Oshkosh 2025

[tsts4]

I had

Interesting that this is a "change"... I think at one point it said something about maintaining that speed until as late in the approach as possible, but that particular notation on page 8 wasn't there last year.

Seems like it would be obvious that if you slow down right after crossing Fisk that you'd be stacking people up right on your tail, but I guess the obvious isn't always obvious to everyone.

I had that happen to me between Fisk and the downwind to 27. Had to bail and re-enter at Ripon. That was the straw that caused me to stop flying the VFR arrival altogether and switch to the IFR arrival which is what I’ve flown ever since.

 

[kyleb]

Interesting that this is a "change"... I think at one point it said something about maintaining that speed until as late in the approach as possible, but that particular notation on page 8 wasn't there last year.

Seems like it would be obvious that if you slow down right after crossing Fisk that you'd be stacking people up right on your tail, but I guess the obvious isn't always obvious to everyone.

There are just enough "don't pay a lick of attention" folks flying into Oshkosh that the rest of us have to be on our toes.

 

[Lowflynjack]

It's coming quickly... I'm ready!

 

[AlphaPilotFlyer]

question for newbies ....local CFIs want to fly my experimental c172 in this year.....they never been, nor have I. . would flying in Thursday avoid much of the seemingly rush hour and be more stress free? If so. Would you have a say in where you are parked that early? If so, where are more choice locations?

 

[tsts4]

question for newbies ....local CFIs want to fly my experimental c172 in this year.....they never been, nor have I. . would flying in Thursday avoid much of the seemingly rush hour and be more stress free? If so. Would you have a say in where you are parked that early? If so, where are more choice locations?

If you arrive on Thursday July 17th before the show you will most likely need to work with Ground or TWR to get taxi instructions to the parking area you want to go to, so you need to have a good understanding of the parking areas are in relation to taxiways and the rest of the field. If by chance there are Marshallers out there, you'll hold up your parking sign to the desired area IAW the NOTAM and you'll be directed to that location. More likely you'll tell ATC where you want to go (which is the exception to the normal Osh process) but know ahead of time what the taxi route will be so you can help ATC out if they aren't quite sure where a given parking area is or a specific spot within that area.

I can't speak to what would be considered a choice spot although if given a choice (which I never have), I want to be closer to a shower facility (that's just a personal preference), but also understand you just can't park anywhere, willy-nilly in a given area.

 

[flyingron]

question for newbies ....local CFIs want to fly my experimental c172 in this year.....they never been, nor have I. . would flying in Thursday avoid much of the seemingly rush hour and be more stress free? If so. Would you have a say in where you are parked that early? If so, where are more choice locations?

What is the year of (original) manufacture?

 

[flyingron]

If you arrive on Thursday July 17th before the show you will most likely need to work with Ground or TWR to get taxi instructions to the parking area you want to go to, so you need to have a good understanding of the parking areas are in relation to taxiways and the rest of the field. If by chance there are Marshallers out there, you'll hold up your parking sign to the desired area IAW the NOTAM and you'll be directed to that location.

Prior to the Friday before the show, the marshallers are not permitted in the movement area. You will need to negotiate with ATC to get you to the appropriate taxiway. Once you're off on the grass, there will be people to help you. Yes, the signs do help in a few ambiguious places (like coming of Papa in Vintage, to tell if you want VAP, VAP, or GAC/P (south 40).

 

[mandm]

If I were to fly in and arrive Thursday or Friday, do I need a reserved spot for the airplane? I would camp with the plane until Sunday. I have a spot at the dorms for Sunday through the end. I have no problem sleeping in the plane, or under a wing for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. How do I make those arrangements?

Just arrive, have a piece of paper with where you want to park to show the ground staff. Likely you’ll be pretty far away.

 

[mandm]

question for newbies ....local CFIs want to fly my experimental c172 in this year.....they never been, nor have I. . would flying in Thursday avoid much of the seemingly rush hour and be more stress free? If so. Would you have a say in where you are parked that early? If so, where are more choice locations?

