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 must I be a member of ABS?
If you own a Bonanza you probably should not fly it without being a member of ABS. It is, without doubt, the finest type specific organization in the world. Where else can one 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 to join.

Why is there a ramp fee at RFD?
For years the FBO lost money on our group. Emery schedules a dozen 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.

May Barons play too?
Absolutely. Travel Airs, too. Our twin engine fleet is growing and their pilots are developing their own "brand" of camaraderie. In 2009 there were 20! For safety reasons twins fly at the back of the formation and take off with a larger interval to accommodate Blue Line airspeed. Training requirements are the same.

I don't want to fly the formation. May 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 Fisk arrival according to the NOTAM. You must follow directions of flagmen. Because there is no reserved parking in the North 40, you will not be parked among B2OSH formation aircraft. Depending on your arrival time vs. that of the formation, you will be parked close to the group. No one is allowed to trail 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. If you join us at OSH you still need to fill out a registration form. We need that to plan food supplies. Registrants who choose to not fly in the formation will be accorded all other privileges, such as eligibility to participate in our raffle.

Is formation flying proficiency verified?
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. 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 on the honor system in aviation. However, we require 3 hours of practice/training in the prior 6 months. We have clinics all over the country during the spring. First-timers must either attend a clinic or be approved by an experienced B2OSH pilot.

Why Rockford?
We need ramp space for more than 100 aircraft. UPS allows us to park on one of their huge ramps. Emery Air takes great care of us. RFD is 110 nautical miles from Oshkosh, making for a flight of slightly less than 1 hour. If there was a closer airport that met our needs, the flight would be too short, considering the large investment in training we make.

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 numbers are on the web site. Left side menu: Rockford Motels. We have discounted rates & blocks of rooms held for B2OSH participants at 3 motels.

Why don't we depart earlier or later in the day?
Nothing ever stays the same. For many years we briefed at noon and took off at 2:00 PM. In 2006 FAA decided to schedule the Mass Arrivals. We were offered first choice because ours was the oldest AND best group. We chose the first available slot – noon take-off; 1:00 PM arrival. The lunch-time arrival turned the Margarita Party into a Pizza AND Margarita Party.

Why arrive two days prior to AirVenture opening?
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 a great time period 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 mandatory Saturday pre-flight briefing at RFD. 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 by May 31. 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.

Must I camp on the field?
B2OSH was organized to enable friends camping together. The formation is the means of arriving together to accomplish this. If health or other reasons require a stay in a room, we still welcome your participation, but we discourage people joining us for the formation flight and not camping with us. B2OSH is NOT, repeat, NOT an alternative for those who merely wish to avoid the Ripon Fisk arrival.

If I do not camp 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. The savings is greater than 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 you 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. Check the following link for EAA fees: http://www.airventure.org.

How will I know where to park at RFD?
Registered pilots will receive explicit instructions via e-mail & Emery’s crew will direct you.

May I request to be in a specific element?
No, but you may request to fly with specific wingmen. However, there are no guarantees. Handled on an individual basis. This was once nearly impossible to accommodate, but the Emery ramp crew has become VERY good at handling special requests.

How do I arrange to park next to my friend at OSH?
You can’t. Even if in the same element, 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 wingmen. Flight leaders have multiple years of experience in the B2OSH formation and/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 there are no guarantees.

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 delayed departure was in 2001. It is possible the formation flight can be delayed a day due to weather or other issues. 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. In 2010 Oshkosh had so much rain in the first two weeks of July that the field was saturated. Four inches and three inches of rain the two nights before our arrival finished off the field. The first two aircraft into OSH the morning of our arrival Saturday sank in to their axles immediately on leaving the tarmac. The field was closed for arrivals until Wednesday and the formation flight was cancelled. Some of us flew to adjoining airfields or drove in from Rockford. Nearly everyone made it to OSH. Read the 2010 Annual Review. We camped on the only available parcel of reasonably high ground and had one of the best times ever.

How can I recharge my cell phone or portable radio?

1. Kevin O'Halloran donated many great items to the ABS tent. One of those items is an electric strip that can accomodate multiple phone chargers, either standard electrical plug or 12-volt vehicle accessory plug.
2. There are several outlets at the shower area. There are many cell phones plugged in there most evenings, but you are trusting your fellow pilots.
3. 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.
4. Find a friend staying in a home or motel.
5. 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.

Problems parking in a field?
A board approximately 12" x 18" placed under each tire in the camping area prevents the wheels from sinking in and makes pulling out of your parking space much easier. From Art Brock: "One of the important things we learned from the ABS spar web study (and demonstrated to the government) is that the cracking is caused by tension stresses on the belly of the airplane resisted by the spars. This can arise in several ground operational scenarios, hard braking, high power run-ups, and towing over bumps or out of trenches in the turf. If you can visualize pulling hard on the nose gear while the mains are stuck in the mud you are visualizing the exact scenario that would cause the web to want to pull away from the huck bolts and eventually form cracks. Not only do the boards make it easier on your back, they may help prevent a future spar web crack."
Note: Do NOT leave your boards behind! This is NOT a generous gesture for "the next guy". It’s a HAZARD for the next guy who mows the lawn.

