The GA Version Of An Aluminum Overcast Prepares To Do It ALL Again

For the 16th time since 1989, Bonanzas to Oshkosh is set to depart Rockford, IL on Saturday (23rd ) for another precedent setting flight.

Originally conceived by Wayne Collins as a means to fly into Oshkosh and camp with his other Bonanza buddies, “B2OSH” has grown into the largest and oldest formation gathering of its type.

Having set the civilian formation record in 1995, B2OSH concentrates on safety and proficiency in its formation now by offering regional formation clinics throughout the year, limiting the formation size to 100-120 aircraft, and following a well choreographed set of procedures developed between the group, the FAA, and the EAA. Many participants are repeat fliers, with 2/3rds having two or more flights under their belt. This year looks to be the best ever.

This year, “Bonanza Lead” will be John “Weebs” Wiebener, the formation briefer since 1996. Each year, the formation lead is offered to a different person that has put in a great deal of time and effort into this volunteer organization.

“It’s quite an honor to be the formation lead – but there’s also a lot of pressure not to screw up anything. If you do…100 of your best buddies will remind you for the duration of Oshkosh!!” remarked Weebs.

Of special note in this year’s formation will be lead’s left wing – Randy Groom, President of Beechcraft – flying his own A-36, freshly painted in the G-36 special paint scheme. Randy participated as a passenger last year with another experienced Beechcraft Demo Pilot – Mike Elsenrath – and liked the entire experience so much that he attended formation training this year and will fly his own steed.

Part of the precedence of this flight will be lead’s right wing – Robert Wiebener – flying his own 1961 N-model Bonanza. Last year was the first year that two brothers had flown in the same element and this year will be the first to have brothers flying separate aircraft in the lead element. Robert, who formation trained and flew in the formation for the first time last year has been bitten by the bug that affects all B2OSH participants. Flying together, camping together, and telling lies to 100 of your best friends for a week…doesn’t get much better.

The arrival of the flight will be Saturday at 3pm local time at Oshkosh, normally on Runways 36L and 36R. The group has its own Letter of Agreement with the FAA and Oshkosh Tower for it’s arrival and is something to witness.

FMI: www.b2osh.org