Practice for OSH Arrival NOW, please!

[Jay Honeck]

Every year some people decide to fly into the world's busiest airspace
with little or no pre-flight preparation. Last year (2006) was the
worst I've seen, mostly due to an accident that closed the field and
caused a HUGE traffic jam in the holds around the lakes -- but also
because a surprising number of pilots simply didn't know what the hell
they were doing, because they had not read the Oshkosh Arrival
Procedure NOTAM.

This is, quite frankly, nuts. Even after flying in many times, Mary
and I take the FISK arrival procedure deadly seriously, since it
presents risks and techniques that we rarely (if ever) use outside of
OSH.

Thus, we just returned from an hour's flight devoted entirely to
simulating the FISK arrival procedure into OSH. The flight from Iowa
City to Muscatine takes about 25 minutes, at 90 knots and 1800 feet
MSL -- pretty similar to the trip from Ripon to OSH.

During this flight I experimented with various prop/throttle/flap
configurations, until I found the one that allowed me to nail the
speed and altitude without raising the nose too high to see. (One
notch of flaps in our Pathfinder keeps things right where they need to
be.)

Once over MUT I executed an EXTREMELY tight pattern to a spot landing
on the 1000-foot marker, simulating a landing on the green (or orange)
dot at OSH.

Satisfied that I had "passed the test", we enjoyed a terrific dinner
at "The Good Earth" (just down the street from the FBO), whereupon we
returned to the plane and Mary performed the same flight back to Iowa
City. (Her reward for a perfectly executed OSH simulation was an ice-
cold beer... :-)

Please, please, PLEASE -- if you're going to OSH this year, go out and
PRACTICE SLOW FLIGHT. I can't tell you how exciting it is to get in
line with folks who can't fly a steady 90 knots, and can't hold
altitude -- don't let it be you!

Last year, with the massive holds around Green and Rush lakes, we were
in line-ABREAST formation with dozens of dissimilar aircraft, most
being flown competently but some being flown by ham-fisted pilots who
simply could not perform as required. It was extraordinarily hair-
raising, but (of course) it all worked out in the end.

But it could have gone very differently. Don't be the guy that causes
the headaches! Here is the NOTAM:
http://www.airventure.org/2007/flying/notam07.pdf

Read it, understand it, practice it -- and then re-read it. Have the
person in the right seat read it aloud to you as you approach
RIPON.

If you have any questions, or don't understand something, or forget
something -- LAND YOUR PLANE SOMEWHERE ELSE AND SORT IT OUT. Do NOT
try to land at OSH without knowing the contents of the NOTAM, or you
will put yourself and others at risk.

Finally, plan on stopping in Iowa City for our Fly-In Pool Party on
Saturday, July 21st (see: http://alexisparkinn.com/iowa_city_pool_party.htm
)
and you'll be able to chew the fat with a few of us who have done it
many times before. Then, if you're still around Sunday morning (July
22nd), join us for a loose gaggle flight into OSH. It's fun,
educational, and we'll all end up parked fairly close together in the
North 40!

See you guys and gals soon...
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Morgans[_2_]]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote

> Every year some people decide to fly into the world's busiest airspace
> with little or no pre-flight preparation. Last year (2006) was the
> worst I've seen, mostly due to an accident that closed the field and
> caused a HUGE traffic jam in the holds around the lakes -- but also
> because a surprising number of pilots simply didn't know what the hell
> they were doing, because they had not read the Oshkosh Arrival
> Procedure NOTAM.

>
> Once over MUT I executed an EXTREMELY tight pattern to a spot landing
> on the 1000-foot marker, simulating a landing on the green (or orange)
> dot at OSH.

Don't forget to practice flying down the runway at 20 feet, simulating being
told to not touchdown, and fly down to the next colored dot.

Hey, I might have just gotten a ride in a 172 for OSH this year. I may make it,
after all!
--
Jim in NC

[Jay Honeck]

> Hey, I might have just gotten a ride in a 172 for OSH this year. I may make it,
> after all!

Sweet! We'll keep an extra one cold for ya!

