Are you going to Oshkosh 2025 (Poll)

[Bolter]

On 7/16/2025 at 8:04 AM, DCarlton said:

That's a glowing report.  Nice to hear.  I've thought about trying Sun and Fun as a way to kick off spring but I'm sure I would enjoy WI in the summer too.  

In 10 months from now, solicit the SoCal Mooney people, and you should be able to find someone to split fuel or co-schedule the same fuel stops and overnights.  PM me, and I can help.  One year (when I was still in SoCal) we just recognized a voice on the radio over Utah and added one to our "team"  at the next fuel stop and overnights.   

For your planning, with my J, from SoCal, I planned 1 day to somewhere East of the Rockies (weather is your routing guide), then 1 day to Wisconsin to stage with the Mooney Caravan.  Each day was usually a single fuel stop.

[Andy95W]

One noteworthy observation about this topic- Ibra is the only one to mention the air show.  Truth is that Airventure is about 10% airshow and 90% everything else.

[rturbett]

Looks like I will be there on Monday evening through Thursday morning.

N3513H

[exM20K]

Caravan’s there

https://x.com/EAA/status/1946369287855161597

[231MJ]

Arrived today.  Most of the trip at 23,000.  Some weather to go around over Colorado.  Stopped in Cheyenne yesterday (went to Frontier Days).  Staying in private home.  This is going to be GREAT!

[dkkim73]

Haven't been in about 20 yrs. This is making me think about it. I lived at the time in MN so I just drove up. 

The point about "lots to do" bears under lining. I was struck by the number of talks, experts, show cases, etc . Huge density of real av people. 

I will say the day was long and hot, so take advantage of amenities and bring sunscreen. Talking a nap beside your own plane would a nice siesta! 

Curious what the experience has been bringing people with mild interest in aviation. Ie enough for them to do these days? None of my family are quite as into it as I, though my son would probably rally.

 

[FlyingDude]

Maybe the wrong thread but let me try. I'm planning on taking one or both of my kids to watch the fireworks. What's a good spot to sit down and watch the show? Must one set chairs, mats to save a spot? 

Also, how much of a pita would it be to land at Osh and go to parking only to leave early next morning? I heard people recommend 1-2 hrs for landing and parking... The same for departure. Is that accurate?

[Tom F]

Headed to AirVenture via the Ovation 3 to Green Bay!! Stay at the Oneida and drive down daily.   16th year, 3rd with this program.

 

[Paul Thomas]

35 minutes ago, FlyingDude said:

Maybe the wrong thread but let me try. I'm planning on taking one or both of my kids to watch the fireworks. What's a good spot to sit down and watch the show? Must one set chairs, mats to save a spot? 

Also, how much of a pita would it be to land at Osh and go to parking only to leave early next morning? I heard people recommend 1-2 hrs for landing and parking... The same for departure. Is that accurate?

Where are you going to stay overnight? If you are camping, you'll be in the N40/S40 and it can take a while but it has never taken me that long. For one night and not camping, I may contact Basler and see if they still have some space; you'd be parked on hard surface and it's fast to get out.

[Ibra]

On 7/17/2025 at 9:16 PM, Andy95W said:

- Ibra is the only one to mention the air show.  Truth is that Airventure is about 10% airshow and 90% everything else.

I have seen bunch of stuff (trades, fairs, workshops) last time but guetted that I missed night airshow. Obviously, Airventure is lot more than that.

As someone said, we have a "small social drinking village" that has a "bigger flying problem" 

Edited July 22 by Ibra

[Andy95W]

9 minutes ago, Ibra said:

I have seen bunch of stuff (trades, fairs, workshops) last time but guetted that I missed night airshow. Obviously, Airventure is lot more than that.

I didn’t doubt that for a second!  And the night air show is truly amazing.  Glad you’re here!

[Jeff Uphoff]

On 7/16/2025 at 1:16 PM, KSMooniac said:

I'll endorse Don's detailed reply.  It is an amazing event.  IMO, the experience is best enjoyed camping with your plane so you avoid the awful logistics of driving/parking/hiking/sitting in traffic every day.  The permanent facilities include buildings with real sinks, toilets and showers so as far as camping goes, it is NOT roughing it all.  You cannot beat the camaraderie when hanging out with so many like-minded folks and the coolest planes on the planet everywhere.  Arriving with the Caravan doubles the fun too, and having the big party tent and meals there (along with tables, chairs, lights, etc) make it even easier to stay in the North 40.   

It's my first Oshkosh (hard to believe I've been flying ~30 years now and have never been!), and we've been doing it in interesting fashion. I picked up a couple of friends in Ontario on the way here from Virginia, and we flew into Milwaukee and rented a vehicle and e-bikes.

We're staying in an AirBNB in town, about 5 miles away from KOSH, and have been commuting in and out on the e-bikes, which have made for nice, pleasant morning and evening rides. The terrain is flat, so the electric assist isn't much needed--though it's definitely nice to have after a long day of walking around an air show!

Commuting by bike means no waiting in traffic, and we can park the bikes very close to the main exhibit area and control tower--super convenient!

--Up.

P.S. I stopped by the Mooney Caravan tent yesterday evening, but it seems everyone was out to dinner at the time. I'll try again!

