FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Following are answers to some of your questions.  If you still have questions, contact anyone on the list - all will readily give advice.

Why do I need to be a member of ABS?
If you own a Bonanza you probably should not be flying it without being a member of ABS.  It is, without doubt, the finest type specific organization in the world.  Where else can one go to get real answers to questions about your airplane, answers that have not been emasculated by passing through the corporate legal department?  Knowledgeable non-pilot mechanics join just for the incredible technical expertise every month.  The ABS Magazine is the unparalleled leader in its field.  The list of benefits is too long to enumerate here.  Click on ABS to join

Why is the ramp fee so high at RFD?
For years the FBO lost money on our group.  They hire approximately thirteen extra employees to service us.  Fuel purchases alone do not cover their expenses.  We encourage fuel purchase from Emery FBO to keep the ramp fee reasonable and to keep c.g. of your heavily loaded plane in balance.  In recent years your registration has included the ramp fee.  For the past several years your registration has covered the entire cost of the ramp fee.

I have a Baron.  Can I participate?
Absolutely.  Every year we have three to six Barons in the formation.  Training requirements are the same.

I don't want to fly the formation.  Can I still join you?
Yes.  Fill out the registration form, pay the registration fee.  Note on the registration form that you will not be in the formation - party only.  Party with us at RFD.  Do not park on the UPS ramp - park on the Emery ramp.  Depart just prior to our departure on the alternate runway, do the Ripon arrival, put a sign in your windshield "Bonanza camping".  You must follow directions of flagmen.  No one is allowed to tail the formation into OSH.  If joining us at OSH and not participating at RFD, fill out the registration form, pay the registration fee, time your arrival at approximately 1:00 p.m. local time.  Unfortunately weather may dictate a different arrival time for our group, so be flexible.  It is impossible to arrange joining our group on a day other than our arrival until Wednesday or Thursday when some are leaving and spaces may or may not be available.  If you join us at OSH you will still need to fill out a registration form.  We need that to plan food supplies.

Should we require a logbook sign-off for formation proficiency?
Except for a few able to sign an FFI or FAST card for formation proficiency, there is no one else approved to do this by the FAA.  Most CFI's have no formation experience and would not want the liability.  The alphabet groups would cringe at the thought of more regulations for the logbook.  None of the planning group for B2Osh has the time or desire to check logbooks.  Currency has always been an honor system in aviation.

Why don't we pick a closer airport?
If we were a gaggle rather than a formation that might work, but a formation needs time to form up.  We are halfway to OSH before the tail of the formation closes.  The only other alternative would be to circle over the airport until the formation closed; that would be impractical and require a higher skill level.  The Rockford airport has excellent runways, a huge ramp and a great conference room for briefing the 250 people in attendance; Emery is an extremely helpful FBO and there is a motel at the airfield .  The airfield location at the southern end of Lake Michigan does not require pilots to cross the Lake or spend hours circumnavigating it

Will you reserve a motel room for me?
No.  You must reserve your own motel room with a credit card guarantee for late arrival.  The telephone number is on the reservation form.  We have 60 rooms held for B2Osh participants until May 31 at HoJo and a large number of rooms at the Clock Tower.  Register on time and you should not have a problem.  If you cannot get a room, registrants in the past have had success with the Airport Inn, a very short walk from Howard Johnson,  telephone (815) 397-4000.

Why don't we depart earlier in the day?
New answer: 2007:  Nothing ever stays the same.  We tried a 10:00 a.m. briefing instead of a noon briefing in 2006 and it worked out so well that we will continue.  Plan for a noon departure from RFD.  The briefing remains mandatory for inclusion in the formation flight.

Why do we go two days prior to the beginning of EAA AirVenture?
We cannot guarantee the ability to park together (let alone a prime parking spot) if we arrive the day prior to AirVenture.  The entire concept of B2OSH is parking together.  It also allows great time the following day for the Museum and the flight line before they get overcrowded.

