What day/time to arrive at KOSH?
 

It is that time of year again and I need some help for my first time flying into KOSH. I have read the NOTAM and other material, but I still need some help. What I cannot find is information on when to arrive. I was told to get there a day or two before the show to get a camping spot, but I don’t know what time I should arrive. I know when the show actually starts you can only arrive or leave at certain times, but do those times still apply 24-48 hours before the opening?

It is an 8 hour flight for me and I would like to get a good spot close to the show, so should I arrive late Saturday afternoon or early Sunday morning? Also, what are the time frames for arrivals for the weekend before the show? Thanks in advance.

Flew a Cheyenne into there a few years ago, we showed up first thing in the morning, basically right when the airspace opened(think it was 8CDT). Was smooth and quick, minus the SeaKnight that cut infront of us twice. As far as the evening goes, not familiar there because you'll have a massive exodus of folks that showed up just for the day. Airspace opened around 6pm(this time is flexible due to performances etc..) normally, and a hard time closure of 8pm if I remember right.

Like I said, this was 2 yrs ago, so I have no real solid answers

Just a heads up, not sure if this is true I read it out of one of the many books I have been reading but apparently they land at the same time from both sides of the runway to handle a higher traffic load. Again I am not sure how true this is but I would take some time to try and figure out if there are any non standard procedures going on there and be sure you are familiar. Good luck I can't wait to get out there someday!

Been there once and I was really surprised at what a cluster it is. I understand that you may not be able to accomplish all these things, but this is my advice.

1) Do exactly what you are doing, find out what times are best...barely current rec pilots come here and really are crazy. The less airplanes the better!

2) Try to get someone who has done this before to go with you, if not, sit with someone who has done this many times and get their insight on the whole operation.

3) Try to bring a safety pilot and delegate responsibilities. It felt hectic for me being the pilot flying when I had a safety pilot in the front and one in the back strictly looking for traffic and one in the back making sure I was complying with the NOTAM. Doing it on your own will be tough.

4) When they say prepare for slow flight and s turns...they mean it. If the idiot in front of you cannot hold airspeed you may need to change configurations more than once...so be ready.

5) LISTEN UP. 2 things on this. Make sure that you are absorbing all the radio calls you can and processing them correctly. You really need to know where others are and what the controllers want you to do. Also, the controllers are not perfect. Although they know many types, they may just call you "Blue over white low wing". Just because they say "gold over white Diamond" doesn't mean it not you if you're flying a Cirrus. This is where spotters really help.

6) Don't be sloppy. There are enough other idiots who screw things up as much as they can. Spacing is very important to keep the flow moving. Do your best.

All that said, try to make sure you have fun an soak up the experience...cause, boy, its and experience. G'luck and fly safe.

And stay off the radio transmissions. Except for the warbird arrival, you can get in and out of there without saying a word. The last thing in the world they need is a stuck mic! Unless you're low on fuel (which should never be allowed to happen, arriving at OSH) SHUT UP and rock your wings to acknowledge ATC. Brush up on flying fast or slow and especially tight patterns and putting the airplane right where they tell you on the runway (the "dots" in the NOTAM) Having said all that, remember you are still the pilot in command and a go around at OSH is no disgrace!