Talk About An Impromptu Fly-In Is Not Getting Support From Wittman Field Or EAA
2020 will go down in aviation history as a very tough year... we lost the AEA Convention, dozens of Airshows, military teams had to stand down, Sun 'n Fun didn't happen and worst of all, Oshkosh was killed off... all due to a virus and th panic that surrounded it.
Looking at the matter carefully, EAA really didn't have much of a choice in the matter as the state was taking a pretty strong stand about such gatherings and the many uncertainties about the state of the pandemic simply made it impossible to plan the event in the time necessary.
Still; even with an iron-clad cancellation, talk has been popping up here and there about venturing to Oshkosh for the week of the Fly-In and having an impromptu get-together... which is getting strongly countered by EAA and the airport, itself.
Wittman Regional Airport has posted the following:
We’re all disappointed with the cancellation of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2020, as it means so many different things for everyone who attends. For thousands of aviators, flying to Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) is a highlight in the logbook.
As AirVenture 2020 is not taking place, Wittman Regional Airport will operate normally as a public use airport with contract tower services. For those considering flying to Oshkosh in late July, it’s important to manage expectations about what is permissible:
- Aircraft parking for itinerant traffic is available on the Terminal / Basler FBO Ramp. No permit has been obtained for aircraft parking or camping on any turf areas of the airfield and therefore is not permitted.
- No buildings or facilities on the AirVenture grounds will be open. Those attempting to camp will be asked to move to Terminal / Basler FBO ramp parking or depart.
- The Warbird / Homebuilt camping areas near P-1 taxiway will not be open. Papa 2 taxiway (Boeing Plaza) will not be accessible.
- There will be no access to EAA facilities from the airport. EAA did not obtain a Wisconsin temporary campground permit for Camp Scholler in 2020, so it is illegal to accept or allow campers there this year. The EAA Aviation Museum also will be closed to the public through July.
- For those who still want to fly to Oshkosh during AirVenture week, we encourage you to park at the Terminal / Basler FBO ramp, stay at one of our local hotels, and enjoy some of Oshkosh’s hospitality. Please coordinate with Basler Flight Service to arrange any ground handling needs.
EAA's Jack Pelton also offered some additional details when reaching out to questions raised by an EAA Chapter.
"There will be no work parties this year. The situation is very serious over here. Things were looking good but the early open now has OSH as the #6 city nationwide for new positive cases post Memorial Day. With our flight experiences grounded until after summer at minimum there just won't be bringing in volunteers any time soon. What adds to the problem is we have a 14 day quarantine requirement for any who leaves the state. Our employees are adhering to that, so if you came over you gotta rent a place and sit for 14 days. We will not open the lodge at all this year. This is getting old but it is what we have to do..."
So.... we all hate the thought of missing Oshkosh... especially those of us who have made it part of our lives for over 4 decades... but gatherings at Oshkosh will have to wait to 2021.
We'll let you know if anything changes...
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