Why is the registration fee higher after May 31?
In prior years we turned people away who did not get their registrations in on time.  Ordering the proper number of shirts and caps for embroidery requires lead-time.  The past few years we have been a little more lenient, but there is so much extra work demanded to accommodate late registration that this is an incentive to do on time what the vast majority seem able to accomplish.  There is enough publicity months in advance, both with the web site and articles in ABS Magazine that it should not be an issue.

When will I receive the shirts and caps I ordered?
They will be distributed at RFD prior to and during the party and prior to the noon briefing at RFD on the day of the formation flight.  This saves a 7-10 dollar shipping and handling fee.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?
Refunds will be given if cancellation is received prior to June 1.  Otherwise, thank you for donating to our great party.

What happens to my shirt and cap if I cannot make the flight?
Unless otherwise instructed we will try to sell them and refund the money.  Otherwise, we will ask for a shipping/packaging fee to mail them to you.

Do I need to camp on the field?
B2Osh was organized to enable friends camping together.  The formation was the means of arriving together to accomplish this.  If health or other reasons require a stay in a room, we will still welcome your participation, but we discourage people joining us for the formation flight and not camping with us.  If partying with us is your prime motivation, we would prefer you consider "I don't want to fly the formation.  Can I still join you?" above.

If I do not camp on the field must I still pay the camping fee to EAA?
Yes.  All planes parked in the camping area must pay the camping fee regardless of the presence of a tent.  There is a separate parking area for planes not wishing to pay a camping fee.  It is located on the opposite side of the airfield, far from all B2Osh activities.  Pay the camping fee and stay with the group.  Do not argue with EAA volunteers posting a notice on your plane to pay the fee.  It reflects poorly on all of us.

Why should I join EAA?
For purely selfish reasons you will save significantly on the daily admission fee and get a free admission to the EAA Museum covering the cost of membership.  Going with family?  Get a family membership for only ten bucks more and really save a bundle.  Additionally you receive many benefits including one of the finest magazines in aviation and support a wonderful organization that benefits all of us in general aviation.  To receive the discount you must buy your membership before buying your ticket.   In 1999 EAA did away with the requirement to be a member months in advance of AirVenture.  Check the following link for EAA fees: http://www.airventure.org

How will I know where to park at RFD?
If you are a flight leader you will have been through this and know the drill.  All flight leaders are identified by a red card in the windshield and parked on the ramp in the next available slot with nose wheel on a red circle.  Wingmen are directed to fill in empty slots in order of arrival.

Can I request to be in a specific element?
No.  That is impractical.  The linemen have no ability to handle such requests.  The only exception is if all three aircraft arrive together at RFD and identify themselves as a group with GREEN 8"x11" cards in the windshield.  Flight leader for the group will need both a RED and GREEN card, but must have approval to be a flight lead.

How can I arrange to park next to my friend at OSH?
You can’t.  Even if in the same flight, you might be parked at the end of one row and your friend at the beginning of the next.  If you arrive at RFD together and are in a flight near each other you will improve your chances.  Once on the ground we are at the total mercy of the ground crew and must do as they direct.  If it doesn’t work out consider it an opportunity to meet great new friends.  That’s what this is all about.

How are flight leaders chosen?
Flight leaders need a higher level of proficiency than the wingmen.  Flight leaders have either had multiple years of experience in the B2Osh formation or extensive military formation experience.  Even with military experience, no one is a flight lead without prior B2Osh experience.  Want to be a flight lead?  Request it, but no guarantee.

What happens if it rains?
The flight has flown through rain showers in the past, relishing the cooling and cleansing effect.  VFR visibility is required.  The only delay we have had so far is year 2001.  It is possible the formation flight can be delayed a day for continuous IFR conditions.  There are no contingency plans for delay beyond one day.  Whatever group holds together will still probably fly in together when able.  Life can be like that.

How can I recharge my cell phone or portable radio?
From Larry Gaines: You have several options. 1) There are several outlets at the shower area. I see many cell phones plugged in there most evenings, but you are trusting your fellow pilots. 2) EAA provides a reasonably secure area for this in the little building where they rent tie-downs, near the registration building and the temporary FSS building. It is locked overnight and attended during the day. 3) Find a friend staying in a home or motel. 4) There are always vendors selling batteries and chargers. They will gladly recharge while you spend an hour or two with lunch or watching the airshow. One more point, there will be over 100,000 people there each day. Those little walkie-talkies only have a few frequencies and you will be hard-pressed to get a word in edgewise.