:-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[A Guy Called Tyketto]

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Hash: SHA1

Jay Honeck > wrote:
>
<snip>

> Please, please, PLEASE -- if you're going to OSH this year, go out and
> PRACTICE SLOW FLIGHT. I can't tell you how exciting it is to get in
> line with folks who can't fly a steady 90 knots, and can't hold
> altitude -- don't let it be you!
>

<more snippage>
>
> But it could have gone very differently. Don't be the guy that causes
> the headaches! Here is the NOTAM:
> http://www.airventure.org/2007/flying/notam07.pdf
>
> Read it, understand it, practice it -- and then re-read it. Have the
> person in the right seat read it aloud to you as you approach
> RIPON.
>
> If you have any questions, or don't understand something, or forget
> something -- LAND YOUR PLANE SOMEWHERE ELSE AND SORT IT OUT. Do NOT
> try to land at OSH without knowing the contents of the NOTAM, or you
> will put yourself and others at risk.
>
> Finally, plan on stopping in Iowa City for our Fly-In Pool Party on
> Saturday, July 21st (see: http://alexisparkinn.com/iowa_city_pool_party.htm
> )
> and you'll be able to chew the fat with a few of us who have done it
> many times before. Then, if you're still around Sunday morning (July
> 22nd), join us for a loose gaggle flight into OSH. It's fun,
> educational, and we'll all end up parked fairly close together in the
> North 40!

Very good post and advice, Jay, and a suggestion if you're up
to it.

If people do stop on their way there (which I'm pretty sure
they will) and they haven't had the chance to practice this or is
their first time, could you try loading up the Kiwi with dense traffic
and have them practice it there? While not an absolute true
representation of traffic levels, it would give them a good idea of
what to expect.

Just a thought...

BL.
- --
Brad Littlejohn | Email:
Unix Systems Administrator, |
Web + NewsMaster, BOFH.. Smeghead! :) | http://www.wizard.com/~tyketto
PGP: 1024D/E319F0BF 6980 AAD6 7329 E9E6 D569 F620 C819 199A E319 F0BF

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[Jack Allison]

Good reminder Jay and I did most of this tonight with some solo air
work. Did the 90 kts/constant altitude bit with gear down and one notch
of flaps. Also practiced slow flight and just for grins, flying around
with the stall light on or blinking on/off. Did some stalls too since I
haven't done them in some time.

Printed the NOTAM about a month ago and will review (again) before
leaving and again from the comforts of the OSH suite at your fine facility.

8 days until we launch East.

[Jim Burns[_2_]]

I practiced last Sunday in unbearable 98 degree temps and off the scale
humidity levels....

Thank God the AC worked... lemme see if I still have it down...
Left out of the driveway, south on Co A, left on Hwy 73, merge with 21,
right on 41...
Yep got it! :)

Jim



"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> Every year some people decide to fly into the world's busiest airspace
> with little or no pre-flight preparation. Last year (2006) was the
> worst I've seen, mostly due to an accident that closed the field and
> caused a HUGE traffic jam in the holds around the lakes -- but also
> because a surprising number of pilots simply didn't know what the hell
> they were doing, because they had not read the Oshkosh Arrival
> Procedure NOTAM.
>
> This is, quite frankly, nuts. Even after flying in many times, Mary
> and I take the FISK arrival procedure deadly seriously, since it
> presents risks and techniques that we rarely (if ever) use outside of
> OSH.
>
> Thus, we just returned from an hour's flight devoted entirely to
> simulating the FISK arrival procedure into OSH. The flight from Iowa
> City to Muscatine takes about 25 minutes, at 90 knots and 1800 feet
> MSL -- pretty similar to the trip from Ripon to OSH.
>
> During this flight I experimented with various prop/throttle/flap
> configurations, until I found the one that allowed me to nail the
> speed and altitude without raising the nose too high to see. (One
> notch of flaps in our Pathfinder keeps things right where they need to
> be.)
>
> Once over MUT I executed an EXTREMELY tight pattern to a spot landing
> on the 1000-foot marker, simulating a landing on the green (or orange)
> dot at OSH.
>
> Satisfied that I had "passed the test", we enjoyed a terrific dinner
> at "The Good Earth" (just down the street from the FBO), whereupon we
> returned to the plane and Mary performed the same flight back to Iowa
> City. (Her reward for a perfectly executed OSH simulation was an ice-
> cold beer... :-)
>
> Please, please, PLEASE -- if you're going to OSH this year, go out and
> PRACTICE SLOW FLIGHT. I can't tell you how exciting it is to get in
> line with folks who can't fly a steady 90 knots, and can't hold
> altitude -- don't let it be you!
>
> Last year, with the massive holds around Green and Rush lakes, we were
> in line-ABREAST formation with dozens of dissimilar aircraft, most
> being flown competently but some being flown by ham-fisted pilots who
> simply could not perform as required. It was extraordinarily hair-
> raising, but (of course) it all worked out in the end.
>
> But it could have gone very differently. Don't be the guy that causes
> the headaches! Here is the NOTAM:
> http://www.airventure.org/2007/flying/notam07.pdf
>
> Read it, understand it, practice it -- and then re-read it. Have the
> person in the right seat read it aloud to you as you approach
> RIPON.
>
> If you have any questions, or don't understand something, or forget
> something -- LAND YOUR PLANE SOMEWHERE ELSE AND SORT IT OUT. Do NOT
> try to land at OSH without knowing the contents of the NOTAM, or you
> will put yourself and others at risk.
>
> Finally, plan on stopping in Iowa City for our Fly-In Pool Party on
> Saturday, July 21st (see:
http://alexisparkinn.com/iowa_city_pool_party.htm
> )
> and you'll be able to chew the fat with a few of us who have done it
> many times before. Then, if you're still around Sunday morning (July
> 22nd), join us for a loose gaggle flight into OSH. It's fun,
> educational, and we'll all end up parked fairly close together in the
> North 40!
>
> See you guys and gals soon...
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"
>

