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FIFY
Oshkosh 2026
- Thread starter Lowflynjack
- Start date
sourdough44
En-Route
How’s that weather forecast for Oshkosh??
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About as accurate now as it will be the day before....
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Ed Haywood
Final Approach
Buy some surplus Air Force cammies and some JROTC insignia. Be careful though, might be illegal to impersonate a member of a youth paramilitary organization.
masloki
Pattern Altitude
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Do the tram thing! One row could be reserved for the kids. Four hours, I’m sure they would love it.
N40 - there’s a sign-up building and HQ north of warbirds. Shifts are short now (3 or 4 hours iirc) making it easier to squeeze in one. You get to see a whole posse of cool planes up close, including before and after the airshow.
masloki
Pattern Altitude
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Anyone else roast in their tents? Would something like a silver tarp under the rain fly block the heat?
GaryM
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Nice! With that clear picture of what needs to be replicated, I predict dozens of idiots pretending to be on the photo team this year.
All wearing #21!
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We're photographers... we're known for shooting people!!
Brad W
En-Route
I would think above the rainfly (or instead of it) might be better
Many years ago I had one of those pop-up tent camper trailers. There was a commercially available product that many folks copied with a homebrew version. I had the store-bought version, and it was a game changer!
for cooling but also just cutting the light that gets through the tent, making it much more habitable
PopupGizmos Info | PopupGizmos&SUNFast
Information page for PopupGizmos. PopupGizmos are bunkend covers designed for PopUp/Folding Tent Campers and Hybrid Campers. · PopupGizmos also help to protect your bunkend tops from the elements.
www.popupgizmos.com
looking for the link to post here, I see that they now have a quilted product to insulate from the inside. I'd imagine that would be pretty good too!
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Coleman makes tents called Dark Room Tents, you can find them on Amazon. It makes a big difference. I'm usually up very early and then take a nap during the day. Last year I also had a Ryobi fan and that made for some very nice naps in the afternoon!
crash7
Line Up and Wait
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I don’t even remember what brand this is, but I’ve been using this tent for a few years. With the rainfly going all the way to the ground, zipped up it stays pretty dark. However it also stays pretty dang hot due to lack of airflow.
That’s why I’m going to try the new tent which has 2 doors and -should- allow more air movement. But, I’m thinking it won’t be as dark. We’ll see in a month…
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Airflow will always be a problem. The netting to keep the bugs out will always block a lot of the airflow.
I don’t even remember what brand this is, but I’ve been using this tent for a few years. With the rainfly going all the way to the ground, zipped up it stays pretty dark. However it also stays pretty dang hot due to lack of airflow.
That’s why I’m going to try the new tent which has 2 doors and -should- allow more air movement. But, I’m thinking it won’t be as dark. We’ll see in a month…
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Battery operated fans are game changing.
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Agree. This is one that can sit on a bucket of water and mist you as well, but I didn't use it that way... didn't need a wet tent!!
Ed Haywood
Final Approach
I'm going all in on Ryobi One+ for this Oshkosh. Milk crate full of batteries and useful attachments such as USB chargers, lights, fans, and mattress pump.
masloki
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That sucks. I've never had any issue with mine.
baboss
Line Up and Wait
The Cabela's Alaskan tents tend to get a little warm, with the dark green rainfly. It does have 3 window openings though plus the top is mesh under the rain fly, so we point the front door to the Northwest in hopes of keeping some airflow through the tent. Fans help with airflow at night if needed. If I had another tent that didn't have the aerodynamics and structure of the Cabela's tent, I might put more thought into how I oriented the tent to the prevailing winds/general storm direction.
If the forecast looks pretty good, we keep the side windows cracked so the tent can breathe a bit during the day while we're gone. That's safe enough for us since we're usually back to the tent by 12-1pm most days to sit in the shade under the wing w/ cold snacks to wet the back-neck. Suck it low wingers!
If the forecast looks pretty good, we keep the side windows cracked so the tent can breathe a bit during the day while we're gone. That's safe enough for us since we're usually back to the tent by 12-1pm most days to sit in the shade under the wing w/ cold snacks to wet the back-neck. Suck it low wingers!
EvilEagle
Pattern Altitude
flyingcheesehead
Taxi to Parking
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I got a solar panel and a fan, and I plug the fan into the solar panel and set the panel up facing East before I go to bed. As soon as the sun comes up, the fan kicks on and keeps the tent habitable.
So we're looking at plane camping for the first time this year....
The preferred plan assuming no weather concerns is to arrive tues morning and depart sometime thurs morning. Any reason to worry about getting a spot/getting in/out in general? Walking around last year during the same days it looked like there was lots of space in general but not 100% sure on the designated areas. Have a bigger 10x14 tent for 2 adults and a 7yo... my rough measuring says it should fit between my wing and stabilator.
We'll be bringing a plug-in cooler/fridge and a solar generator to run it as well as some small fans/phones/tablets. Also a small propane camping grill so we can cook.