Basically there’s North or South 40. South 40 has a highway with trucks using engine braking all night long. I haven’t tried North 40. Just arrive at least a solid hour or more before the airspace closes for the airshow. I thought the airports in Florida were more chaotic than flying into Oshkosh. Look at the route inbound in the NOTAMs and when you pick up the weather they will tell you the starting point of the route and you fly direct to that point then follow the route / airplane in front of you.

Have a full size paper prepared with where you want to go and show the ground staff when you land. This is your only method of communication. There’s instructions on the letter codes for where you want to park in the NOTAMs.

 

[flyingcheesehead]

question for newbies ....local CFIs want to fly my experimental c172 in this year.....they never been, nor have I. . would flying in Thursday avoid much of the seemingly rush hour and be more stress free? If so. Would you have a say in where you are parked that early? If so, where are more choice locations?

Honestly, I'd recommend Friday. There's probably not a ton of traffic on the Fisk arrival on Friday, you get to check off the Fisk arrival on your aviation bucket list, and there will be people there to tell you where to go. Thursday may be more normal in the air, but you'd best know exactly what's happening on the ground already, which means it's probably not the best choice for rookies.

Just arrive, have a piece of paper with where you want to park to show the ground staff. Likely you’ll be pretty far away.

I think @AlphaPilotFlyer meant they'd be coming in the Thursday before the show, not the one during the show.

 

[Lowflynjack]

Honestly, I'd recommend Friday. There's probably not a ton of traffic on the Fisk arrival on Friday, you get to check off the Fisk arrival on your aviation bucket list, and there will be people there to tell you where to go. Thursday may be more normal in the air, but you'd best know exactly what's happening on the ground already, which means it's probably not the best choice for rookies.

I think @AlphaPilotFlyer meant they'd be coming in the Thursday before the show, not the one during the show.

The Fisk arrival starts on Thursday at Noon. I went in on Thursday one year and there was no traffic and there were some marshals on the ground, but not as many as later in the week.

Fisk VFR Arrival to OSH

This procedure is to be used by all VFR aircraft landing at OSH from Thursday, July 17 at Noon CDT through Noon Monday, July 28, 2025

 

[LWGII]

Here's another consideration. If I get there early, I'm sure I'll be parked in the hinterlands, and that's no problem. But when it's time to leave, how do I get out without having everyone else move?

 

[tsts4]

Here's another consideration. If I get there early, I'm sure I'll be parked in the hinterlands, and that's no problem. But when it's time to leave, how do I get out without having everyone else move?

You won’t be blocked in so you won’t have to have anyone move for you to get out. You pull your aircraft into the “taxi lane” perpendicular to your spot so that when you fire up you aren’t blasting the folks behind or either side. Also in general they park filling close to far so the earlier you arrive the closer to show center you’ll be, relatively speaking.

 

[tsts4]

Besides becoming familiar with the NOTAM https://www.eaa.org/airventure/eaa-fly-in-flying-to-oshkosh/eaa-airventure-oshkosh-notam

I highly recommend reviewing all of the info related to flying in and camping:

EAA Fly In: Flying to Oshkosh | EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

Join more than 10,000 pilots flying to Oshkosh for the annual EAA fly-in. Flying your aircraft to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is an experience like no other!

www.eaa.org

Plan Your EAA AirVenture Trip | EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

Find information on where to stay, maps, food and concessions, services, sharing a ride to Oshkosh, and more. Plan your EAA AirVenture trip today!

www.eaa.org

 

[Lowflynjack]

I should probably be working... not daydreaming and planning the trip to OSH next month!

 

[AV8R_87]

We can tell you're dreaming - you forgot to add C47 to your arrival route (the infamous Portage arrival).

