Part Three: Know Your Airports!

by ANN Correspondent Larry Stencel

• Read Part One Here

• Read Part Two Here

OK. We hope that you've caught AirVenture 2008 'fever' and are considering adding some extra time to enjoy all that is Wisconsin as you drive in. Now it's time to start talking about the "meat and potatoes" of the event -- Flying. Aviation. Airplanes. You know, those things that turn expensive fuel into noise. And fun.

The EAA estimates about 10,000 airplanes fly into Wittman Field, and that about 2,500 of them are show planes. No matter the true numbers or how you analyze them, there's a lot of airplanes coming and going from one airport during the week; Wittman Field becomes the world's busiest airport during AirVenture. A first time visitor truly isn't ready for the sight of that many airplanes. Whether you're on the ground or in the air, there's an airplane almost everywhere you look. That's why it's the "Greatest."

The sheer volume of air traffic mixing many different airplane types all converging on Oshkosh and its two nearby alternate airports requires a special NOTAM in order to maintain good order and flight safety. The FAA's 32-page 2008 NOTAM booklet outlining Special Flight Procedures is in effect for AirVenture starting at 6AM CDT on Friday, July 25 (yeah, the returning early 'birds' know how to get the good parking spots) until 11:59PM CDT on Sunday, August 3. This includes pilots flying into Fond Du Lac (FLD) and Appleton (ATW). Pilots are expected to be intimately familiar with and adhere to all instructions contained therein AND to have a copy of the NOTAM available to them for in-flight reference. Student pilot training is strictly prohibited by the NOTAM during the event.

Let there be no doubt here folks. This is a high workload and high stress flight activity once you're in the vicinity of OSH. Flying in under VFR means putting your head on a swivel as you approach the initial fix of Ripon while simultaneously maintaining a loose formation with other airplanes in line and listening/complying with ATC at FISK. Worth noting, the controllers expect to see your landing gear DOWN when you pass overhead FISK and you acknowledge their instructions by rocking your wings vigorously; DO use the radio if you're having a problem. Once you're ready to land, you'd better be able to put your airplane down on a specific point on the runway (the colored dots) and quickly egress, as directed by the ground flagmen. THEN you can breathe while you're putting your place of intended parking sign up for them.

Don't let theses comments dissuade you from flying in -- pilots of all experience and currency levels have been doing it for years. Just know that you're going to get a chance to use many of your aeronautical skills while you simultaneously get sweaty palms. Can you say, "Oh Boy. I'm havin' fun now?" Only an AirVenture-seasoned pilot would understand.

Without pontificating, the very FIRST question a pilot might ask himself is, "am I up to the task?" Maybe the title of this series, "Are You Ready?" is apropos? And the natural follow-on question is, "are there alternatives?" In fact, you should plan for them.

Beyond these two questions, you should also consider whether your plans require arrival or departure time flexibility (OSH is closed 8PM thru 6AM and during the daily airshow), multiple daily operations (e.g., are you giving rides in a new design or wanting to take friends flying), staying closer to a distant place of lodging, meeting up with a group of similar airplanes or any of a number of other like requirements. IF so, maybe you should consider one of the outlying airports. Only you know your needs and capabilities.

If you don't arrive early, there have been cases where there just isn't any space left on the field for non-show plane parking (sic) and there are cases where the volume of inbound traffic saturates the arrival corridor or weather intervenes thereby necessitating holding or turn away instructions by ATC at FISK. Even the FAA NOTAM planning section mentions that use of alternative airports is common among some pilots.

Should you decide that using one of the 'other' airports is in order, you have multiple choices and all of them make flying in easier albeit with a price for not "being there." Pilots who have used them often return -- year after year -- to one of the alternates because they develop friendships and familiarity which transcends the benefit of landing at OSH. Of course, if you're flying a show airplane to display your handiwork, you don't get a choice. Oshkosh IS your final destination. We WANT to see what you've built.

OK. Let's start by examining the larger primary alternates mentioned in the NOTAM.

Fond Du Lac Airport (FLW), is located on the west side of Highway 41 about 17 road miles south of OSH. During AirVenture, there is a temporary FAA ATCT in operation July 26th through August 3rd from 7AM to 8:30PM. If you're within 4NM of the field and at/below 3,309' MSL, communication is required. Arrivals after sunset are "discouraged" by the NOTAM. Minimum spacing for Category 1 and 2 aircraft operations (light single and multi engine) have been waived by the FAA so you can expect to fly tightly with many other airplanes, if required. Because camping and showers and transportation to Oshkosh are available, Fond Du Lac is likely the primary alternate to Oshkosh. Most parking will be in the grass; if you need hard surface parking, you should contact the FBO. Numerous restaurants and motels are located within a short distance of the airport making it a very friendly alternate destination. Marion College offers dorm rooms, as well. Fond Du Lac means "Foot of the Lake (Winnebago)."

Appleton Outagamie County Regional Airport (ATW), is located about 24 road miles north from OSH and 3 miles west of Highway 41 off College Avenue. ATW is the closest airport to OSH with scheduled airline service and also offers transportation to OSH. Rental cars from several large chains may also be available but reservations are highly recommended. Per the NOTAM, on airport camping is not permitted so you'll have to find accommodations elsewhere. Lawrence College has dorm rooms available and there are quite a few motels nearby. ATW Class D airspace is active 0530 through 2300. Appleton is the largest of the three cities on the west side of Lake Winnebago and, accordingly, has a lot more to offer a transient pilot. The Fox River Mall area is just east of the airport and the Harry Houdini Museum is in town, as well. It's worth seeing.

Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB), is located about 52 miles NE from Oshkosh and is the largest of the three airports mentioned here. GRB is also an airline destination and offers scheduled transportation to OSH as well as rental cars. US Customs is available at GRB. Green Bay is a considerably larger city than Appleton and Oshkosh and Fond Du Lac so a variety of restaurants and accommodations are available. Because it's further from OSH, the volume of air traffic is lower and, therefore, easier to deal with. The distance to OSH can be an issue for some. Green Bay's nickname is Titletown USA for the obvious reasons.

As you decide whether you are flying directly into Oshkosh or one of the above three alternates, you might want to consider calling the EAA at 920-230-7820 for detailed information about space availability in the Oshkosh General Aviation Aircraft Parking and Camping areas to help you decide. While we're at it, you can call the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau Hotline at 920-235-3007 for info, as well.

As always, anyone flying to ANY airport for AirVenture should bring their own tiedown equipment.

In the next article of this series, we'll examine the "fun" smaller alternate airports around Oshkosh. These airports have much to offer and allow easy access to AirVenture for those looking for a laid back method of flying in.

See you at Oshkosh!

FMI: www.airventure.org