Oshkosh 2019

[Pat]

For those planning to go to Oshkosh in 2019, there are some changes in the planning for arrivals.
The most interesting is EAA is planning more parking so nobody is turned away. This could bring in more early arrivals. It will be easier to plan if you know there will be parking when you get there.

 

[slawman]

Re: Oshkosh 2019

Pat, we miss each other every year. You go in at the first of the week, and I go in at the last of the week. I Usually arrive on Wednesday or Thursday and leave on Sunday to fly home.

 

[Pat]

Re: Oshkosh 2019

Scott, maybe this year. We have our regulars that go in early and the restaurants that are less crowded. Late in the week the vendors are warn out and the general public takes their time.

 

[N4843W]

Re: Oshkosh 2019

Conor and I could go early, but I just hate to miss the night air show. So that means departing Thursday and thus 4 days of worked missed.
But ... on what day does the North 40 open and when do they begin accepting arrivals? And do the vendors open on Sunday or not till Monday?

 

[atjudge]

Re: Oshkosh 2019

What's so great about the North 40? Why not park south, close to the Ultralight Runway? There is food both on and just off the Airport Proper, as well as some Good looking shower facilities. The Ride seems to be much shorter to all the activities, don't have to go around the East/west Runway. And By Thursday There are people that are leaving, so there may be parking right by the Ultralight Runway?? I camp down there at a Private Campground, and it seems to me I'd rather be there then just about anywhere else (Vintage Aircraft would seem to be the best, but they seem to keep moving the Age at which an Aircraft is deemed to be Vintage)

 

[N4843W]

Re: Oshkosh 2019

A few years back when things were all flooded, we were sent down south in the middle of a bunch of float planes. It was great. Tried next year and they would not let us down there. So ... if you figure out a way to park a '77 Commander there, please let me know!

 

[Jamesdub]

Re: Oshkosh 2019

Talk about popping one's bubble.

Todd Hardin and I flew formation from Bama in 2016 only to get there bright and early Monday morning and told to divert to Fond du Loc. I was lead and picked up the ATIS, Todd thought I was messing with him. (We had memorized the arrival and even quizzed each other on different points over dinner the night before.) Then it was like jump through your tail digging up the alternate location arrivals . . .

But on a positive note, we were able to kidnap Rolf Ringgold (at Fond du Loc) and make his acquaintance . . .

 

[atjudge]

Re: Oshkosh 2019

There are some float planes right by the Ultralight Runway, but most of them seem to be land aircraft. I now assume that if you put that sign up in Your window about where you want to go they decide to Honor or not Honor that?

 

[N4843W]

Re: Oshkosh 2019

There are some float planes right by the Ultralight Runway, but most of them seem to be land aircraft. I now assume that if you put that sign up in Your window about where you want to go they decide to Honor or not Honor that?

I should have said amphibs I guess, not float planes!

Yes, you put the sign up and they decide. So the year after we had that great spot about 3/4 of the way down 18/36, We thought we'd try again. Put a sign for Vintage Aircraft Camping VAC, and gave it a shot. Got through the first few turns then was stopped by a really ornery guy, very full of himself. He said (at that time) the cut-off was'71, I think. Anyway, thrashed us and turned us around. That was 2011.

That year was wild. A huge squall line came through and hundreds of tents blew down. My son Conor and I and two of his friends, ran around tying down planes and tents for a bunch of dolts who had not done it, or had done in poorly. A guy with a big amphib, 206 on floates, with 3 cute grandkids, a Girl about 13 and two little ones 5 or 6, just left them there and was somewhere at the show when it hit. We tied his plane down then but his kids in back seat of the Commander with us, which was tied own extremely well. They were scared to death. When he returned it had all blown through. The older girl walked up to him, pointed to the ropes on his plane, then pointed to us. The guy never even thanked us. Did not say a word. D*ckwad.

Since then, OSH staff is very aggressive about checking that you are tied down well. If you forgot them, you have to immediately go purchase tie-downs and install or they will toss you.

Sad thing, that was the year the Mustang crashed on landing and guy was killed, right in front of us.

Amazing thing, best aerobatic performance I have ever seen. Sean Tucker flying his routine as the huge squall line approached. Unbelievable. Watch to the end for his cross-wind landing. gusts 90 degrees to the runway up to 50 mph.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpyYDDaTmwE&t=2s

 

[Surfrat]

Re: Oshkosh 2019

Alright, this seems to be a good place to ask.

Never been to Oshkosh - planning on going in 2019. So, I'm a total newbie on EVERYTHING. If I had my wish list, it would include:
Camping near other COG Folks
Getting to know as many COG Folks as possible
Enjoying the event for 3 to 5 days
Prefer to arrive early as opposed to mid or late week

Questions:
Do the COG's ever organize flying in together and/or parking near each other - if so, how does that work?
Do us COG's treat this as a sort of "fly-in" (presentations and such) or do we just get together for lunch / dinner?
Understanding that there's a ton of variables due to weather, etc. is it worthwhile to do a bit of "hopeful" planning and let the chaos ensue where it does or not even bother?

