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KOSH PIREP…Smoke?

Anyone coming from the South-East I wouldn't even think of transitioning Chicago up the lake shore VFR. It's been IFR or LIFR here all day.
 
RNB said:
How is the breathing on the ground? AQI >300 according to grok, at some point that is a bigger issue
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Rummaged around the camper and found some a partial box of N-95 masks from COVID days, and decided to wear one. Don't like it one bit, just like I didn't like it 5 years ago, but this time -- it is possible to actually see and smell what is trying to get deep into the lungs. News media warnings here are cautioning about the smaller particles and potential adverse health effects. I had some fresh masks in a box, stashed deep in the camper. Have been giving to camp Scholler acquaintances, if they want one. Hopefully, it will clear up soon.
 
Any concerns about airplane air filter or injector issues? Wildlife smoke particles are typically in the 0.4-0.7 micron range (according to Google). That is pretty small.
 
I live about 60 miles north and it's been 2 miles or less viz for the last day and a half. Pretty miserable. Supposed to rain tomorrow or saturday and knock it down.

Last year we had similar smoke but a little over 3 miles viz. I had to fly for some reason and it was not fun. Even though it was technically vfr I ended up shooting the approach back into my own airport. As soon as I got more than 1000' agl the ground went away and it was for all intents and purposes IFR.
 
I’ve heard these conditions referred to as: V VFR. Virtual VFR. Reporting says VFR, but once airborne, it’s questionable, or perhaps Virtual. It’s VFR, but it’s not VFR. Head on a swivel…
 
coffeeguy said:
Bob, Is that tailwagger amber ok for the nosewheel flyers to drink? Maybe I should look for a bottle on Sunday at the HBP beer bash.
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It'll be there & available for nourishment (especially if my buddy who's flying my "out of state" six pack contribution can't get in past the smoke - he's AOG KRYV awaiting VFR).
Note to all... gate "guards" are on steroids this year.
They almost didn't let me thru to HBC to deliver aforementioned buddys electric scooter (ADA) - he needs it when he arrives.
 
I launched out of western Nevada at 0600 this morning - clear smooth sailing at 191 KTAS with no appreciable wind and clear skies at 15.5K all the way to southern Minnesota (one fuel stop in eastern Wyoming)….watching Oshkosh weather all the way. I called it before Sioux Falls, turned left, and went to Wadena (MN) where I had a very surprised sister who thought I’d be stopping by AFTER Oshkosh! Forecast for tomorrow makes later in the afternoon look like a possible option, but we’ll see. Sister number 2 in the Twin Cities better get the spare bedroom ready just in case! (Even though Myst is IFR equipped/capable, she is not yet checked out for cloud flying…..)

Paul
 
Ive been using the windy.com air quality forecast. Looks like friday afternoon into before lunch saturday is going to be the best weekend window. Sunday looks terrible but Monday looks good.
 
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Great looking forecast (see those temps next week!) ... currently breeze is southerly... might even clear smoke 🤞
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be carefull if coming through Chicago today. Currently 3/4 mi. Wind shift will blow it out this afternoon, but comes with TS as well.
 
We are on the ground at dodge county because Osh arrival is ifr. Visibility coming up from Atlanta this morning wasn’t bad -probably 3 miles worst actual. We were at4500’ from Danville Il to here. Lots of ATIS were calling it lower, but it wasn’t bad at all, IMO.
 
Kyle Boatright said:
We are on the ground at dodge county because Osh arrival is ifr. Visibility coming up from Atlanta this morning wasn’t bad -probably 3 miles worst actual. We were at4500’ from Danville Il to here. Lots of ATIS were calling it lower, but it wasn’t bad at all, IMO.
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In Chicago they were calling it under a mile, but if you look up, it is clear blue sky. Something must be holding the smoke down at the surface.
 
Looks like Paul RON’d at Wadena, Mn (ADC) and made a 1.5 hr flight to Viroqua, Wi (Y51) this morning. I’m guessing he’s waiting on the viz to improve, or the traffic on the FISKE arrival to lessen, or perhaps to make sure the cameras at OSH are ready for his arrival! 🤓
P.S. Just checked the KOSH METAR…Viz 2-1/2 sm with Haze! But clearing skies expected in the pm.
 
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This is also a good source of information.

fire.airnow.gov

AirNow Fire and Smoke Map

This map shows fine particle pollution (PM2.5) from wildfires and other sources. It provides a public resource of information to best prepare and manage wildfire season. Developed in a joint partnership between the EPA and USFS.
fire.airnow.gov fire.airnow.gov
 
We did the Portage bridge to Fisk thing twice, got turned around twice because of people passing and cutting in front of us when we were a mile or so in trail (Fisk was asking for 2 miles in trail l). Got cut off/passed by 3 rv’s, two navions, a Cessna and an Aa1 tail dragger.

Landed at WisconsinDells for fuel and rest.
 
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wsquare said:
I’ve heard these conditions referred to as: V VFR. Virtual VFR. Reporting says VFR, but once airborne, it’s questionable, or perhaps Virtual. It’s VFR, but it’s not VFR. Head on a swivel…
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In 2024 flew back to Colorado in the smoke. 8500msl technically vfr. No horizon and 95degrees. 4 out of 6 hours holding heading and altitude ( no auto pilot) that was going to be my last time flying to OSH but guess what..launching early Sunday! 🫣
 
Kyle Boatright said:
We did the Portage bridge to Fisk thing twice, got turned around twice because of people passing and cutting in front of us when we were a mile or so in trail (Fisk was asking for 2 miles in trail l). Got cut off/passed by 3 rv’s, two navions, a Cessna and an Aa1 tail dragger.

Landed at WisconsinDells for fuel and rest.
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What the heck is with the 2 mile in trail, that's insane!
Recipe for disaster.
Pretty sure notam says 1/2 mile.
Someone needs to wake up the guys in the tower.
 
Walt said:
What the heck is with the 2 mile in trail, that's insane!
Recipe for disaster.
Pretty sure notam says 1/2 mile.
Someone needs to wake up the guys in the tower.
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They had pushed it to 2 miles because of visibility from the tower. Probably created more risk than leaving it at a half mile.
 
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