CAMPING: (Suggestions from Liz Campbell)

I haven't camped in years.  Do you have any recommendations?
Yes. Unlike our fellows in the Mooney caravan, we can choose to bring larger (therefore heavier) and more comfortable tents. There is nothing wrong with being able to stand up when getting dressed, or being able to play cards at a small table if it rains in the afternoon. Some bring cots which assure your sleeping bag stays dry in case heavy nighttime rains soak through the tent floor. Most use an air-mattress or foam pad.  Experience also favors having plenty of metal tent stakes and some spare rope.  Plastic stakes may shatter if the ground is very dry during insertion.  As you load your airplane, consider weighing groups of items on a bathroom scale to check c.g. and w&b.  If only one or two going, consider removing the rear seats for easier packing.  Mosquitoes can be aggressive after the sun goes down.  Bring mosquito repellent.  Bring something to sit on.  Forget something? A Target is within walking distance, a Wal-Mart a short cab ride away.  Both have extensive camping gear and other supplies.  Some prefer to buy throw away coolers, chairs, etc. rather than bring from home.

What is the typical weather and what kind of clothes are recommended?
It is usually very hot during the day and common to see some very bad sunburns. A comfortable hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes are important. One sweatshirt is sufficient if we are lucky enough to experience a cool evening.  A lightweight, waterproof jacket is worthwhile.

What about meals and supplies?
Some bring their camp stoves and cook most of their meals tent side (propane grill, not charcoal). There are numerous fast food vendors at the airshow and many restaurants in Oshkosh, with probably a half dozen that can be reached by an easy walk from our campsite. Cabs can be called if you decide to go downtown.  There is a supermarket a short walk from our usual camp site.  If  you leave something behind, don't worry!

Electrical outlets?
Electrical outlets are provided on the outside wall of the shower building.  It is common to see electric razors, curlers, cell phones, laptops and anything requiring recharging or AC power plugged in - even an occasional coffee maker - but be prepared to keep an eye lest it grow legs.

FROM A WOMAN'S PERSPECTIVE (Liz Campbell):

Showers?
The individual shower stalls in the Women's Showers, while Spartan, are clean and now have small racks for soap or shampoo containers. I have found that for this one week I can survive with a bottle of mild body soap in a plastic (unbreakable when dropped) bottle which doubles as shampoo. This is very handy, travels well, and eliminates gooey bars of soap that are a a real mess when camping. There is also a large area inside with sinks, running water, and mirrors. Towels will dry hung inside your tent or on the prop; this is a matter of personal preference. I found over the years that a nice tan-colored towel visually holds up for a week better than most colors.

Timing ones' daily shower is a learned Oshkosh skill. I found that a long hot shower in the late afternoon washes all the dust off from a long day walking the flight line or display buildings and provides a good opportunity to clean up and change clothes for the evening. Early in the morning showers are crowded with lots of kids and their moms; hot water sometimes runs low during peak early morning shower time.  Remember, this is camping; relax from your regular "home" schedule.

Portalets?
(Also known as Port-O-San, Johnny-On-The-Spot, Porta-Potti, Port-O-Potty and a host of other names in the outdoor waste management business.)  Yup, a fact of life at Oshkosh. EAA does a great job, all things considered.  Toilet paper is adequately supplied and a very thorough cleaning is carried out at least once daily.  It seems to be another fact of life that when you are in your tent and crawl into your sleeping bag at the end of the day, the urge to pee becomes the only thought, whether founded in reality or not. Remember how you got to Oshkosh: you can comfortably rely upon "Gotta Goes" or the infamous Lady J Adapter in the privacy of your own tent. Sure beats walking around the campground at night in my book!  Enjoy the luxury of a real flush toilet if at a restaurant off-site.

