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.