I know everyone has an opinion but, I welcome any insight that will assist my Oshkosh Rookie status.

Thanks,
Rik

 

[Pat]

Re: Oshkosh 2019

Rik
I am late getting back to you. In the past the Commander group has a couple different approached to the show.
The hotel group
The camp with the plane group
The drive in and camp

For years Betty and I drive in and camp because of our dogs that cannot go to a kennel because of their health. Our plans for this year are undecided.

The fly in groups have been casual because of schedule and camping availability. There has been and early group and a late group. Oshkosh has opened up more camping sites so it will be easier to schedule. Also weather plays a big role on arrivals.

The early group generally meet at Friar Tuck's, north west corner of the airport on Saturday night.
Fox River Brewing Waterfront Restaurant on Sunday. We coordinate who will drive during the day on Sunday. It is a short distance from the airport.
The other days we go with the flow. There is a band at the show early Monday night.
Last year a group got together for lunch on Monday.
When we get closer to the date the plans come together.

 

[Jamesdub]

Re: Oshkosh 2019

Todd and Maggie Harding and Connie and I flew formation up from Alabama and rented an Airbnb farmhouse about 25 mins out in the beautiful countryside. With plenty of room and being fully stocked (to include your by-name favorite beverage) we kidnapped Rolf Ringgold (who called his wife Ann and told her if she didn't hear from him in the morning to send out search and rescue) . . .

Worked out great - though Todd and I would consider the Camping route, the wife unit's weren't biting (mosquitos were though, strong consideration for rescuing Rolf from his underwing tent setup)

Highly recommend Airbnb . .

 

[plight]

Re: Oshkosh 2019

This year a bunch of us from Toronto (1 was the only Commander) rented a house about 5 minutes (no traffic) from KOSH. Great house. Good to know about the meet ups at Fryar Tucks. Last year I was a bit disappointed not being able to meet up with any Commander jockeys.

 

[N4843W]

Re: Oshkosh 2019

Todd and Maggie Harding and Connie and I flew formation up from Alabama and rented an Airbnb farmhouse about 25 mins out in the beautiful countryside. With plenty of room and being fully stocked (to include your by-name favorite beverage) we kidnapped Rolf Ringgold (who called his wife Ann and told her if she didn't hear from him in the morning to send out search and rescue) . . .

Worked out great - though Todd and I would consider the Camping route, the wife unit's weren't biting (mosquitos were though, strong consideration for rescuing Rolf from his underwing tent setup)

Highly recommend Airbnb . .

One good thing about camping ... absolutely no mosquitos. They probably spray the hell out of the North 40 for a week before, but no skeeters, flies, bees ... nuthin.' Have camped ther 16 or 17 years and never recall seeing one.

 

[Surfrat]

Re: Oshkosh 2019

Thanks to all who have responded on this so far as well as those who may comment on this post in the future !!!

As has been mentioned, as we get closer to 2019's Oshkosh, I'm sure plans will begin to come together. Personally, our plan is to start on the West Coast; Grand Canyon; Carlsbad Cavern's in New Mexico; visit Friends in Texas; maybe swing through Nashville; Chicago / Oshkosh; Mount Rushmore; Family Reunion in Idaho - take 3 weeks or so - have fun - experience lots. Any further suggestions are Welcome !!!

Since it's 23 December 2018, I'll take this opportunity to Wish Everyone a very Merry Christmas - if you're reading this afterward, I can only hope that all of you had a Happy Holiday and wish you the Best in 2019 !!!

Best,
Rik

 

[wiguy]

Re: Oshkosh 2019

Planning the Oshkosh trip is 1/3 the fun. The longer the distance the more flexible one has to be as the trip approaches.

I’m often a Monday morning arrival guy, parking can be tight. I ended up in Fond Du Lac a few times the last few years. Last Summer Monday was really bunched up due to crummy weather impacting weekend arrivals.

I’ve never went in later in the week, imagine enough are leaving to open some spots. Usually bu the time it rolls around I’m excited to go, so I go with early as able.

 

[plight]

Re: Oshkosh 2019

The real challenge is co-ordinating accommodation and the weather. Last year, things lined up realatively well. We went into Appleton, which has US customs on the field. This gave us a single hop from Toronto.

 

[Jamesdub]

Re: Oshkosh 2019

One good thing about camping ... absolutely no mosquitos. They probably spray the hell out of the North 40 for a week before, but no skeeters, flies, bees ... nuthin.' Have camped ther 16 or 17 years and never recall seeing one.

come to think about it, I don't recall seeing any pests on the actual Osh footprint.
But they literally covered Rolf's tent at Fond du Loc