SHIPPING TO OSH vs. OVERLOADING YOUR PLANE (from Gary Biba) (note: see update on address and shipping in note by Bambi Banys below)
If you're like me, weight is always an issue on the B2OSH flight.  I usually end up shipping at least one 50 pound box so I can stay within the weight restrictions of the aircraft.  There is a local UPS Store that sets up a booth at AirVenture.  The store owner is Bob Ollerman and his phone number is (920)231-1623.  Packages can be sent to The UPS Store via any means (mail, UPS, FedEx).  The UPS Store charges a $4 handling fee, per box, for items shipped to them.  Address the packages as follows:

The UPS Store
Attention: (your name)
1528 S. Koeller Rd.
Oshkosh, WI  54902
(920)231-1623

In big bold letters write the following on the box:
Bonanzas to Oshkosh
North 40 Aircraft Camping

The booth officially opens on Monday at noon however they are on-site Monday morning setting up, so packages can be picked up at that time.  For a $25 fee, they are willing to deliver packages on Sunday, after our arrival.  The fee would be prorated among the number of packages delivered on Sunday.  I typically arrange to meet them in the Super 8 parking lot (adjacent to our campsite) at 4:00pm.

Their booth at AirVenture is located just south of the Fly Market.  The Warbird Tram runs from the North 40 Campsite to The UPS Store.  When shipping items home from Oshkosh, ride the bus to the tram, the tram to the booth and avoid a backache. 

Note : See re shipping from Bambi Banys below - booth may no longer be on site, but owner delivers to North 40.

What to Pack (from John "Weebs" Wiebener)
1. Food - you can buy anything and everything you need at the local supermarket. We now take a cooler, pack it with camp supplies, then empty it out and store food there. Don't bring any food, unless it's a regional item you want to bring and is not available at Oshkosh!  2. Camp Equipment - Bring the best tent, sleeping bag, cot, etc. that you can afford. When it's raining, and you are soaked - it's not the time to wish you hadn't bought "el cheapo". It can be unbearably warm or relatively cold at night. In general, a normal summer weight sleeping bag will do, with a sheet available for the really hot, humid nights. Camp stoves, tables, lanterns - really is up to you - be realistic with how much time you really will spend in camp. 3. Clothes - Pack lightly. Every year I bring WAY too many clothes. In general, shorts, light shirts, maybe a pair of sweats, and one set of decent "going out clothes". Do NOT skimp on socks and good walking shoes. Your feet will thank you. Also, pack a "hit and run" kit for the night at Rockford - you don't want to drag everything out for just one night at HoJo. 4. Tie Downs - BRING THEM! You do not want to buy the EAA sets. I recommend going to the local farm supply store and getting "pig stakes". Use motorcycle tie downs instead of rope - as they are infinitely adjustable. Rope does work. 5. Sunscreen, Bug Spray, etc. - Bring whatever you think you will need to last the week in Wisconsin in the middle of the summer. Bring a rain poncho, backpack, and water bottle for the day long hikes to AirVenture.

Activities: The variety of things for kids at Oshkosh was the biggest surprise for me. I knew about KidVenture ( http://www.airventure.org/2007/events/kidventure.html ) and all of the great play/educational programs for the older kids but expected nothing for a one year old.By chance, I stumbled upon Kiddie Kockpit, a play area for little ones. Under the shade of a large tree and tent, there are puzzles, toddler toys, face painting and ice water. The area is staffed by welcoming volunteers and located between the Theater in the Woods and the Vintage Aircraft HQ. This area is the most convenient for letting your little one burn off some energy or get some shade during your day.Camp Schoeller, a shuttle ride from the main activity area, also has children's play areas with shade and a play structure.  If you take the shuttle to the end of the line (the ultralight area) and grab the bus ($2 round trip) to Vette Seaplane Base your child can cool off with a swim in the lake. The water is clean, the green stuff is harmless algae. The food out there is much better, serving corn on the cob and fruit. There's ample shade, picnic tables, and grass to play on. For the cost of a button, you get a boat tour around the parked seaplanes.I'm by no means an expert, we've only been this once, but I'm happy to answer questions and can be reached by email: bbanys@gmail.com

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