Neck of the Funnel

Isabel Goyer

Friday, July 29, 2011 at 01:53 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Oshkosh departures are simpler than arrivals because air traffic control (ATC) has more control over takeoff timing, allowing aircraft to disperse naturally and quickly, minimizing collision risk.
Arrival procedures are complex due to the high volume of aircraft funneled into a concentrated area, where ATC has less immediate control over inbound pilots, necessitating reduced separation standards.
For departures, aircraft quickly disperse like a "reverse funnel," with the primary concern being separation from arriving traffic, prompting pilots to climb above inbound routes.

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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.