CAMPING: (Suggestions from Liz Campbell)

I haven't camped in years. Do you have recommendations?

• Yes. Unlike our fellows in the Mooney Caravan, we can 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 air-mattresses or foam pads. Experience also favors having plenty of metal tent stakes and 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.
• 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? There are stores within walking distance that have extensive camping gear and other supplies. Some prefer to buy throw away coolers, chairs, etc. rather than bring from home.
• What is typical weather and what clothes are recommended? It is usually hot during the day and it’s common to see 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. Expect thundershowers at least one day.
• 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 half a 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 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 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 one’s 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.
  2009 Update: There is now a reasonable number of “regular” flush toilets at the shower buildings.

Shipping to OSH vs. overloading your plane (from Gary Biba - see update by Bambi Banys below)
If you're like me, weight is always an issue on the B2OSH flight. I usually ship 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. 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 (near our campsite). The booth UPS location is in the program guide and can be accessed with the tram.
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 take a cooler, pack it with camp supplies, then empty it out and store food there. Don't bring any food, unless it's an item 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 about 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, but 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.

BONANZAS TO OSHKOSH with a One-Year-Old by Bambi Banys:
For those considering Oshkosh but fearing that it can't be done with little ones, fear no more! Not only can it be done, everyone can have fun doing it. Before arrival at Oshkosh I was not certain how I was going to contain, manage, care for, and entertain our one-year-old daughter, Piper, while camping at a HUGE, crowded, outdoor event. Here are the things that concerned me and the corresponding solutions/resources that helped:

• Heat: While I'm told this past year was mild, the humidity still made it hotter than comfortable for our little one. When the heat became too much, and she needed a break, I made my way to one of two un-publicized 'Mother Baby Nursing' Stations. These small cabin-like structures are air-conditioned, equipped with a rocker, small play area, and changing station with free diapers and wipes for emergencies. One is located near the 'old' control tower, the other out towards the ultralight area.
• Sun: Sunscreen is available at Target, about 1/2 mile walk away. However, with so much time outside it's really important to find or create shade whenever possible. For older kids UV protecting lightweight clothes is helpful. A large brimmed hat with chin strap worked well for our one-year-old. We used the Sunday Afternoon Play Hat which also kept rain off of her face. Most strollers provide wholly inadequate sun protection for the amount of time you will spend outdoors at Oshkosh. I suggest an additional shade attachment. There are 2 kinds available. We had one, another family had the other. We had great success while they struggled. So I strongly suggest the Kiddopotamus RayShade Sun Shade available at Target or Babies R Us. It's lightweight, removable, provides excellent coverage, and fits most any stroller.
• Space: I did not find the crowds to be difficult to navigate with a stroller, even with Piper walking beside me holding my hand.
• Food: The vendors at the event are terrible. There's no other way to say it. The food is all fried and I didn't find a vegetable anywhere. Thankfully, there is a grocery store next to the Target that has fresh produce as well as basic baby foods (even some organic). The Hilton on the field (accessible by the free bus) serves an excellent $10 breakfast buffet with fruit. They are happy to let you take some with you for kid snacks for later. (note: food on the field has become more health-conscious in recent years).
• Mobility: I debated bringing my very light and comfortable MacLaren stroller that reclines. Instead I went with a nice umbrella stroller for $20. Even though my MacLaren is light, the umbrella stroller was lighter and proved better for our W&B as well as for my back when carrying Piper in one hand and the stroller in the other getting on and off shuttles several times a day. The umbrella stroller didn't have a basket to hold things, but a very small backpack worked just fine. The one downside to the umbrella stroller was difficulty over the areas of grassy terrain, a problem that could only be solved with a much more cumbersome and heavy off road jogging stroller - something that surely isn't going to fit in our plane!
• Noise: All my worries about Piper not being able to nap or sleep at night because of the noise of jovial campers was for nothing. With very few exceptions, nights were quiet after 8-8:30. And as kids do, she managed to nap with the roar of Mustangs and F-15's taking off just 50 yards away.
• Supplies: I read in someone's info on the B2OSH site that you shouldn't worry because whatever you need can be obtained at Oshkosh. But what if I need to dry my toddler's clothes? Well, there's a Laundromat a short (closer than Target) walk away. What if I need infant Tylenol? You can find it at Target. Even with infants and toddlers, whatever you might need can be obtained once you are at Oshkosh. (note from Larry: If you need services for a child (i.e. sick child, after retail hours of near-by stores, etc., talk to me. I have some 'resources' up my sleeve, including access to a car.) However, if you don't want to bother with stores in Oshkosh, and can't fit everything in your plane, ship it. We had great success shipping things to the UPS store in Oshkosh. The booth is no longer on site, but the owner still delivers to the North 40 if you call him. He charged us $4 per box with no additional fee. He also came to pick up our boxes at 6:45am to ship them back for us.
  The UPS Store
  Attention: (your name)
  1528 S. Koeller Rd.
  Oshkosh, WI 54902 (920)231-1623
• Activities: The variety of things for kids at Oshkosh was the biggest surprise for me. I knew about KidVenture (KidVenture at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh) 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.

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