committing to action by the corporation.

General policy complaints, though, probably don't go anywhere. None of the EAA folks participating here have a high enough pay grade to mandate those changes. They may bring them up at meetings, but they've got no way to push through any action.

Two types of complaints probably have little chance of success...those which affect the profitability of the event, and those where folks respond by dancing into circles, singing "Tradition!". For better or worse, EAA transitioned the "Annual Convention of the EAA" from a member event to a public airshow. Much of EAA's income comes from the non-flying public coming in to hear the jets roar, want to hear the breathless hyperbole from the announcers, and are willing to pay to swoop about the grounds in a helicopter. Not going to be too much enthusiasm for changing that. Even if there were, it would be a very, very, hazardous undertaking. Massive downsizing would be hard to manage, and the PR kickback from the non-pilot populace could lead to further problems. EAA has this tiger by the tail, and they certainly don't dare turn loose. Won't see any major policy changes.

Again, you may not agree with that. Might I suggest, then, the Brodhead Pietenpol Fly-In, usually scheduled the week before AirVenture. But dollars to navy beans says that as the years go on, some people will press for airshow acts, military fly-overs, better food, special parking areas for RVs, etc....

The "tradition" ones, like the yodeler wake-up call, are hard to fight as well. To some, they DO represent the traditions of the EAA Fly-In, going back to the '60s. So it's hard to get rid of some of these, especially when they don't really cost anything. I'm amused by the complaint about the yodeler, because most of the EAA staffers LIVE in Oshkosh, and thus are snug in their own beds, miles away, when it happens. Doesn't wake THEM up... :-)

Anyway, the FAA forums are a good place to air issues about AirVenture. I'm sure they're heard. But they may not be answered or implemented. Like the famous line from the MASH TV Series..."God answers all prayers. But sometimes, the answer is 'no'."

Ron Wanttaja