 

[Lowflynjack]

We can tell you're dreaming - you forgot to add C47 to your arrival route (the infamous Portage arrival).

Hmmm... I learned something new! A bit out of my way after spending the night in Watertown, but might be on my list for next year!

 

[4RNB]

I'm planning to go for the first time. I plan to leave home on the Thursday before, likely hotel or camp along the way, as close as I think to. Timing wise it won't be a stretch to fly it all the first day. Fly in Friday am, leaves time for bad wx and later arrival. Flying solo for now. HBC with tent. Bringing a folding bike for exercise and/or stir craziness. I might look in to volunteering. Electronics/avionics class Monday/Tuesday. I'm building (and fly) an RV10 so really want to take in the full experience of all the vendors, learn about options. I'll likely pester many of the RV10 owners and then forget most of what they tell me. I plan to stay the full time but will leave if mission completed. I've chair flown the patterns a lot, measured off what I expect distances are at a slow airport near me, have practiced tight and right patterns a few times, more to come. I'm not sure yet but might try to fly 2300 instead of 1800.

 

[Lowflynjack]

I'm planning to go for the first time. I plan to leave home on the Thursday before, likely hotel or camp along the way, as close as I think to. Timing wise it won't be a stretch to fly it all the first day. Fly in Friday am, leaves time for bad wx and later arrival. Flying solo for now. HBC with tent. Bringing a folding bike for exercise and/or stir craziness. I might look in to volunteering. Electronics/avionics class Monday/Tuesday. I'm building (and fly) an RV10 so really want to take in the full experience of all the vendors, learn about options. I'll likely pester many of the RV10 owners and then forget most of what they tell me. I plan to stay the full time but will leave if mission completed. I've chair flown the patterns a lot, measured off what I expect distances are at a slow airport near me, have practiced tight and right patterns a few times, more to come. I'm not sure yet but might try to fly 2300 instead of 1800.

Technically you should be at 1800'. 2300' is for "aircraft unable to operate comfortably at 90 knots". In an RV-10, I don't think they'll say anything to you, but they threaten to crack down on this rule every year! I've never heard them say anything on the radio though.

You'll be overwhelmed your first time and you'll never see everything. Learn the trams since bikes aren't allowed inside the fence after Monday. As the week goes on, the trams will be full, so expect a lot of walking. It's the most exhausting and fun week I have all year.

 

[4RNB]

Technically you should be at 1800'. 2300' is for "aircraft unable to operate comfortably at 90 knots". In an RV-10, I don't think they'll say anything to you, but they threaten to crack down on this rule every year! I've never heard them say anything on the radio though.

You'll be overwhelmed your first time and you'll never see everything. Learn the trams since bikes aren't allowed inside the fence after Monday. As the week goes on, the trams will be full, so expect a lot of walking. It's the most exhausting and fun week I have all year.

I'll be sure to ask the PIC if they are technically comfortable at 90kts!

 

[Lowflynjack]

I'll be sure to ask the PIC if they are technically comfortable at 90kts!

LOL, yeah the word comfortable leaves it wide open for interpretation! They used to say if you can fly at 90 knots safely, you should, don't just go to the higher route to get there faster.

 

[4RNB]

LOL, yeah the word comfortable leaves it wide open for interpretation! They used to say if you can fly at 90 knots safely, you should, don't just go to the higher route to get there faster.

I'm practicing 90, it is my plan. But if things are squirrelly, perhaps I self induce a 360, then I will go higher.

 

[tsts4]

I'm practicing 90, it is my plan. But if things are squirrelly, perhaps I self induce a 360, then I will go higher.

You’ll be fine. The 10 flies comfortably at 90. Adding a notch of flaps can help keep the nose down for a better over the nose view.

 

[kyleb]

You’ll be fine. The 10 flies comfortably at 90. Adding a notch of flaps can help keep the nose down for a better over the nose view.