[Jay Honeck]

> If people do stop on their way there (which I'm pretty sure
> they will) and they haven't had the chance to practice this or is
> their first time, could you try loading up the Kiwi with dense traffic
> and have them practice it there? While not an absolute true
> representation of traffic levels, it would give them a good idea of
> what to expect.

Good idea. We've only started to play with settings in MS Flight Sim
X (the newest version), but I'll bet there's a way to do that.

Thanks!
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Honeck]

> I practiced last Sunday in unbearable 98 degree temps and off the scale
> humidity levels....
>
> Thank God the AC worked... lemme see if I still have it down...
> Left out of the driveway, south on Co A, left on Hwy 73, merge with 21,
> right on 41...
> Yep got it! :)

Ha! The only good thing is that your SUV carries a LOT of beer and
ice!

Speaking of driving, I wonder when Jim & Gail are departing the Left
Coast? Jim?
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[john smith]

Jay Honeck wrote:
> Good idea. We've only started to play with settings in MS Flight Sim
> X (the newest version), but I'll bet there's a way to do that.

So movie night this week will be the RIPON ARRIVAL challenge in the KIWI?

[Paul Tomblin]

In a previous article, Jay Honeck > said:
>speed and altitude without raising the nose too high to see. (One
>notch of flaps in our Pathfinder keeps things right where they need to
>be.)

Funny you should mention that, but last weekend I was in the scenic
pattern at Niagara Falls and there were two Cessnas there as well. To
make sure I didn't run them down or lose sight of them, I also had to slow
the Lance right down to 90 knots and I discovered 1 notch of flaps lowers
the nose enough to see planes at my altitude.

Unfortunately being at 90 knots means I can't do the extreme cross control
maneuvers I often do to get the wing down so my passengers can see, so I
ended up flying a bit wider than the depicted track.


--
Paul Tomblin > http://blog.xcski.com/
It could have been raining flaming bulldozers, and those idiots would have
been standing out there smoking, going 'hey, look at that John Deere burn!'
-- Texan AMD security guard

[B A R R Y[_2_]]

john smith wrote:
> Jay Honeck wrote:
>> Good idea. We've only started to play with settings in MS Flight Sim
>> X (the newest version), but I'll bet there's a way to do that.
>
> So movie night this week will be the RIPON ARRIVAL challenge in the KIWI?


Does someone get to sit next to the KIWI and read the NOTAM to certain
pilots over a simulated radio? <G>

[Paul Tomblin]

In a previous article, Jay Honeck > said:
>Thus, we just returned from an hour's flight devoted entirely to
>simulating the FISK arrival procedure into OSH. The flight from Iowa
>City to Muscatine takes about 25 minutes, at 90 knots and 1800 feet
>MSL -- pretty similar to the trip from Ripon to OSH.

Another thing you might want to practice is flying the plane at those
speeds and with that amount of precision when it's fully loaded with a
week's camping gear. I was surprised how much different the Lance feels
when it's fully loaded rather than just me and the wife and a weekend's
hotel luggage.


--
Paul Tomblin > http://blog.xcski.com/
[Y]ou should write for the comprehension of the next programmer who
looks at your code, keep it clean and sensible, and *not* play
any obscure Jedi mind-tricks. -- Anthony de Boer

[Jay Honeck]

> Funny you should mention that, but last weekend I was in the scenic
> pattern at Niagara Falls and there were two Cessnas there as well. To
> make sure I didn't run them down or lose sight of them, I also had to slow
> the Lance right down to 90 knots and I discovered 1 notch of flaps lowers
> the nose enough to see planes at my altitude.

Yep, that flap setting seems to be perfect for sight seeing -- and
OSH.

Did you play with prop settings at all? I found it easier to maintain
90 knots with the prop full forward, but I don't like red-lining the
engine for that long. I eventually settled on 2300 RPM, which meant
very low MP, probably around 15 to 17 inches.

Dunno if that's "lugging" the engine, though. Prolly better to red-
line it...

