Anyone going to Oshkosh?

Airventure 2008: what a spectacle! I LOVED it! Incredibly, so did my wife who came with me, and who has NO interest in aeroplanes. People wonderful, so welcoming, and friendly. We met and chatted to all sorts.

Arrived home in England this morning, having left OSH very reluctantly. Everyone who said 2 days is not enough was absolutely RIGHT!

Flying a J3 Cub on straight floats was an odyssey – fabulous fun, but humbling and at times very difficult. The 15 hours of flying that it took, taught me more about flying than I could have believed. After 20,000 hours, I thought I was beginning to get the hang of it until that little Cub humbled me somewhat.

Flying across the US, non-radio, with a sectional on my lap was an unbelievable experience. It’s what flying is all about. The countryside through Canada and the US that we flew over was dramatic, stunning, breathtaking, and just spectacular. The trip was not without drama, and the support and help of individuals on the way was something to behold, and treasure.

I will write an account of it, but I have to apologise to everyone who knows me in advance: it was such an adventure, I’m likely to boast about, and become utterly boring it for years to come! It will take me a while to collect my thoughts, and collate it all though.

I checked over the J3 yesterday evening, pumped her floats dry one last time, before setting off for Chicago, and my flight back to England. Someone else wil take her home. Saying goodbye left me with a lump in my throat – I couldn’t believe it!

A huge thank you to everyone on this thread who offered suggestions on how to enjoy OSH, especially Dan, the tbyguy.

Ndege.

This Finch I’ve got to see! I’ll come and look out for your aeroplane.

The trip from Vt. is something I’m really excited about, and has been in planning for ages. Even Mme. Ndege who is coming too, is excited about the trip although largely because she has been told of magnificent shopping nearby!

tbyguy,

I’ll look up the 390th, and learn about them. The Liberty Belle is here in England at present, and I believe is touring East Anglia today. I drove past Duxford on the way home recently, and saw her there.

Off to work now, then heading for the US, counting down the days to OSH!

Ndege.

Just go to the WIX link I posted above and let Zack & Jenn know you’re planning to drop by.

Zack runs the EAA’s “Timeless Voices in Aviation” program. From the Wittman control tower, go west on Waukau Ave. (I usually just walk), and his home is the last one on the south side of the street. Food & bevs will be in the backyard. As long as you’re willing to be included in a WIX group photo, you’re in.

Dan

That a picnic I have never heard of.
Where is it located on the field /
I’ll try to make it.

Fleet16b

At present, I will be going to Oshkosh.
I will be flying a 1940 Fleet Finch 16B.
It is currently the most accurate and original RCAF configured Finch in the world.
This will be something many at Oshkosh have never seen. In all my years going I have never seen a 16 B in complete RCAF config.
We will be parked right behind the Antique and Classics Headquarters in the very first row.
Would love to meet any Wixers , so drop by and say Hi.

Excellent! The Finch has always looked like a lot of fun to me. Looking forward to examining yours up close.

Be sure to stop in at the Baughman’s picnic Thursday. Food starts at 5:00.

At present, I will be going to Oshkosh.
I will be flying a 1940 Fleet Finch 16B.
It is currently the most accurate and original RCAF configured Finch in the world.
This will be something many at Oshkosh have never seen. In all my years going I have never seen a 16 B in complete RCAF config.
We will be parked right behind the Antique and Classics Headquarters in the very first row.
Would love to meet any Wixers , so drop by and say Hi.

Glad to help. Just getting from Vermont to Wisconsin in a J-3 will be quite an adventure. Hope your journey is a safe one every step of the way. Don’t forget to post a summary of your trip.

I appreciate your interest in the 398th BG and “Aluminum (Go ahead and say “Aluminium” ;)) Overcast”. “Liberty Belle” commemorates the veterans of the 390th BG, one of whom was my mother’s cousin, Lt. Billy Pflug. Billy and entire crew were lost on 24/4/44 when their Fort detonated over Friedrichshafen.

Take care,

Dan

tbyguy,

Once again, thanks for your reply. I’d wondered why I couldn’t see Aluminum overcast in the show line-up, now I understand.

When I’ve met the veterans of the 398th, they have always impressed me. Sadly they are now all too old to come back to Nuthampstead. It delights me no end to know that the EAA’s B17 commemorates their role, and their bravery.

“Roster swap denied” has come back from crew control. Thus only the first 2 days at the show for me. What I’ve already learned from my research is this: I’ve got to go again next year!

I’ll look out for you at lunch – 10:45 at the church-run-stall!

Kwaheri,

Ndege.