My "Time to exit the stream" speed in the -10 is 72 knots in an RV-10 at near-gross. Maybe 2600 lbs. I use a touch (25%?) of flaps if the arrival stream gets slow.

 

[21541803]

You’ll be fine. The 10 flies comfortably at 90. Adding a notch of flaps can help keep the nose down for a better over the nose view.

Honest question.
RV-10 cruises at 150 -170 KIAS. Slotting in at 2300' doing 135 KIAS seems appropriate.
Why sit in the 90 KIAS line from Endeavour bridge, while you can skip all that and slow down to 90 KIAS on downwind?
The NOTAM instructs the faster aircraft (Lancairs etc) to slow down to 135 KIAS anyway. So this RV-10 is not going to hold up any traffic it seems. Yes?
NOTAM 2025 page 5 instructs: "Faster aircraft use 135 knots and 2300' if needed for safety of flight".
If the intent of the Arrival procedure is to get as many aircraft, as efficient as possible safely to downwind, I would argue this RV-10 should stay out of 1800' lane and not further congest the 1800' Puckaway holding pattern

 

[kyleb]

Honest question.
RV-10 cruises at 150 -170 KIAS. Slotting in at 2300' doing 135 KIAS seems appropriate.
Why sit in the 90 KIAS line from Endeavour bridge, while you can skip all that and slow down to 90 KIAS on downwind?

Because the NOTAM says "If able, use the 90 knot stream" or words to that effect. The problem with the higher stream is they still have to merge that stream back into the mass of aircraft converging on 2 runways. Now we're talking managing vertical and horizontal separation during the merge. Managing that in 2 dimensions is generally easier.

Intelligent people put the procedures together. The procedures include a pile of compromises but I assure you the people who developed them put a lot more time into figuring it out than some guy on the internet saying "Forget what the NOTAM says, what I'm gonna do is..."

Edited to add: When they extended the inbound arrival starting points back to the lake(s), I reached out to EAA with my concerns. Within a day or two, the two guys who lead the effort arranged a phone call with me to review the how and why. While I still don't necessarily agree that extending the follow the leader line for dozens more miles is an improvement, I greatly appreciated them reaching out and walking me through their thought process.

 

[tsts4]

Honest question.
RV-10 cruises at 150 -170 KIAS. Slotting in at 2300' doing 135 KIAS seems appropriate.
Why sit in the 90 KIAS line from Endeavour bridge, while you can skip all that and slow down to 90 KIAS on downwind?
The NOTAM instructs the faster aircraft (Lancairs etc) to slow down to 135 KIAS anyway. So this RV-10 is not going to hold up any traffic it seems. Yes?
NOTAM 2025 page 5 instructs: "Faster aircraft use 135 knots and 2300' if needed for safety of flight".
If the intent of the Arrival procedure is to get as many aircraft, as efficient as possible safely to downwind, I would argue this RV-10 should stay out of 1800' lane and not further congest the 1800' Puckaway holding pattern

That’s not what the NOTAM says. The exact verbiage is: “Arrive at Transition Starting Point at 90 knots and 1,800’. For aircraft unable to operate comfortably at 90 knots:
- Slower aircraft should use maximum cruising speed. ATC recommends arrival at Fisk 7:00-7:30 AM CDT if practicable.
• Faster aircraft use 135 knots and 2,300’ if needed for safety of flight. Expect descent at or after Fisk.”

Emphasis on unable to operate comfortably at 90 and if needed for safety of flight. That’s not Carte Blanche to fly the high arrival just because you feel inconvenienced because your plane is capable of a high cruise speed or you feel your skills aren’t up to par. The 10 flies just fine at 90. I’ve flown into AirVenture in my RV-10 10 times now (well technically 9 because 2020 didn’t count as the show) so I’ve got some experience. Frankly if you can’t fly any RV (and most piston single GA aircraft for that matter) comfortably at 90 you probably don’t have any business attempting to fly into Osh. Of course there’s obviously aircraft that need the high arrival but it ain’t an RV. That’s just my opinion so YMMV…..

