How much time to spend at Oshkosh - Airventure?

[NYTOM]

Welcome Mac.
The earlier in the show the better to look at and inspect and talk to RV owner/builders. By Wednesday people start leaving and by Friday there's a lot of empty parking tie-downs. The vendors are there all week and always ready to help till they close at the start of the daily airshow. Go to EAA.org and do some research. Get a map of the site to get familiar with the layout. Airventure can easily overwhelm first time visitors. Also by getting there on opening day the odds of filling up you swag bag are greatly increased. The first "Osh" is always the best. Oh' and the most important advise........Wear comfortable shoes!

[Ron B.]

I found I learned more about what I wanted by listening to other experienced builders ask the vendors questions. They know what to ask , I cannot think of questions to ask unless I'm at home. I also liked casually speaking with other builders but found it hard to be in the right places at the right time. From what I've learned if I had to do it again, I would try and get a camping site in with the RV (campers) of a group of builders, who have build the same model I'm building. The evening campfire social has more advise than anywhere else( my opinion only). This is the atmosphere where things sink in for me.

[jjhoneck]

I've attended OSH for 32 consecutive years, and can tell you without question that four days is not enough.

Of course, if you don't plan your time logically, no amount of time is enough. We have found that in order to see the show it is necessary to carefully plot your course, and stick with it.

For example, Day One might be a general walkthrough. For us, that's just to see what's new. Plan on walking 6+ miles. Wear comfy shoes!

Day Two might be the four big buildings. A quick walk through will take half a day, and then you can go back to what interests you.

And so on. Even if it's your primary mission, don't just plan on visiting the RV areas -- that's probably <10% of the convention.

We always go for the full week, and never feel like we've seen everything!

[60av8tor]

Last year was my first year attending and flying into OSH. I flew up from Georgia Friday afternoon and stayed at 63C Adams County - great little FBO. They let me spend the night on their pullout couch in the FBO, had a shower, etc. (I was expecting to camp). I then left very early to arrive as the field was opening. I did so because it was my first time flying in and I didn't want to do the arrival when busy. It worked out great. Spent the week in HBC and had an incredible time!

I was getting ready to begin my build, so I attended a lot of workshops/forums, but also saw much of the grounds, and all of the vendors. I left Friday AM and felt like I had plenty of time, so I think 4 days would be sufficient. I say this assuming that you are in half-decent shape and are able to walk quickly and far! The best part was early morning coffee in the HBC tent, meeting and talking to all the great folks with your same addiction. It truly was an awesome experience, and I'm very excited for this summer. Hopefully I will see some of the same folks again this year.

[Pmerems]

I stay the Oshkosh Christian School. Met several Ausies there. Do a search on the forum or go to the Airventure website to find out more.

[diamond]

Does anyone know what the policy is about taking in and using electric scooters or Segways at OSH?

[rleffler]

Originally Posted by diamond

Does anyone know what the policy is about taking in and using electric scooters or Segways at OSH?

Electric chair scooters are allowed and are available for rent.

Scooters (two wheel kind) and segways aren't allowed on the show grounds,but can be used in camp Scholler.

[videobobk]

Ideally, for your first time you should go with someone experienced. Just getting "the lay of the land" takes a while. Figuring out the trams will save you a lot of time. Never walk when you can ride! But the biggest thing IMHO is good planning. You can download the list of vendors, and where they are located. Buildings A, B, C, and D are booths 1XXX, 2XXX, etc. Plan where you want to spend time and make a list of vender booth numbers. Also, download the list of forums. Attend those that interest you, don't just walk until you have to have a place to sit down.

Plan on half a day at the museum--it is worth it. Set aside some time for your other interests; seaplanes, warbirds, etc. While shopping for the project is important, seeing the other things will give you a more well-rounded experience. I am a fan of camping, but it isn't for everyone. While I rarely spend time just watching airshows, you might want to.

In case you haven't done it, go to Google Earth and look at the show layout (it was taken on Monday, 2011.) You will never see it all.

So, four days is possible, but not really enough. I used to do that, and always came home exhausted. The more time you spend, the easier it will be. Remember, if you walk PAST the rows of airplanes, it is about eight miles. If you walk DOWN the rows...

Bob

[PIN 37]

This will be the year of my first visit to Osh. Me and a mate of mine are planning on the whole week except for the last day when we head off to the Smithsonian. After all I have heard and seen about this amazing show, I can hardly wait.
Went and bought a pair of comfy shoes, just for this trip, yesterday.

[Kalgoorlie Air BP]

Thanks you all so much for your replies. My girlfriend and I have decided that we will be renting a motorhome and will be staying at Camp Scholler. If there are any RV'ists, particularly those with RV10's that would like to adopt an Australian for the week please make yourself known. It would be great to meet up with you guys.
Thanks
Mac