Oshkosh Preparation

scard · #1 07-19-2009, 03:24 PM

Of course we're all preparing for Oshkosh and polishing our flight skills right? Today, 22C got a full wash down and partial detail. Ugh, now I remember why we only do that a few times per year.

We've also been spending a whole lot of time sharpening our flight skills (both pilots) throughout the last couple of weeks. Today we did 13 very short and slow approaches in a row with a direct crosswind. That was good practice. We kept changing things up just a little to try to cover a breadth of different situations (high, fast, slow, left, right, etc.). But all with an extremely tight base. In other recent flights, we've gone out and beat slow flight to death. Very slow flight straight, in shallow and steep turns, climbing, descending, and most importantly, with more aft CG than usual (baggage). In addition to that, we've both polished our night landings and instrument approach mojo in the last week. The only phase of flight that we haven't recently exercised and explored some of the boundaries of the envelope of, is straight and level cruise. I think at least these two pilots are ready. Are you?

We have both committed the majority of the arrival and departure notam to memory. The tiedown stakes have been put in the ground just to be sure all equipment and tools for insertion and removal are accounted for. Current VFR and IFR charts are in hand. The strategic packing has begun and there are Oshkosh lists of one kind or another all around the house.

Now we just need for the weather to cooperate and we'll see you over RIPON 7am Monday morning at 1800' and 90kts IAS. The day before (Sunday), we're flying to Waukesha, WI to stay for the night. It should be fun. We depart on Thursday headed to Flying Cloud, MN (Minneapolis) for a couple of days before heading back to Austin on Saturday. That is the plan, but we drive this thing that we built in the garage that affords changes to a plan at a whem. Lets see, who's doorstep could we show up on unannounced...

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TSwezey · #2 07-19-2009, 03:41 PM

Did you do any of this training in a crowded class C or D airfield? The controllers and lots of traffic really add to the realism.

scard · #3 07-19-2009, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSwezey

Did you do any of this training in a crowded class C or D airfield? The controllers and lots of traffic really add to the realism.

Class D. Tomahawks, Warriors, Super Cub, King Airs, TBMs, Citations, and of course the requisite Cessnabombers (just today). Yep, we're rarely the only one in the pattern at our home at Georgetown. You are very right, I wouldn't feel prepared if I had spent the majority of my recent experience as the lone aviator in a corn field somewhere.

LifeofReiley · #4 07-19-2009, 04:23 PM

Whom ever is piloting... I will not be there this year to leave any FOD in your way...

TSwezey · #5 07-19-2009, 04:49 PM

Go arounds?

Geico266 · #6 07-19-2009, 07:52 PM

Scott, nice to see you guys taking the arrival at OSH seriously. While it is usually a non event, the "practise makes perfect" thinking will serve you well.

One more piece of advice. Never do anything at OSh that you have not done in the last 2 months. What I mean is no new manuavers at slow speeds. Even of the tower asks you to do something, that is not the time to try something new. I am reminded of a brand new red RV-? flying into OSH just after the 40 hour fly off. Low time RV driver, loaded to the hilt, and carrying his wife (I believe). Got too slow and was in a stall and (didn't even seem to know it) trying to hit one of the dots. Killed them both on runway 27. What I'm trying to say is stick to the basics and fly the airplane.

I hate it when I sould like Mr. know it all, I really do. I just don't want anyone to get hurt so this is a great thread to pound on the basics of airmanship.

What I like most of all in your post is you READ THE NOTAM!

More than once!

Please read
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Sticky1 · #7 07-20-2009, 11:40 AM

Can someone read to me.........

TSwezey · #8 07-20-2009, 03:33 PM

There is a Notam?

Geico266 · #9 07-20-2009, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSwezey

There is a Notam?

And the rumor this year is if you don't have the current OSH NOTAM in the plane with you (It is required to have a printed copy, see page #1) there is a $250 on the spot fine. If you refuse to pay it the FAA will violate you and then you get to pay $1,100 for not having it, and $1,100 for each further violation they find.

scard · #10 07-20-2009, 06:53 PM

Maybe my intent wasn't heard. There are so many of us that are headed to the same place, and so many of us that think safety is very important, but given statistics, there must be something more we can do to change those statistics. Or maybe just be prepared to argue how you've done everything possible to not make a hole in the runway that we all have to mourn and attempt to explain for the next year. Actually, I'm just as concerned about the guy that has been there, done that for the last n number of years as those such as myself where this will be a first. I'm here to light the fire today. Perk up and DO something, as this isn't a normal operation. There are still a few days left. I don't care who you are. We each have direct control over our own situation. I've told you what I'm doing to try to maybe do something "different". What are you doing at this time to try to make for a safer entrance and exit to Oshkosh? Maybe I'll learn something from your safety preparations that will make my arrival, and as a direct result yours, more successful.