Preparing for Oshkosh 2017?

I won't repeat stuff above. All sorts of useful stuff. But I'll say this: Don't get TOO hung up on the "spot" landing aspect of the dots. Yes. You're supposed to land on the dot. But every landing accident I've seen so far was someone pushing the nose down to try to force an airplane onto the ground right at the dot.

The dots are there so they can use one runway like two. You're either landing at the dot about halfway down, or you're landing at the one near the threshold. Don't get ridiculous and force the airplane to slam on, nosewheel first, or worse, totally out of control in a taildragger just to be right on the silly dot.

The point of the dots is two of you are landing on the same runway. If you miss by 25-50' the world isn't coming to an end.

Don't overrun the poor guy or gal halfway down the runway ahead of you if you're told to land near the threshold, and be prepared to fly "all the way down there" to the far away dot from a low approach. If near the threshold don't be surprised if an airplane goes directly over you headed for the far dot while you're rolling out and turning off into the grass.

Oh yeah, and get off. Into the grass. Today. Like now.

Be safe... have fun... don't dive for the dots. Just land.
 
Matthew K said:
For those of you that have gone before, or are planning to go, what would you suggest I bring(and any other advice)?
Click to expand...

Lots of great replies already. Here's my list from my trip last year...

For Your Aircraft
  • Do you need an oil change before your trip?
  • Do you need to extend your GPS navdata coverage?
  • Does your GPS navdata expire during your trip? Bring your data card programmer! The Jepp tent at the show can re-flash if you forget it though.
  • Tie-downs... get some good ones. Stormforce, the Claw, or make your own.
  • Some people like to bring some plywood squares or other material to park their planes so the wheels don't sink into the mud.
Planning Your Stay
  • EAA has a mobile app and website where you can plan your schedule.
  • Make sure you have your signs for arrival and departure. Read the NOTAM!
  • Bring a shopping list. The expo halls sometimes have good deals.
  • Join your type club and websites/forums for avionics manufacturers... you can sometimes score free meals (almost always Wisconsin brats). For example, last year, Avidyne had an event for existing and potential customers. Textron sponsored a dinner for Cessnas2Oshkosh and Bonzanzas2Oshkosh.
Things to Pack
  • Camping gear: Tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, pillows, tent stakes, paracord, headlamps, batteries for headlamps, paper towels, trash bags
  • Cooler (volunteers canvass the campsites and deliver ice if you need it)
  • Hammer (for tie downs and tent stakes)
  • Folding chairs
  • Transceiver (for listening to the chaos while sipping beer in your folding chair)
  • Binoculars
  • Clothesline and clothespins. Some people dry their towels on the prop, but you need something to hold it.
  • Rain stuff: umbrella, rain jacket (it will pour at least once)
  • Sun stuff: sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
  • Bathroom stuff: toiletries, footwear for the showers, towel
  • Device chargers. There are some outlets near the showers. You might want to charge a battery instead of leaving your phone there. Some people use solar chargers.
  • Bug repellent (mosquitos can be vicious)
  • beer
Flight Planning
  • Fill up with fuel and stop for a bathroom break. You might be holding a while.
  • Make sure you have an out -- the field might close.
  • Consider flying with one of the organized flights like Cessnas2Oshkosh, Bonanzas2Oshkosh, Cherokees2Oshkosh, or the Mooney Caravan. They usually arrive on Saturday.
  • Some FBOs enroute may offer "Oshkosh discounts". Ask when you fill up or google for them ahead of time.
 
There's a Target immediately north of the fence of the E-W runway area, aka the North 40. If you're weight limited, bring only those items that can't be replaced or are specific to you, then buy what you need at Target, such as towels, folding chairs, small cooler, etc. When done, donate the usable items at the Goodwill in the same strip mall as Target. There's also a grocery store in that same strip mall.

What everyone forgets - medication. If you take any precription meds, get your Doc to write you a script and stash in your wallet. If you need a refill for whatever reason, there's Target. There's also a Walgreens a bit further north on the highway.

Also bring a backpack. You'll want water, munchies, raingear, etc during the day on the grounds.
 
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