Best place for runup at OSH

[Kokemiller]

Where do you do your runup at OSH? I have found that there is no good place to do it because so many planes around you. I have done a rolling runup if I have a big enough gap between me and any one behind me but don't care to do that as I can't give enough attention to both taxiing and the runup. Sometimes the controllers position and hold (or now line up and wait) on the departing runway but clear you in a matter of seconds. Not enough time for me to get through my SHIFTS list and runup without interuption. Just curious what others do.

 

[Kyle Boatright]

I do a simple mag check at 1200 rpm or so as I'm taxiing in the grass. I check controls free and clear before I start the engine. I'm ok with that runup. Even better if spacing allows a 1500 rpm runup on the taxiway.

 

[RV6_flyer]

Where do you do your runup at OSH? I have found that there is no good place to do it because so many planes around you. I have done a rolling runup if I have a big enough gap between me and any one behind me but don't care to do that as I can't give enough attention to both taxiing and the runup. Sometimes the controllers position and hold (or now line up and wait) on the departing runway but clear you in a matter of seconds. Not enough time for me to get through my SHIFTS list and runup without interuption. Just curious what others do.

I do a sorta rolling run-up. When stopped, turn apx 15 degrees tail away from taxiway and do run-up. The guy behind just has to wait till I finish. May not do all preflight checks at first stop but I try to. Yes a 75' gap may develope but I am ready to fly when I reach #1 for takeoff.

 

[scard]

I do very similar to Gary. No matter what, we make sure we have done everything we need to do to be ready to fly before taking flight! Although, when you're waiting for 45min for an IFR release at OSH, you have lots of time for a full run-up.

 

[DanH]

I've done S&F a lot more than OSH, but it seems to be the same at all the big shows.

See how much of your checklist and avionics setup can be completed in your parking space just by turning on the masters (flaps, trim, altimeter, frequencies, GPS waypoints, fuel selector, etc). Your goal is to get down to not much more than "canopy locked, all knobs forward, transponder off" when you arrive at the runway. You know, stuff you can truly do on the roll.

After start put your attention on your rolling taxi escort and nothing else. Runup can wait until you are released onto a main taxiway away from parked airplanes and pedestrians.

I don't think true rolling runups are a good idea. Somebody will run over the guy in front of them, only question being how often it will happen. Instead try to anticipate the stops and starts as the controllers position and release. When you're 5, 10, maybe even 15 from the front, kick it sideways like Gary said, stop, then get a quick mag check. At the next pause do it again and cycle the prop or check the carb heat if you feel the need.

Worried about holding up the line? Well, if you anticipate the usual stop and go you're unlikely to slow anything. Second, consider how inconvenient it will be for everyone if you prop chop the guy in front, or crash on takeoff, or otherwise cause an operations shutdown. Take the time to do it right.

 

[Kokemiller]

I'm not too worried aboout holding up the line, just apologizing in advance if I do because I'm going to make sure myself and my plane are ready for takeoff. Just wanting to get input from others on how they do it because in all honesty I don't see or hear a whole lot of planes doing run ups. Not saying they aren't, just want to when and where.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[Ironflight]

Doing quick Mag Checks is something that you can practice before you even get to Oshkosh. It shouldn't take you more than five seconds to get up to RPM, check both mags, and idle back down. Add a few more seconds for a prop cycle. I see many folks that sit in the run-up pad at high RPM for a minute or more - all that does is make noise and generate heat. Learn to be efficient - complete, but efficient. Dan hit the nail on the head - you can do MOST of your cockpit set-up before engine start, and much of the rest before you taxi. These aren't 747's....the mandatory checklist items are few. But DO get them done so that you're not scrambling for something on the take-off roll.