 

[21541803]

My "Time to exit the stream" speed in the -10 is 72 knots in an RV-10 at near-gross. Maybe 2600 lbs. I use a touch (25%?) of flaps if the arrival stream gets slow.

Never flown a RV-10. 72 knots seems to be Vs times 1.3. What is a typical final or approach speed with 10 or 20 degrees (touch?) and how high is the nose in level flight at this flap setting, following the aircraft 1/2 mile?

 

[kyleb]

Never flown a RV-10. 72 knots seems to be Vs times 1.3. What is a typical final or approach speed with 10 or 20 degrees (touch?) and how high is the nose in level flight at this flap setting, following the aircraft 1/2 mile?

With ~35% power and a modest amount of flaps, the airplane is level with good visibility at 85-90 knots. I tend to apply full flaps before turning base and 75 knots is a good speed on final when heavily loaded. Either you keep the speed up a little or apply a bit more power to arrest the descent rate.

 

[Ed Haywood]

Any pointers on signs? My google drive won't go larger than 96 font size. I've found a few from Garmin that are not as large. So far I have VFR, IFR, and HBC, should I need others? Everyone tells me HBC is a lock/guarantee. The Garmin signs only take up 1/3rd the paper.

 

[4RNB]

View attachment 141818

I deleted my post after finding this: https://www.eaa.org/airventure/eaa-fly-in-flying-to-oshkosh/ground-operations
They are the same size as Garmin's

 

[flyingron]

I just use MS Word to make them (don't remember why). For arrivals I have "VAC" and then "W69" made up. For departure, I have one that says "MVFR."
For my Sunday afternoon transfer to the HGI, I have "NORTH 40" and "HILTON." For general stuff I hae one that says "THANK YOU" and "YOU LOOK GOOD IN ORANGE" and for the FAA "YOU LOOK GOOD IN PINK."

I usually make a few more up mostly for the Vintage guys. One year I had a set "WHY CAN'T I PARK HERE?" "I PARKED HERE LAST YEAR." "I KNOW TOM"

 

[painless]

Go here. There are printable signs all set to go. Pick out what you need and fire up your printer.

Ground Operations | EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

Get information on EAA AirVenture Oshkosh ground operations, including aircraft parking, airplane safety, emergency repair, and much more.

www.eaa.org

 

[AlphaPilotFlyer]

RE tie down steaks.... can u normally rent them there? adding up the gear and every once helps.

 

[flyingron]

RE tie down steaks.... can u normally rent them there? adding up the gear and every once helps.

They are available but not reliably. Best to bring your own.

 

[rwellner98]

RE tie down steaks.... can u normally rent them there? adding up the gear and every once helps.

I tested some systems a few years ago.

 

[AlphaPilotFlyer]

They are available but not reliably. Best to bring your own.

thanks, will do

 

[masloki]

As one of the flight line guys that sorted planes on the taxiways, the EAA signs leave a bit to be desired. Whatever font trickery you can apply to get the three letters to fill all of the available space on an 8.5x11 sheet of paper means I can direct you without stopping you. If you’ve got a sign with really narrow lines and a small font, I have to stop you to sort you to Vintage vs N40 vs GAP vs FBO etc. If you are a jet, you do you.

 

[Sam D]

thanks, will do

Sounds like you just need to find Rich. He's got at least 4 sets.

 

[Lowflynjack]

As one of the flight line guys that sorted planes on the taxiways, the EAA signs leave a bit to be desired. Whatever font trickery you can apply to get the three letters to fill all of the available space on an 8.5x11 sheet of paper means I can direct you without stopping you. If you’ve got a sign with really narrow lines and a small font, I have to stop you to sort you to Vintage vs N40 vs GAP vs FBO etc. If you are a jet, you do you.

Mine is multi-purpose!