For those who have done this before, does this all seem reasonably feasible?
The preferred plan assuming no weather concerns is to arrive tues morning and depart sometime thurs morning. Any reason to worry about getting a spot/getting in/out in general? Walking around last year during the same days it looked like there was lots of space in general but not 100% sure on the designated areas. Have a bigger 10x14 tent for 2 adults and a 7yo... my rough measuring says it should fit between my wing and stabilator.
We'll be bringing a plug-in cooler/fridge and a solar generator to run it as well as some small fans/phones/tablets. Also a small propane camping grill so we can cook.
For those who have done this before, does this all seem reasonably feasible?
I’m looking for a ride to Oshkosh and back. I’m a (light sport) CFI, 4600 hours, weigh 155 pounds, I’ve been to OSH 9 times. I live in Idaho Falls, but point of departure is negotiable. I’m prepared to share fuel expenses. Dale at 208-520-6765.
Ed Haywood
Final Approach
I'm waffling on going. I want to focus on preparing for the IAC Nationals in September. I thought I could do both, but the closing of our airfield brings that into question.
You'll probably be in the south 40 (past the end of 36) against the fence or in the new overflow area. Tuesday is about the fullest it gets. They do have decent transportation, but it's a ways down there. Thursday am is the biggest departure day. If you can be out within 30min of the field opening, it's not too bad, otherwise be prepared to wait in line, at least in the morning. Other than that sounds like you have it covered. Don't forget tie-downs. Some small cutting boards or aluminum plates are helpful to keep the plane from sinking in. Bring your towbar so you can pull her out into the alley to start when you leave.
Good tips. I'm going to phrase it a little more strongly though. @cowman, you are picking just about the worst possible arrival and departure times.
Be sure to check conditions and availability Tuesday before you launch. If there is a time that camping will be full, it's when you are planning to arrive. As @Jim K points out, you're going to be in the middle of nowhere. Plan on making a single trip from camp to the show and back. You will be very far and making two or three trips back to camp for meals or forgotten items will be very inconvenient.
When leaving, be sure you have packed tons of patience.
Your plan can be accomplished. But having the right expectations will definitely help make it enjoyable.
Oh, another bad thing: You will be far enough south that you're in camp you won't hear the announcers talking about the arrivals and, of course, announcing the airshow.
One good thing: You will be far enough south that you won't be able to hear the announcers.
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Back when I attended OSH in the 172, I threw a tarp over the wing and staked it out over both sides and pitched the tent beneath it. That also gave us a relatively private access to the plane door, which allowed us to use the cockpit as a closet while camping.
That went away when we got the Navion (while we set up an inflatable sofa under the shade of the Navion wing, my tent won't fit). We now camp in a shady spot reserved for the volunteers (not at the plane).
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Yep, this pretty much sums it up. Tuesday almost guarantees you'll feel like you're in Milwaukee! If you grab your chairs and everything you need, you can jump on a bus/tram and get to the main areas fairly easy, but it's so much better when you're in walking distance to your plane.
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I've thought about doing this, but was always worried about the tarp rubbing on the top of my wing in the wind. Every have any issues?
Good info, thanks. Dates are because we want to be there for the night airshow on Wed but there are concerns about spousal endurance levels for the event and mutual endurance of tent camping with a kid in general. Weather may blow those plans up anyway but we'll talk- I bought weekly admission already just so that's not a worry. Would a Monday arrival give us a significantly better spot? Fri departure be significantly easier?
From what I gathered from the NOTAMs departures are running concurrently with arrivals so pretty much most of the day outside of the the airshows? And to leave you just pull the airplane out into the 'aisle'/'taxiway' between parking, start up, taxi towards the active and watch for signs/listen to ground for instructions I'm a bit concerned about the two of us being able to drag a Lance, especially fully loaded through grass on uneven ground even without sinking.... I do have some plastic garage tiles similar to pic attached I used in Appleton last year... plane didn't sink but I don't think things got all that wet. Upside to the PA-32 is we're going to be able to haul one heck of a campsite, downside is going to be trying to move it by hand
From what I gathered from the NOTAMs departures are running concurrently with arrivals so pretty much most of the day outside of the the airshows? And to leave you just pull the airplane out into the 'aisle'/'taxiway' between parking, start up, taxi towards the active and watch for signs/listen to ground for instructions I'm a bit concerned about the two of us being able to drag a Lance, especially fully loaded through grass on uneven ground even without sinking.... I do have some plastic garage tiles similar to pic attached I used in Appleton last year... plane didn't sink but I don't think things got all that wet. Upside to the PA-32 is we're going to be able to haul one heck of a campsite, downside is going to be trying to move it by hand
I've seen rubs. No idea if they could be buffed and waxed off.
I haven't seen, but am also always worried about, damage to flight controls. I just don't see how attaching a giant sail to ailerons and/or flaps could be a good idea and not pose a bending risk to the metal, breaking risk to pullies or a stretching risk to the cables.
