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Flying to Oshkosh in Your Ideal Aircraft, or Not

Like any long cross country, a flight to Oshkosh can be complicated by weather and timing.

Like any long cross country, a flight to Oshkosh can be complicated by weather and timing. [Credit: Shutterstock]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot's anticipated "rite of passage" flight to Oshkosh faced rapidly deteriorating weather, including towering cumulus clouds and lightning, prompting an initial attempt to push through adverse conditions.
  • Recognizing a personal tendency to prioritize the destination over safety, and recalling a past dangerous decision, the author made the critical choice to abandon the mission and land safely.
  • The experience served as a strong reminder for the pilot to prioritize proactive risk mitigation, heed weather warnings earlier, and overcome personal stubbornness in future aviation endeavors.
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Oshkosh is a dream destination for many pilots, including yours truly, and flying to the big show in one’s own airplane is considered a rite of passage. As with other missions, though, especially long, complicated ones, we have to weigh the importance of getting there against the need to fly safely and smartly.

While nearly all of us have received “the talk” regarding risk mitigation, we do not necessarily apply that wisdom as readily as we should. I was on my way to Oshkosh last week when I came to terms with my tendency to push ahead when the conditions are clearly telling me to end the endeavor.

Jonathan Welsh

Jonathan Welsh is Lead Editor of Aviation Consumer and a private pilot who worked as a reporter, editor and columnist with the Wall Street Journal for 21 years, mostly covering the auto industry. His passion for aviation began in childhood with balsa-wood gliders his aunt would buy for him at the corner store. Follow Jonathan on Twitter @JonathanWelsh4

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