Dave@sri-unix (07/10/82)
Some friends and I are flying to Oshkosh for the EAA Convention at the end of the month. People who've been before might want to offer some tips for us newcomers. If you haven't been but are considering it, here are some useful facts my research has uncovered: 1. IFR Flights will require a special Arrival Reservation to get into the Oshkosh area, e.g. within about 50 nm of Wittman field. VFR flights don't require a reservation but there is a special arrival procedure described in the latest Terminal Area Graphic Notices that must be used. Your local FSS has a copy. More details on the IFR Arrival Reservation scheme may be found in the latest AOPA Newsletter. 2. A nifty little book, "The Oshkosh Fly-In", (TAB Books; can be ordered from Sporty's or Aircraft Components) is full of pictures and some useful hints for first-timers. 3. Motel reservations are impossible to get. Many people book rooms a year in advance. However, you are allowed to camp out under the wing of your plane, or, if you're an EAA member, in a nearby EAA campground. EAA membership applications are available at the convention. I think it's also possible to get rooms in university dormitories, but they may all be booked by now. We're going to bring tents and sleeping bags. 4. The convention runs July 31st through August 7th. In just the first weekend there will arrive more than ten thousand airplanes and about two hundred and fifty thousand people. (The logistics data for this event, e.g. number of portable toilets installed for the occasion, are staggering.) Special themes this year include "Warbirds in Action" (Sunday), "A Tribute to NASA" (Tuesday), "Homebuilt Review" (Thursday) and "The Wonderful World of Ultralights" (Saturday). Aerobatic shows start every afternoon at 4:00. 5. You can get more information from: Experimental Aircraft Association, Inc. Convention Office P.O. Box 2591 Oshkosh, WI 54903 414/233-1460 See you there!