This year was my fifth visit to AERO Friedrichshafen. I like coming to AERO as it allows me to get a flavor for what the European market is and where it is headed. Additionally, I have the opportunity to see many designs that we simply do not have here in the USA.

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This year, as in years past, I have been able to do some flying while in Germany. Much of the experience is the same in Europe as it is in North America but there are also differences. While many of the things I see in Europe would be good for us Americans to emulate (the strive for efficiency, the need to be noise sensitive, certain aspects of the fee structure), many features of aviation in Europe make me thankful that flying is so easily accessed in the USA.

Most North Americans have “head knowledge” that flying is an expensive sport in Europe but to go to Germany and experience firsthand the differences in not only cost but the different flying culture provides that “heart knowledge” that is required to really understand how passionate the folks in Europe are about their flying…because it is not as easily available in Europe as it is for us, I admire the dedication of European pilots.

About Ken Krueger

I am an Aerospace Engineer, pilot, aircraft builder, and aircraft owner who is just cRaZy about flying and all things aeronautical. My professional career has spanned from design of military fighters and transports to modifications of commercial transport aircraft to design of kit-built aircraft. Additionally, I have participated in the restoration of a classic tube and fabric aircraft, have built an RV-6, and have also built & flown a homebuilt aircraft of my own design. My wife, teenage daughter, and I live in a hangar in Newberg, Oregon.