Oshkosh 2019 Notes Posted Wed Dec 12 13:05:49 PST 2018
I'm planning a trip to Oshkosh in 2019, to visit Airventure for the first time. Since I have a plane, and this would be a grand adventure (and I'll have enough vacation time saved up), I've decided to fly. This page is a collection of more-or-less random notes I'm collecting as I look into the various aspects of such a trip. They are necessarily somewhat chaotic, but I'll try to keep them somewhat organized. Before and After AirventureWhat to BringThis is not a comprehensive list, just some unexpected/might-forget things.
Route PlanningI'm flying from the north end of the Seattle area. I-90 has been repeatedly recommended as a great route to fly. Easy availability of airports along the route, relatively easy/low crossing of the Cascades and Rockies, nearest to civilization if a forced landing is required. 6D3 hosts NDTOO in central ND. Plan on 2-3 hour legs. Leave lots of fuel in the tanks for diversions -- crosswinds can invalidate the intended airport, and you may have to go elsewhere so you can actually land. Bigger airports tend to have multiple runways (more crosswind options) and loaner/rental cars. Only tackle the mountains in the morning, as early as possible, and only in calm air. Wind over about 10 kt is the cutoff. Once east of the mountains, plan on a 2-3 pm end of flying for the day, to avoid thunderstorms. Take your time, schedules will kill you (literally) Respect weather, and get on the ground if things look iffy. Some logical stopping places have no services anywhere nearby -- plan ahead for food and fuel needs particularly in Wyoming. Many airports have offices with couches that are ideal for sleeping, almost like it was planned that way. One pilot reports he was able to spend every night in an office rather than a tent. Check with your overnight stop's FBO for special deals with local hotels. Dave's routes in the Starduster Too:  Arrival at AirventureLand the night before arrival at a nearby airport (several people recommend Y50, Wautoma), and fly in to OSH as close to the 7 am opening as possible. Or just arrive at OSH a day or two early. Memorize the NOTAM, and have it on the kneeboard for the approach. The arrival procedures for 2019 are being modified, so advice from 2018 and earlier may or may not apply. Note that for slow planes (such as, ahem, a Champ), the 2018 NOTAM recommends arriving between 7:00 and 7:30 AM to avoid traffic congestion. Airventure ItselfYou'll probably need tickets Tips and TricksIntra-airport shuttles are around before Airventure starts; they run with no schedule, just ask for your destination. Once Airventure starts, they run on a set schedule. Shuttles are free, except to the seaplane base, which costs $3. Bring an AM/FM radio receiver to listen to the Airventure station. Pay attention to publications like daily newspaper, phone app. ParkingPut wood strips/blocks under aircraft tires to prevent them getting mired in mud. Homebuilt parking is allocated in first-come order; don't expect to park next to your type unless there's a special area already set up. General aviation parking (ie, not Vintage or Homebuilt or Warbirds) tends to run out. Vintage, Homebuilt and Warbirds usually have space. Housing/CampingNorth 40 and South 40 showers are overcrowded and not very nice. Vintage and Homebuilt area showers are nice. Showers are crowded mornings, otherwise not bad. Camp Schoeller fills up early, like a month before the event early. The issue is not so much getting a ticket for the camp, it's that people show up a month ahead of time to claim their spot. Nearby houses can be rented via VRBO and AirBnB, but hurry, they fill up. The University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh rents dorm rooms, some with air conditioning, and there's a shuttle bus to and from the event. Area hotels are probably already fully booked. Airventure runs shuttle buses between areas, though they're often delayed and packed full. Walking is an alternative, but walking routes aren't great, and there can be a lot of distance to cover. One unorthodox option: rent a Uhaul box truck, hit a thrift store to furnish your new luxury camper (recliner, matress, sleeping bag, grill, etc.), never get wet, spend far less than you would on a hotel or other rental. What to SeeOne pilot reports that hanging out with the South Africans in Camp Schoeller of an evening is amazing. Forums are good, but they are frequently repeated, so don't kill yourself getting to one if a later event is available. Homebuilder's area Seaplane base is much calmer than OSH if you need a break (quick shuttle ride) Don't miss:
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