Marginal VFR conditions and constantly changing forecasts on Saturday had mass arrival lead pilots scratching their heads as they tried to make a decision whether to bring dozens of airplanes toward Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for the annual migration to the EAA AirVenture fly-in. The Cherokee group (Cherokees to Oshkosh – CtO), which consists of mostly PA-28 and PA-32 airplanes, successfully arrived as planned on Saturday morning when the weather north of Oshkosh was nice. CtO gathered at the Waupaca Municipal Airport (PCZ), about 30 nm northwest of Oshkosh.
Weather Wreaks Havoc on Oshkosh Mass Arrivals
Key Takeaways:
- Mass arrival groups for EAA AirVenture faced significant challenges on Saturday due to rapidly changing weather, fluctuating between marginal VFR and sudden IFR conditions.
- The Cherokees and Cessnas successfully arrived on Saturday, leveraging specific weather windows or navigating marginal conditions.
- The Bonanza group, a record 149 airplanes, encountered unexpected IFR conditions directly over Oshkosh, forcing them to scatter and land at nearby airports before arriving later in smaller elements.
- The Mooney Caravan, also a record 65 planes, had to scrub their Saturday arrival due to low ceilings at their departure point and deteriorating weather in Oshkosh, rescheduling their flight for Sunday.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
