Airshow University

Next time you go to an airshow, keep the credit card stowed and learn something

The arrival of spring heralds an important change in the attitudes of pilots. No, we’re not talking about the sudden and uncontrollable urge to wax wings and fuselage, but the start of airshow season.

Airshows are great. You can gawk at airplanes you’ll never be able to afford. Check out some you’d never be allowed to fly. Watch pilots demonstrate things that in any other context would only be described as foolish.

Yet for all their wonder, airshows often hold an attribute most attendees routinely ignore: education.

A pilgrimage to Sun ’n Fun this month or AirVenture this summer cannot be considered complete unless you check out the wide variety of seminars and presentations put on...