Oshkosh general info.

MikeLima

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MikeLima
Looking for a little help here:

I've been to the website and found some information but I still am not comfortable that I've answered my questions... either I'm a little slow or the website is a little lacking or some combination of the two.

My brother and I want to attend this year. We plan on flying in and camping. I figure my schedule will be flexible as to what days we attend but will be limited to staying only two overnights (arriving early on the first day, camping two nights and then departing late on the third day.) My preference would be to wait until immediately before the event to determine when to arrive so we can make the best of the weather. With that being said, can we fly in at anytime that week and secure a camping spot or are they going to fill up? Even if it is possible to do as I've stated, is there a compelling reason to do otherwise and if so, what?

Thanks.

ML
 
Looking for a little help here:

I've been to the website and found some information but I still am not comfortable that I've answered my questions... either I'm a little slow or the website is a little lacking or some combination of the two.

My brother and I want to attend this year. We plan on flying in and camping. I figure my schedule will be flexible as to what days we attend but will be limited to staying only two overnights (arriving early on the first day, camping two nights and then departing late on the third day.) My preference would be to wait until immediately before the event to determine when to arrive so we can make the best of the weather. With that being said, can we fly in at anytime that week and secure a camping spot or are they going to fill up? Even if it is possible to do as I've stated, is there a compelling reason to do otherwise and if so, what?

Thanks.

ML
They are usually full by Monday afternoon but it comes and goes as the week goes on. You really want know if there is space until you tune to the advisory frequency and listen for the airport is full announcement.
 
They are usually full by Monday afternoon but it comes and goes as the week goes on. You really want know if there is space until you tune to the advisory frequency and listen for the airport is full announcement.
Thank you. I was thinking I'd seen somewhere that general parking filled up but camping always had spots available.
 
It is not unheard of for aircraft camping to fill up on the afternoon of the day before show opening. Seems to depend on weather around the eastern part of the country.

I always try to get in early morning, shortly after OSH opens for arrivals, on the day before show opening. Ensures a decent camping location in relation to showers and other amenities. Setting up the lawn chairs, breaking out the beer cooler and watching arrivals with the portable tuned to Tower as the traffic builds through the day is one of the most entertaining parts of Oshkosh.

Lots of aircraft camping spots start opening up from late Tuesday though, as many can't devote a whole week. A Wednesday or Thursday morning arrival will often net you a good spot that was vacated, nearer the grounds entrance gate.
 
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As others have noted, even if GA camping fills up Monday, there are usually spots open again by Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday. I've flown in on Wednesday the last few years, never had an issue getting a camping spot. Vintage camping almost never fills up. All that said, things change if you're in a twin or a single with a large wingspan (Malibu). Even when they re-open camping in the middle of the weeks, twins are routinely excluded due to wingspan and other parking issues (I don't think they like to "T" in twins with other airplanes.
 
It seems like Sunday and Monday are the days to most likely have either parking or aircraft camping saturation issues. Best bet if you plan to come in either of those days is to come in early in the morning. I don't see where you stared what type of aircraft you are flying in. If it is E-AB or vintage that will give you more options.

Of course you have a couple of other options too:
1. Go camp at one of the satellite airports and take the shuttle or UBER to Osh
2. If Osh parking is available but aircraft camping is not, park, get a ride, and camp in Camp Scholler.
 
Couple things:

1. Read the NOTAM
2. Weather impacts all possible scenarios (When the weather cleared Sunday last year it was insane)
3. Follow the NOTAM
4. Not uncommon for camping to fill up Sunday afternoon, Monday morning, Monday afternoon.
5. Read the NOTAM
6. ATIS (read the NOTAM) addresses the status of parking and camping, although it has been wrong in the past (ATIS says camping available, landed and got turned around and told to leave) You can listen to ATIS on liveatc.net
7. Follow the NOTAM
6. Be prepared to divert to Fond du Lac
7. Read the NOTAM
8. Spots for camping/parking usually start to open up Tuesday afternoon/Wednesday morning
9. Have fun and take in as much as you can, words cannot describe how awesome OSH is.
10. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read and follow the NOTAM.
 
Thank you all for the information. You have answered my questions plus given me some other valuable info.

Very much looking forward to it!

ML
 
Does anyone kniw when they post rhe ahow schedule? I likely won't be able to make it for the whole week so I'd like to plan around what I'd like to see.
 
The actual schedule (performance times) for the airshow isn't much determined until the morning of the day. If you mean who is going to be there on certain days in general, that usually comes out about a month or so before the show.
 
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