It is well worth taking a flight in either Tri-motor, bell 47 or the b17 – all are well priced and worth every dollar. i have done all 3 during previous visits but the B17 as it passed over the event was fantastic and if you time it right the nose position offers some great photo opportunities.

Yes, museum is open daily. Check here for some daily schedule details:

http://www.airventure.org/2008/planning/daybyday.html

You will see “Aluminumm Overcast” daily, but always flying overhead, as she provides rides for paying customers throughout the week. She’ll be operating out of the airport at Appleton (about 25 km north), so a close-up examination might be a bit of a trick without traveling to Appleton. Interested in taking a flight?

http://www.airventure.org/2008/events/airplane_rides.html

Keep the questions coming!

Dan

tbyguy,

Many thanks for your informative reply: making the Thursday evening party will depend on a roster swap request I presently have in hand. If successful, I’ll see you there. If not, its back to blighty from ORD before the end of the show for me.

I’ve avidly studied everything I can get my hands on, and I’ve even been sent a copy of th Airventure notam that the EAA produce. As we’ll be heading for the SPB, I’ve been google-earthing just about the whole of Wisconsin, and have a pretty good idea of what it should look like. The people running the SPB website have already ( very helpfully ) answered several questions!

We are possibly camping out at the SPB, but have a lead on a room in a house that a pal rents each year. I’m told it is worth it for the air-conditioning and showers alone! Following your advice, I’ve already looked out the insect repellant.

Is the EAA museum open during the show? Also, I’ve a notion I’d like to see their B17 – Aluminum overcast, as she is painted up to represent a B17 from Nuthampstead. I presently fly a 172 from there occassionally, and once flew some of the 398th bomb wing guys around during a reunion trip over here.

Meanwhile, counting down the days. Heading for the US at the weekend.

I’ll be back with more questions when I think of them!

Ndege.

Ndege, congrats on your Airventure plans. I live near Oshkosh and have been attending since 1978. I would be happy to attempt answers to your questions.

http://www.airventure.org/

http://www.airventure.org/2008/events/seaplane_base.html

You can prepare now by studying maps and getting yourself oriented with the grounds.

For clothing: layer. Temps can range from 90’s (F) and humid during the day to 50’s at night. Thankfully the weather patterns have been a bit cooler this year so far (70’s-80’s). You’ll want sunscreen for the day and mosquito spray for the seaplane base at night (I’m assuming you’re camping there).

Try to get the earliest shuttle bus to the Airventure grounds. The longer you wait, the more bodies will be between you and your favorite aircraft for pics.

You will simply be unable to see everything at Airventure in two days. If warbirds are your primary pleasure, then a select few are displayed at Aeroshell Square (just east of the main gates). A number of primary trainers choose to display with the antique/classic aircraft (just south of Aeroshell Square), but by far the majority of warbirds are parked at the north end of the Airventure grounds.

Food service is available throughout the grounds, but lines get long. Try eating at an irregular time to avoid delays (ie. I usually lunch at around 10:45 AM). Best meal deal: A local church group runs a food stand just outside the main gate. Prices cheaper…service quicker and friendlier.

Runways 9/27 (very active) and 18/36 are landing arrivals constantly…especially early in the week. You will not think it possible that large warbirds could arrive or depart without your knowledge, but such is the enormity of OSH. Don’t hesitate to ask bystanders near a favorite aircraft if it is going to be airborne at a certain time of day.

Oh yeah: And for anyone else who will be around, I’m quite serious about the WIX party. Zack Baughman (works for EAA) and his wife Jenn live on the EAA grounds and host a picnic for warbird fans on Thursday. If you can handle typical hearty Midwest fare (dieters beware), beer served cold (bottle feels good against a sunburned forehead), and friendly folks who speak warbird then I think you’ll enjoy yourself (They let me come since I bring the tables and chairs:D). Location is easy to find. Just don’t forget the last shuttle of the day back to the seaplane base leaves at around 8:00 PM (I think :rolleyes:).

Questions?

I’m going, hope to be there ( wether permitting ) for the first 2 days of the show, then sadly back home. At work again on August the first.

Means of getting there? Mme. Ndege and I are flying a J3S ( Cub on floats ) from Vermont.

I simply cannot wait. Any tips on how to get the best out of the show whilst there would be hugely appreciated.

Cheers,

Ndege.

I will if anyone is interested put up at the international tent ,a time and place, preferably near a watering hole to meet.

This thread makes me sick (with envy :mad:)

:D:D:D

Roger Smith.

PS have a great time.

I went in 1998…….wish I was off there this time. Have a great time guys..!!!!

Planemike

I am going this year – 3 weeks + 1 day and counting

Don’t forget to sign up for the WIX picnic on Thursday night.

http://warbirdinformationexchange.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=22845