What to expect during airventure(Oshkosh)?

Question

This is my first year. I was just wondering what to expect other than the obvious. I'm camping at camp stroller for a week. And please only post if you have been there.

Answer 1

I flew into Oshkosh a few years ago and did the whole camping under the wing thing.  If you ever decide to fly in there read the Notams book (it's about 100 pages... but required info) put out by the FAA.

As for the whole camping experience.  A lot of it has already been said.  Comfy shoes, bug spray, and take your time.  There's a lot to see.  One thing... there seems to always be a few large thunderstorms every year.  We had our tent proped up under one of the 172 wings... it sucked.  My buddy and I finally broke down and slept in the plane.  A little less scary than thinking we were going to be blown away.  Prepare accordingly for all types of weather up there.  Cold nights, hot days, storms, humidity, and whatever else you can think of (hopefully not snow... but living up here in the Midwest has taught me about anything's possible for weather).

We didn't do the whole theater in the woods thing.  I was an aspiring professional pilot at the time as was my buddy (we both are pro-pilots now)... but we found out that spending the days with airplanes was enough (maybe even too much) and spent the nights drinking beer with the people in the Arrow next to us.  Take the time to meet a few people around you... that's probably the most entertainng.  Good stuff... they were United Captains so I ended up with a few good connections in the industry.  I know the speakers are supposed to be really good... but for me, there's only so much I can look at and listen to airplane stuff before I go crazy.  

For us it was about the adventure of flying into OshKosh.  That was one of the highlights of my flying career.

Answer 2

My last time at Oshkosh was several years ago, but expect to spend a lot of time walking, and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. A wide brimmed hat will help keep some of the sun off.  Weather can be unpredictable, but it usually rains at least a couple of times during the week, so be prepared to get wet.

If you really want to be a part of the show, volunteer to help park arriving airplanes or help with crowd control during the air shows.  And don't forget to visit the museum at least once during your stay.  Have fun. It's a great experience!

Answer 3

I agree with all the above, and make sure to take in the National GA Awards presentation in Theatre in the Woods too. The four national award winners for 2008 (CFI, AMT, Avionics Tech, FAA Safety Team Member) have worked very hard to get where they are and deserve your recognition.

My daughter and I walked around Oshkosh for four days last year and still didn't see everything. The helicoptor tour really lets you see how huge the show really is. In one photo I took I show folks and say "See that little grey thing there? That's a C-5 Galaxy. Now how big do you think that show was?"

There's all sorts of great (but not inexpensive) food at the show (I had lots of bratwursts), but lots more in town as well so don't think you have to be stuck at the show unless you want to be. If you eat at he show, expect to wait in line if you go at normal meal times. Get dinner early before everyone closes, and keep a bottle of water with you at all times to stay hydrated. Hot and humid are the only two weather conditions, and you get them usually at the same time.

Rental cars will cost about 3-4 times more than usual and you better reserve one right away. Sometimes their websites will say they're out of cars, but if you call them direct you can probably still get one.

Answer 4

Sharing showers -flip flops needed, humidity, not much to choose from off site to eat (within walking distance), BUG SPRAY REQUIRED, only place to charge cell phones are at the shower houses.  

What an adventure!  Have Fun!!!!!!!!!

Answer 5

Sunscreen ,insect replant,rain gear  are a must.

Take  comfortable shoes (sneakers), you will do ALLOT of walking as it is a very large venue.

Find a comfortable place to sit EARLY for the afternoon airshows, space fills up quickly. (I preferred to sit in the grass at the foot of the control tower)

I found that if you go to the showers immediately  after the airshow you will find that you wont have to wait long for an available shower. Any other time other than late at night,expect  1+ hour wait.

Take the time to visit the seaplane base (buses available for the 10 minute journey) and take a ride (about $50,) if you have never flown in a seaplane, I assure you , you will be glad you did.

The museum is also a must, go early in the am as it gets very many visitors. With your EAA membership you are entitled to a voucher for free admission (Contact the EAA for details on how to get the voucher)

After sundown,  Theater in the Woods,(an open-air pavilion with a capacity of approximately 3,500 under its large roof

will host an impressive lineup of evening programs.

last year,Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell; fighter pilot legends Bob Hoover, Tex Hill and Günther Rall; Steve Fossett and Einar Enevoldson, world record-setting pilots of the Perlan Glider; Anousheh Ansari, the world’s first female space tourist; Chuck Yeager, who 60 years ago became the first man to fly faster than the speed of sound; Berlin Airlift “Candy Bomber” pilot Gail Halvorsen; the crews of the F-22 Raptor, the SR-71 Blackbird, and the Goodyear blimp; plus a concert by the U.S. Air Force Band, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Air Force. made appearances

Have fun and pace your self, no way can you see every thing in one or two days,

I will  be there again this year for my 8th visit. gonna fly in for the first time.