September 1987 Flight Lines focuses on stress management in aviation and coverage of the 1987 EAA Fly-In at Oshkosh. President Sonny Elgin’s message emphasizes that everyday hassles and personal stress can be as dangerous as major life events, and urges pilots to preflight themselves emotionally and physically before each flight, noting that pilots—not aircraft—cause accidents. The newsletter also provides extensive coverage of the Oshkosh event, describing it as “aviation’s Brigadoon” with over 500 workshops, seminars, and eight aircraft categories competing in daily fly-bys.
The Oshkosh coverage highlights the week-long celebration (July 31–August 7) featuring special evening programs honoring aviation pioneers and achievements, including appearances by actor Cliff Robertson, the original Mercury astronauts, and presentations on the Voyager aircraft and designer Burt Rutan. The event showcased innovative aircraft designs, construction techniques, and technological developments relevant to homebuilders and aviation enthusiasts.
Key Topics
- Stress management and pilot fitness for flight
- Personal and emotional preflight requirements
- Aviation safety and human factors in accidents
- EAA Fly-In aircraft categories and competitions
- Workshops and seminars on aircraft construction and restoration
- Aviation history and pioneering achievements
Events & Activities
- EAA Fly-In, Oshkosh, Wisconsin – July 31–August 7, 1987; featured 15,000 aircraft, 500+ workshops, eight aircraft categories, daily airshows, and evening special programs
- Opening and closing ceremonies with special guest presentations
- Daily fly-by performances by aircraft in eight categories: Custom Built, Antique, Classic, Replica, Rotorcraft, Specials, Warbirds, and Ultralights/Light-Plane
- Evening programs in the Theater in the Woods honoring aviation pioneers and achievements
Member News
- Ray Scherer (Boulder, Colorado) and Ray Marquart (New Jersey) displayed nearly identical Bonanzas (N4469V and N4470V) at Oshkosh
- A vintage WACO aircraft was featured on the cover for judging at Oshkosh
