Oshkosh and Canada

[Becca]

If my work schedule holds in, @jetdriven and I are going to be flying from Houston->Osh->onto Canada and back to Houston.  I've read lots of articles on the internet (AOPA seems to have the market cornered on "how to" guides for border crossings, and and there's some Oshkosh survival guides on Avweb), but I was hoping to solicit some top ten type advice from you guys.  I've been to Osh a few times, but never by air, and this is @jetdriven's first trips.  We'll be camping at Osh.  Also this is the first time either of us have taken a GA plane over the border.

So, thinks we might forget to think about while planning? must see's at osh? other advice?  Thanks!

[mooneygirl]

Please come and see us at Mooney Happy Hour at Building C Hospitality Room from 12-2 daily.  Our presentation is July 28th at 10:00 am at the Vette Theare in the Museum.  We will save seats, as we can for Friday's Lt. Dan Band performance in the Theatre in the Woods.

[KSMooniac]

I've flown into OSH twice, so I'm far from an expert.  My advice probably parrots what you've already read.  First, download the arrival NOTAM and read it many times to get a feel for what you're expect to do.  It works really well when people follow directions, but unfortunately there are sphincters that don't...so be prepared for those.  Having an extra set of eyes in the plane is mandatory IMO, so you've got that covered.  The most dangerous part of the arrival is starting the conga line at Ripon or Fisk (can't remember the first point now!) when everyone converges from different directions, altitudes, and speeds to get in line.  Once in line, just listen and follow directions as the controllers do a great job.  Last year, some dipshits cut in line in front of me before the intermediate controller on the ground, and the controller said I was too close to the traffic in front and he made me get out of line and re-join...which of course angered me and sent me back into the hornet's nest.  Nothing else I could do, though.

Once in line and spaced appropriately, it flows very smoothly and safely.  You'll get assigned a runway and a colored dot to land on, so know where the dots are and be good at your spot landings!  Land on speed so you can slow quickly and exit the runway, then follow the ground volunteers to parking.  You'll need to put a sign in your windscreen with your parking request, so make one that is easily readable. 

Departure is pretty chaotic, IMO.  You'll have departures going on all runways, and it essentially becomes a free-for-all in terms of speeds, altitudes, and directions.  I prefer to stay very low until several miles away, and then start climbing.  YMMV.  IFR departure alleviates this somewhat, but you have to schedule a slot and possibly wait for this.  (We did this last year due to WX)

You might consider joining the Mooney Caravan if they're still accepting folks.  You'll be guaranteed a safe arrival since the field is closed to other traffic, and then you get to park/camp in a cluster of Mooneys.  We tried this last year, but the Caravan got washed-out and we did the regular arrival on Tuesday after the field opened for arrivals.  I can't wait to try again, but can't this year since I'm buying a new house & moving in a couple of weeks.

Camping at OSH is the best way to take in the entire experience since you won't waste time going to and fro, and parking out in the distant lots.  As far as the show itself, it takes many days to see everything of course...prioritize what you want to see and have fun!  You might consider carrying a backpack/camelbak to stay hydrated easily.  I carried folding stools in the pack so we could sit anywhere.  Sunscreen and a big hat are required too, IMO.

Airnav is your friend for intermediate fuel stops, and many FBOs offer OSH discounts so spend some time researching those.  If y'all care to stop in Wichita I'd love to meet up and buy a meal!

[carusoam]

Becca.

 

For KOSH...

 

Bug spray, it is more important than food, water and avgas...

 

On the other hand, anything you forget can be purchased locally.  They have a very good transportation system to get downtown.

 

Best regards,

 

-a-