It's funny -- we flew over the falls last year, but I never "did the
pattern". Quite frankly, I thought viewing them from above was cool
but kinda boring, after the thunder and grandeur of being practically
IN them, aboard the "Maid of the Mist".
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Paul Tomblin]

In a previous article, Jay Honeck > said:
>Did you play with prop settings at all? I found it easier to maintain
>90 knots with the prop full forward, but I don't like red-lining the
>engine for that long. I eventually settled on 2300 RPM, which meant
>very low MP, probably around 15 to 17 inches.

I tend the leave the prop at 2300 all the time, because our club charges
by a 2400 rpm "tach hour". I don't think there is any harm in running at
a low MP.


--
Paul Tomblin > http://blog.xcski.com/
Some days violence is just a nice quick solution to a problem that
would need thought, planning and actual work to do justice to.
-- Wayne Pascoe

[Jim Burns[_2_]]

I want to play the controller that tells the pilot who forgot the NOTAM to
go back to New Holstein and GET IT! :) lol
Jim

"B A R R Y" > wrote in message
. ..
> john smith wrote:
> > Jay Honeck wrote:
> >> Good idea. We've only started to play with settings in MS Flight Sim
> >> X (the newest version), but I'll bet there's a way to do that.
> >
> > So movie night this week will be the RIPON ARRIVAL challenge in the
KIWI?
>
>
> Does someone get to sit next to the KIWI and read the NOTAM to certain
> pilots over a simulated radio? <G>

[RST Engineering]

Thursday 0530. Left out of the driveway, down the gravel road to Greenhorn,
down Brunswick to CA20, up CA20 to I-80, 687 miles RON Eavenston WY.

Friday 0530 I-80 direct York NE 781 mi RON.

Saturday 0730 I-80 direct Iowa City IA 381 mi RON brats & beer.

Sunday 0730 I-80, I-88, I-39, US-151, US-41 direct Oshkosh 326 mi. Thence
US-41, SR-110, US-10, CR-K, Waupaca direct 47 mi RON, beer & brats.

IFR all the way (I Follow Roads).

Jim


--
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in
a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, with chocolate in one hand and wine in
the other, loudly proclaiming 'WOO HOO What a Ride!'"
--Unknown


"Jim Burns" > wrote in message
...
>I practiced last Sunday in unbearable 98 degree temps and off the scale
> humidity levels....
>
> Thank God the AC worked... lemme see if I still have it down...
> Left out of the driveway, south on Co A, left on Hwy 73, merge with 21,
> right on 41...
> Yep got it! :)
>
> Jim

[Longworth[_1_]]

On Jul 12, 11:25 pm, Jay Honeck > wrote:
> Every year some people decide to fly into the world's busiest airspace
> with little or no pre-flight preparation. Last year (2006) was the

Jay,

Based on our experience flying to Oshkosh last year, I would like
to add two more items to your excellent suggestions of practicing
flying tight pattern, slow flights, spot landing, familiarizing with
the procedures etc.

1. If possible, have a co-pilot or at least a passenger and ask the
passenger to help with looking out for traffic.
2. Practice go around! Don't expect planes ahead of you will land on
the allotted space and/or quick to exit the runway.

Due to work schedule, we will not be able to attend Oshkosh this
year. I am looking forward to reading pireps especially about XM-
weather & EFB options. From what I have read, it does not look like
Lowrance will introduce XM-weather version at Oshkosh this year.
Just hope that Garmin will introduce a new unit with bigger screen
size and may even have approach plates!

With the price of solid state hard disks coming down to reasonable
level, I am checking out several products such as VistaNav, Flight
Cheetah FL190 etc. Wish that we could be at Oshkosh to examine and
buy them at a discount ;-). Last year, we bought several items at
the show (JPI EDM-700, Oxygen system, the Claws etc.) at discounted
prices. The money which we saved was more than enough to pay for the
trip avgas cost.

Hai Longworth

[Andrew Gideon]

On Fri, 13 Jul 2007 09:19:36 -0700, Longworth wrote:

> With the price of solid state hard disks coming down to reasonable
> level, I am checking out several products such as VistaNav, Flight Cheetah
> FL190 etc.

I'm very eager to hear about these too, esp. the FL190 vs. Garmin. The
VistaNav seems to be priced a little too far up the scale for me.

- Andrew

[Morgans[_2_]]

"Paul Tomblin" > wrote

> I tend the leave the prop at 2300 all the time, because our club charges
> by a 2400 rpm "tach hour". I don't think there is any harm in running at
> a low MP.

Lugging the engine hammers the bottom end bearings, but I don't think I would
consider 15 - 17 a harmful "lugging" pressure.
--
Jim in NC