Oshkosh?

[keithmo]

Anyone here planning to go to Oshkosh in a couple of weeks? This will be my first time there. Any survival suggestions??

Keith Moore
N364C

[n2099x]

Hi keith & Sonia,
I have thought of going but thats it so far. I have flown into Sun-n-Fun and you have to keep your eyes outside the traffic is almost unbeliveable. You will have a great time

Glen

[keithmo]

Hi Glen...

Yes, it is kinda far, but it turns out we're going to be in Fort Worth, TX the weekend before Oshkosh for my nephew's wedding. Oshkosh is only ~6 flight hours from Fort Worth. And, since my friend Arthur is flying up there with his son, and he was looking for someone to caravan with, well, how could I say no?

This all very "last minute" -- I only decided to do this a few days ago. I've got to gather camping gear, get the plane ready, and do a gozillion other things. This is just too cool...

--Keith

[n2099x]

Keith, not that Oshgosh is so far. It's just so far I've only thought about going. I was there in 87' and it was awsome then.

Glen

[keithmo]

When you wrote "I have thought of going but thats it so far", I actually read it as "I have thought of going but it's so far".

(Whacks forehead with heel of right hand) Duh!

[Pete of N978PB]

Keith,

If you've never been there, you have to go at least once. It's an amazing gathering of darned near everything that's aviation.

Re some tips: Lodging will be a problem if you haven't already made arrangements, and getting a rental car to get to a motel/hotel room 30 - 50 miles away may be a bit tough, too.

Lots of folks take their camping gear, which can be fun since Oshkosh has good facilities for camping. Food on the airport during the event is good - considering the circumstances - and showers/johns/shade/water/etc. are available.

Over the years, the event has become a bit too commercial, which may just be the price of success, who knows. But it's mainly aviation commercial so what the heck; much of it is still interesting.

The earlier comment about being alert to air traffic upon arrival and departure cannot be emphasized enough. Be on top of the Oshkosh Notam 110% and it should go okay, although in recent years there have been a few too many fatals at the event (about one per year) for my flying blood.

Plan on at least two days to see and absorb everything, and take along a lot of Ben Gay to rub onto sore walking muscles the second day.

Have fun.

Pete

[keithmo]

Thanks for the info, Pete.

I haven't bothered with lodging, I'll just bring my gear and camp next to my plane. The problem is, the 260SE is such a "conversation starter" that I probably won't get any sleep...

I printed out the NOTAM a few days ago, and I've probably read it cover-to-cover a dozen times already. I'll probably read it another 20 times before we get there. From what I've heard recently, the problem isn't following the NOTAM, the problem is the people not following it. I'll keep my eyes & ears open.

We're planning to get there late Sunday (07/21) so we can get a desirable camping spot. We'll probably be there 5 nights or so.

I'll post some photos when I return!