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crash7
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I've only ever camped in the N40. I have seen a few people leave by Tuesday morning. They just come up for the 1st weekend, hang out, do Monday then leave. That -might- open a few spots up there. I forget, would your Lance qualify for Vintage (<=1970)? Would spots be open Tuesday morning there?
Put a GAC "N" sign in your window. If the volunteers say no, put a VAC sign up (if <=1970). If they say no, you're headed for S40 as people have stated above.
If you can hang out until Friday, it might be an easier departure than Thursday. It definitely is a mass exodus Thursday morning.
Put a GAC "N" sign in your window. If the volunteers say no, put a VAC sign up (if <=1970). If they say no, you're headed for S40 as people have stated above.
If you can hang out until Friday, it might be an easier departure than Thursday. It definitely is a mass exodus Thursday morning.
tsts4
En-Route
My $.02.
-- Yes, arrival and departures are concurrent, but the mix is time of day and day of the week dependent
-- Arriving on Monday won't get you much of a better spot (M & Tu are the max attendance days and Thu is the big departure)
-- Departing Friday generally isn't much of an issue. We've departed early on Friday every year since 2015.
-- As for pulling the plane out, don't hesitate to ask for help. There's generally plenty of folks around that will be willing to lend a hand. You can also pull the plane out first to keep it light, relatively speaking, then load it; but just be cognizant of whether you might be blocking someone in while you do it
-- Yes, arrival and departures are concurrent, but the mix is time of day and day of the week dependent
-- Arriving on Monday won't get you much of a better spot (M & Tu are the max attendance days and Thu is the big departure)
-- Departing Friday generally isn't much of an issue. We've departed early on Friday every year since 2015.
-- As for pulling the plane out, don't hesitate to ask for help. There's generally plenty of folks around that will be willing to lend a hand. You can also pull the plane out first to keep it light, relatively speaking, then load it; but just be cognizant of whether you might be blocking someone in while you do it
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There's very little chance of getting a spot in Vintage on Tuesday... I think it was full by Monday last year, maybe even by Sunday.
The Lance is a '76 and this is the first time I've gotten to say this- it's too new. Looking at the map, I think the area I was walking through last year was the 'vintage' area running along 18-36.... seemed like it was barely half full. I'm surprised they don't carve out more space for airplanes that are 'only' 50 years old. We actually ended up sitting down in an empty section of the vintage area last year to watch the night show and it was great. I think even
So the North 40 is better I take it? I guess I can put GAC north on my sign and worst case they send me to south?
How bad is the typical departure wait? Are we talking 5-10 minutes.... half an hour.. more? I can have cold drinks and battery operated fans handy.... hate idling my engine that long though I'll be 'clearing' it every couple minutes. I wonder if there are any airventure/EAA branded sweatbands for sale.
So the North 40 is better I take it? I guess I can put GAC north on my sign and worst case they send me to south?
How bad is the typical departure wait? Are we talking 5-10 minutes.... half an hour.. more? I can have cold drinks and battery operated fans handy.... hate idling my engine that long though I'll be 'clearing' it every couple minutes. I wonder if there are any airventure/EAA branded sweatbands for sale.
jesse
Touchdown! Greaser!
Like anything, it depends. I've flown there maybe about 8 times and I'd say the time from "engine start" to "wheels up" varied from about 5 minutes to 20 minutes.
First Lance was '75, so Vintage is out anyway. Others pretty well covered it. I don't think they fill in the N40 until Thursday. It's really hard to get them to let you taxi up there on Mon/Tue, even if you show them camping credentials lol. I've only ever camped in the "sweet spot" of the N40, but from what I've seen, I think I'd rather be in the S40 than on the north side of 9/27. Longest walk in the south 40 might be a half mile if you don't want to take the schoolbus, but if you're in that NE corner, it's almost two mile because you can't cross the runway. That means if you want to be in the N40, you pretty much have to be there by Friday before the show, or wait until Thursday of the show, which is what I did the first couple years. @crash7 always gets a good spot near the shower building showing up on Friday. The mass arrivals are always down around the W end of 9/27, so even that isn't great.
Thurs-Sun gets you a lot less air traffic and better camping along with the Sat night airshow, at the cost of vendors being tired and less pilots, more townies. The "showplanes" (warbirds, vintage, seaplanes) also filter out pretty fast after the Wed. night show.
If your Lance is like mine (and it should be), the engine gets plenty of airflow even at idle and overheating isn't an issue.
Thurs-Sun gets you a lot less air traffic and better camping along with the Sat night airshow, at the cost of vendors being tired and less pilots, more townies. The "showplanes" (warbirds, vintage, seaplanes) also filter out pretty fast after the Wed. night show.
If your Lance is like mine (and it should be), the engine gets plenty of airflow even at idle and overheating isn't an issue.