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ATC at Oshkosh, Pt. 2

We continue our inside look at what it takes for ATC to manage traffic in and around Oshkosh during the annual AirVenture.

Great view from the ATC tower at Oshkosh
The main OSH tower oversees the entire operation.
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Oshkosh AirVenture's ATC operates as the "World's Busiest Control Tower," managing high-volume arrivals with dedicated North and South Local teams that visually sequence aircraft, direct "color dot" landings, and frequently handle go-arounds.
  • Departures are coordinated by unique Mobile Ops/Comms Workstations (MOOCOWs) positioned by the runways, where "pink shirt" controllers use visual cues, radio communication, and wands to sequence and launch aircraft efficiently.
  • The entire OSH ATC system is a highly adaptable, non-radar operation emphasizing visual control, teamwork, and real-time communication among controllers to ensure safety amidst extreme traffic volume.
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Last month in Part 1, we talked about the ATC planning for Oshkosh, selection, pre-OSH activities, Fond du Lac, and Fisk. In this Part 2, we’ll talk about ATC roles in the “World’s Busiest Control Tower,” those oddly named MOOCOWS, and a couple other things. We’ll start with the Tower.

OSH Tower

Oshkosh Tower is the well-known landmark for anyone who has been to AirVenture. Starting around 0545 every morning and finishing around 2030, six teams of controllers along with several supervisors and managers are in and out of the tower. We don’t just handle a lot of traffic. There are enough people working that Operation Managers (OM) are required to manage the staff. There are three teams in the morning and three in the afternoon with several other pink shirts passing through.

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