BONANZAS TO OSHKOSH

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WELCOME TO B2OSH
 

Click to Read: Most recent June update  with important information from Larry Gaines

 

Registration for 2010 is now open.
FAA Notam Booklet now available.  Click here

Please read Larry Gaines' informational posting before registering.

Flight Leaders for 2010 are Robert & Jessie Siegfried
Wingmen: "Old Bob" & Rick Siegfried

Bonanzas to Oshkosh began in 1990 when Wayne Collins and a few friends decided the only way to ensure camping together was to arrive together in formation.  For a complete review of the history, how it began and evolved, see the HISTORY web page.  The early history has been posted and we will add to it as time permits.  Wayne Collins led Bonanzas to Oshkosh until 2001 when Elliott Schiffman took over the reins.  In 2007, leadership passed to the capable hands of Larry Gaines.

photo courtesy EAA AirVenture chief of photography Jim Koepnick      

Today our focus remains firmly fixed: pilots flying the best general aviation airplane camping together in friendship and camaraderie.  The formation arrival is our means of accomplishment.  Our only requirements are membership in ABS and EAA and 3 hours of formation currency in the preceding six months.

I cannot stress too strongly that this event focuses on friendship, camaraderie and a grass-roots structure.  Especially if you are a first timer, do not hesitate to walk up to any cluster of pilots and friends, introduce yourself and join in.  This is how friendships are made.  We all have a common interest.  If you are all hesitant pick out a staff member (recognizable by shirt) and they will introduce you around.

For those new to B2Osh, those who may be considering joining us, be sure to read the training  requirements, the FAQ, the Rockford and Oshkosh information and our Letter of Agreement with the FAA.  Be assured that we strive to avoid cliques, that we welcome newcomers and try to make everyone feel at home.

For those of you who might like to compare the relative safety of our arrival with the regular Ripon arrival, I suggest you read Rick Durden's article.  Should you decide to go it alone with the Ripon arrival, please follow Rick's advice.  An article by Bill Kight comparing the more formal Bonanza formation with the Mooney Caravan should be read to impress upon you the necessity for formation training and practice.

If you want to join us at RFD and/or OSH, but do not want to fly the formation, see the FAQ page.  No one will be allowed to party with us who is not registered.

     In place of expensive mailings we utilize e-mail as the primary means of communication.  It is necessary that you keep me updated with change of e-mail address even if you have not flown in the formation in the past few years.  Go to "CONTACT" in the left margin, click on my e-mail address, under subject state "change of address."  You do not even need to include the address if you are sending it from the address you wish utilized.  If you think you might want to participate in the future and want to be on the e-mail list, just send me an e-mail. 

We continue to refine and improve B2Osh.  We will again have  Bonanza specific basic and advanced formation training in Texas, but with a different format, segregating those who want training just for B2OSH and those wanting to progress to advanced formation training.  We will continue with regional practice sessions.  Registrants for B2Osh will be listed by name and by zip code on this web site to enable you to find someone nearby for practice.  Learning from experience, our raffle will not be allowed to sell out on Saturday, reserving an opportunity for the Sunday arrivals to participate.

To give newcomers a better idea of what to expect and to enable veterans to relish again the past experiences, I have posted the past reviews from the web site under the link in the left column, Annual Reviews.

Having learned from the record setting flight of 132 aircraft, we recognized that safety is more important than numbers.  Registration had been limited to 100 aircraft, but with progressively better training we are gradually allowing an increase in the numbers.  Last year we had 101 aircraft in the formation.  We plan for an average 15-20% cancellations for multiple reasons.  Late registrants especially need to document their training.

Unfortunately, the world is becoming progressively more litigious as time goes by.  We frequently read accident reports where lawyers have garnered huge awards in situations where the pilot was clearly at fault.   We will be asking every participant to sign a waiver at Rockford.

Enjoy the web site, the past articles, review of last year and photographs.  Review carefully the requirements for safe flight, ATC instructions and other notices.  Thank our sponsors by visiting their sites and patronizing their products.

 Elliott Schiffman

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