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Neck of the Funnel

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Oshkosh arrival procedures are complex due to the high density of converging aircraft (a "funnel" effect) and less ATC control over incoming pilots, making collision risk higher.
  • Departure procedures are simpler because aircraft naturally disperse quickly (a "reverse funnel"), and ATC has more control over takeoff timing to ensure separation.
  • The primary concern during departure is avoiding arriving aircraft, addressed by NOTAM guidance to climb above their altitude before turning out of the area.
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Have you ever wondered why the departure procedures from Oshkosh and its surrounding airports are so brief compared to the complex arrival procedures that govern airplanes heading into the show. It’s an easy explanation.

Think of airplanes as being water flowing to Oshkosh and of Oshkosh as being a big puddle of airplanes located directly beneath that funnel. Air traffic control is concerned primarily with airplanes not running into each other. At Oshkosh, they’re not even particularly concerned about them not getting too close–the air show has reduced separation standards or else all those airplanes would never be able to make it in.

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