#OSH19

Once again, the Experimental Aircraft Association in July pulled off another great AirVenture fly-in at its home in Oshkosh, Wis. This years event had a little of everything, including torrential rain the Friday evening before Mondays opening day, nighttime air shows and lots of airplanes of every shape, size and purpose. Perhaps because the pre-show rain knocked everyone off-kilter-followed by mid-week heat-the overall event seemed to need more cowbell, but it definitely was worthwhile checking out all the new stuff and checking in with long-time friends.

Editorial Staff

Friday, August 30, 2019 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The EAA AirVenture fly-in at Oshkosh was a successful and diverse event despite initial weather challenges like torrential rain and heat.
The author safely completed personal flights to and from Oshkosh, making crucial in-flight adjustments for fuel reserves and severe weather patterns to maintain aviation safety.
The experience highlighted effective ATC coordination, generally smooth flight conditions, and the significant transportation value of private aircraft, though it also sparked a desire for a faster, air-conditioned plane.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Once again, the Experimental Aircraft Association in July pulled off another great AirVenture fly-in at its home in Oshkosh, Wis. This year’s event had a little of everything, including torrential rain the Friday evening before Monday’s opening day, nighttime air shows and lots of airplanes of every shape, size and purpose. Perhaps because the pre-show rain knocked everyone off-kilter—followed by mid-week heat—the overall event seemed to need more cowbell, but it definitely was worthwhile checking out all the new stuff and checking in with long-time friends.

Like so many others, I flew my Debonair into KOSH, arriving the day before the Notam went into effect, one-stopping it from Florida at 10k and going around the west side of Chicago. I pulled up short of my planned fuel stop after an ATC re-route showed I would have less than my personal minimum of fuel available. Its weather had been going up and down all day, and there was a possibility of having to miss an approach and go somewhere else. I would have been left with less than 20 gallons to find another airport, and that’s just not enough for my thirsty engine.