[Pinecone]

On 7/16/2025 at 3:46 AM, donkaye, MCFI said:

As you get older, 4 wheel scooters are available to rent for the day and have enough charge to get you anywhere on the grounds.  Many years ago I almost laughed at the thought of ever needing one but, alas, for the past year and now again for this year I've needed to rent one for my special person.

What are the logistics to get from parking to where you can rent a scooter?

I have a scooter I can travel with, but renting is easier for the whole trip.

[donkaye, MCFI]

27 minutes ago, Pinecone said:

What are the logistics to get from parking to where you can rent a scooter?

I have a scooter I can travel with, but renting is easier for the whole trip.

If you don't have Handicap Parking, you take a bus from the parking lot where you park and the bus stops right next to where the Scooters are rented.  It's actually closer than getting there from Handicap Parking.

[exM20K]

12 hours ago, Jeff Uphoff said:

P.S. I stopped by the Mooney Caravan tent yesterday evening, but it seems everyone was out to dinner at the time. I'll try again!

You should find Dave P loitering somewhere around there. he's hard to miss.

I'm swamped with work stuff but may pop up there on Saturday if WX not too wet.

-dan

[Pinecone]

On 7/23/2025 at 8:51 PM, donkaye, MCFI said:

If you don't have Handicap Parking, you take a bus from the parking lot where you park and the bus stops right next to where the Scooters are rented.  It's actually closer than getting there from Handicap Parking.

Thanks.  I will keep that in mind.

I do have a handicapped hang tag.

[Ibra]

I managed to get to EAA Airventure on Wednesday, right after rain has stopped, the hospitality of Wisconsin and the volunteers is unmatched (big thanks to all volunteers who are running such huge event). Then the night airshow and that tribute to Rob Holland was very moving and memorable ! 

Hopefully, one day, I will fly Mooney and stay for the whole week...

Edited July 25 by Ibra

[MooneyMitch]

Haven't gone to AirVenture since 2014.  I have enjoyed each day by watching some of the activity on YouTube.  I did get to fly FISK arrival once.  Tons of great memories for sure!!

[natdm]

How's the weather been at night? I can't sleep when it's hot and all my intel says it's still grueling at night. One person even has an icy breeze in their tent to take the edge off.

[Mreed420]

I had a blast flying in with the Caravan for the first time.  The formation training was challenging and done very professionally.   There was something very special about being part of a mass arrival group.  All the folks were welcoming and helpful, and having the big Mooney tent to get out of the sun, relax, and socialize was so welcome, as were the catered breakfasts and plentiful refreshments.    My wife and I have not camped together in over 30 years, but we both had a great time, (even in spite of a little rain one evening) and met some great folks.   (The Mooney tent is in an ideal location on the N40, a 3 minute walk to clean showers, a pop-up restaurant, and a little Red Market.)

As we sat out by Rwy 9 on Sunday, watching and listening to the Fisk arrival follies, my wife remarked that the Caravan was definitely the easiest and safest way to get into KOSH.   We departed as a four ship formation to the southwest and flew together for about an hour and half before we all split for our respective bases.   Definitely doing it again next year!

[Fly Boomer]

15 minutes ago, Mreed420 said:

Definitely doing it again next year!

Nice PIREP!  Welcome to MooneySpace.

[Becca]

On 7/26/2025 at 7:03 PM, Mreed420 said:

I had a blast flying in with the Caravan for the first time.  The formation training was challenging and done very professionally.   There was something very special about being part of a mass arrival group.  All the folks were welcoming and helpful, and having the big Mooney tent to get out of the sun, relax, and socialize was so welcome, as were the catered breakfasts and plentiful refreshments.    My wife and I have not camped together in over 30 years, but we both had a great time, (even in spite of a little rain one evening) and met some great folks.   (The Mooney tent is in an ideal location on the N40, a 3 minute walk to clean showers, a pop-up restaurant, and a little Red Market.)

As we sat out by Rwy 9 on Sunday, watching and listening to the Fisk arrival follies, my wife remarked that the Caravan was definitely the easiest and safest way to get into KOSH.   We departed as a four ship formation to the southwest and flew together for about an hour and half before we all split for our respective bases.   Definitely doing it again next year!

We’ve been flying to Oshkosh for 15 years. There’s been 0 midair’s at Fisk in that time - and far more planes arrive via Fisk than in group arrivals. There’s lots of advantages to the various mass arrivals, such as the friendships, Mooney community, and, in recent years, the preferred parking in N40 (which used to be strictly first come first serve).  But for many reasons various people cannot participate in the mass arrivals due to timing and other reasons, and that should not deter fly-in attendance - it is wrong to suggest that Fisk is less safe than a mass arrival.

Frankly, any pilot who cannot control their airspeed and stay 1 mile in trail in another plane as required to safely fly the Fisk arrival, has no business flying in formation in a mass arrival.

Edited July 28 by Becca

[jetdriven]

On 7/25/2025 at 2:41 PM, natdm said:

How's the weather been at night? I can't sleep when it's hot and all my intel says it's still grueling at night. One person even has an icy breeze in their tent to take the edge off.

Amazon has a couple of hanging tent ceiling fans that work pretty well, the latest version of which has three white blades and a long USB-C cord that goes to a large battery pack and that helps greatly at night. And it's not even expensive.