OSH veterans: help me choose when to go

digidocs · #1 06-12-2009, 08:19 AM

If you could only spend three days at OSH this year, when would you go?

My father and I are flying up this year, and it will be the first time for both of us. Since we're rookies, I don't really know how best to see the show in three days. It would be a thrill to actually land at OSH, but that is not a strict requirement. Is that even possible if you don't arrive on Saturday/Sunday? Lastly, we're staying in the dorms if that makes a difference.

Thanks for the help!
-DC

breister · #2 06-12-2009, 08:35 AM

First day - see 14,000 airplanes arrive on the same day, and get the Doobie Brothers opening night!

n468ac · #3 06-12-2009, 08:40 AM

If your going to see vendors you need to be early, as they get busy and tired over the week. If you are going to see planes the best days would be wednesday to friday ... it seams to have the most birds in transition.

Fearless · #4 06-12-2009, 08:44 AM

We have been going up the first part of the week the last times we visited. Monday see the Doobies concert this year. Catch the vendors while they are fresh. We sit outside at the Y on Sunday and watch the planes come in in packs.

RV7Ron · #5 06-12-2009, 09:31 AM

I've never come early enough to watch the birds arriving (but would like to one day), but if you cant swing that, watching them leave is pretty cool too. Sat morning is a pretty good day to watch mass exits of planes. Get up ealry, grab a cup of coffee and a chair and watch the parade of planes go by. I will say, if you want to see the homebuilts on display, try and get there before the weekend. As stated above, I notice a lot of them are leaving by saturday morning and sunday is a like a ghost town as most have already left. No matter when you come though, you'll love it...I was floored by my first trip!

67MK Larry · #6 06-12-2009, 09:34 AM

Are you flying a homebuilt, if so parking and camping is not an issue, if spam can, its a crapshoot. I liked going into FonDuLoc for ease, shuttles are reasonable cost and run all day.

Steve · #7 06-12-2009, 10:03 AM

One of these days I'm going to wait until Sunday to return home. That way I won't miss the huge Saturday warbird event (mass formations, bombing runs, etc).

BrentHumphreys · #8 06-12-2009, 10:35 AM

This will be my 4th year, so I am still pretty new. I have gone early twice, and late once.

I was a little suprised last year when we went the last half of the week. A lot of people were leaving the camping area, several of the RV-10's had already left.

In years past I have enjoyed the arrivals on Sunday, and the excitement at the start of the show. It all felt a little stale last year.

gbrasch · #9 06-12-2009, 11:03 AM

Keep in mind that on some years, the airport has closed for new arrivals after the 1st day or 2, then opens back up. You might want to check a more official source than me on how often that happens, so you don't get hung up. This will be my 25th year, and I never get tired of going! Hope this helps. Glenn

teaguy · #10 06-12-2009, 12:06 PM

I actually found this both funny and a little disturbing, funny because everyone left so fast and disturbing because did they know something I didn't

My friend and I flew in from Vancouver BC so we did the whole week, we saw them all arrive and all leave....

July 30 2008 Wednesday morning
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27410215@N06/3620198036/

August 2 2008 Saturday afternoon
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27410215@N06/3620198636/

Mark Mercier
RV-7A C-GQRV
Vancouver BC