I am reading the 2016 NOTAM to get refreshed on the process. This blog represents my current thinking, and will be updated as the trip gets closer and I coordinate with my friends.
Packing: Before we go, here are a few things Bev and I need to do or pack.
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– Handheld radio – you’ll need it to hear your clearance and depart
– Remove backseats and take advantage of space/weight savings for cargo.
– Establish tie-downs for expected heavy cargo
– Constant wear life vests for the trip over Lake Michigan
– Four fully charged battery packs for cell phones and the ipad.
– iPad cigarette lighter charger to ensure ipads are fully charged upon landing KOSH
– Prepare signs to use after landing, per the NOTAM. VAC is the preference for vintage aircraft camping; GAC is the backup plan for general aircraft camping (the north 40).
– Pack up the Tarp to put the tent on; the 8 man tent; the shade tent; water; beer; food; sleeping bags.
– Black plastic bags in case it rains and I need to pack stuff up.
– Sheet plastic to lay cargo on in case we have to bring it home wet
– Shorts as well as jackets. You never know what the weather will be.
– Screw type or other tie-downs are required
Weather Planning for Camping: In the event it rains heavily while we are there, we will use the black plastic bags to pack wet gear in. Cargo area will have sheet plastic as liner that is kept in the airplane. This will make it slippery, so cargo tie-downs are essential.
Arrival Plan: Looks like campers can start arriving on Friday, so early Sunday arrival works fine. We are in Delaware, so I’ll fly IFR to Findlay, Ohio. The service there was good, and the people friendly. First leg will be 3 hours, and the second less than 2 across the lake. Leave Georgetown by 8am to arrive there by 11am our time. We’ll eat our packed lunch there and have a rest room break. Plan to be off of Findlay at noon our time to arrive KOSH before 3pm our time/2pm their time.
Planning the FISK VFR arrival into KOSH if the weather permits, but will fall back to a hybrid IFR/VFR, and then full on IFR as necessary.
Hybrid Flight Plan: This tactic will get me closer into KOSH with the benefits of filing IFR, and allow me to gauge the weather until I’m comfortable that the FISK VFR procedure is possible. Note that the NOTAM asks you to cancel 60nm with good weather, even if you have a reservation.
Jeff and I landed at Dodge County (KUNU) a few years back, while coming up from an overnight at his home. Conditions at the time included low clouds throughout the region, with clear skies above 3000′. We filed to KUNU with the idea that we’d fly the approach and then know if we’d break out before the 2300′ or 1800′ arrival requirements up into Oshkosh. As I recall, we broke out at minimums and knew that continuing to fly the FISK VFR procedure would not be possible. Subsequently, we landed at Dodge County as planned to figure out our next move.
As it was, Jeff found an open reservation via his iPad, and gave it to me. Bev & I continued IFR on that last minute reservation, and Jeff and his son Brian got in VFR a few hours after that. Jeff knew I wasn’t looking forward to flying low and slow, and was opting for the 2300’/135kt VFR approach. The higher ceiling requirement would be hard to get today, so he gave it to me. Very considerate, and appreciated. It was a cake walk getting in at that point, and Bev & I ended up with a dream spot in vintage aircraft camping.
This year, my hybrid flight plan will then be to file IFR from KFDY to KUNU. NOTAM Page 25 describes how they want you to arrive in the area, where I will use the southeast approach. Janesville VOR will be in the flight plan I file, and we’ll plan on cancelling there if we can; try again to cancel at KUNU if we can’t; and land at KUNU if the FISK VFR arrival can’t be flown. Just like before.
VFR Second Leg: If the weather from Findlay to Oshkosh allows for a VFR climb to cruise at 8000′ or better, I’ll most likely fly direct to Ripon and accept a 100nm lake crossing on 2 motors. Put on your constant wear life vests for the lake crossing. Climb above or avoid Kalamazo Class C airspace up to 6000′.
Flying VFR on the second leg requires a review of NOTAM pg 3/4 to ensure you follow the VFR planning guide. Direct FDY to RIPON comes close to Milwaukee airport, so page 3 shows I’ll remain adequately clear.
IFR into Oshkosh: For this you’ll need an STMP reservation. These are available 72 hours in advance, and you must include your reservation number in the remarks section of your flight plan. Plan on printing the form, or otherwise being able to prove you have one. There is also a requirement to CONFIRM the reservation within 24 hours if you choose to use it. This is required.
Final VFR Legs: I’ll use the 2300′ option and 135 knots (155 mph) VFR arrival option. The alternative is to fly at 1800′ & 90 knots (103mph), doable but on the slow end for this airplane. The slower speed is uncomfortable with all of the distractions and traffic maneuvering that might be required, and leaves me vulnerable should I lose an engine while low and slow. See page 4 of the FISK VFR Arrival in the NOTAM for details.
The Fisk VFR Arrival also says ‘If possible, lower your landing gear prior to reaching FISK’ . I like to slow to 130 before the gear goes out, although the book says 150 is fine. In this case, I’ll use the book numbers and keep the speed at 150 from FISKE inbound, slightly below the 135 kts. FISKE is the GPS waypoint, and FISK is the town.
IFR Departure Procedure: Page 26 of the NOTAM gives the options available according to direction of flight.
- KOSH SHLTZ WELCO HIC LAN KFDY: 2 hour leg on top of maybe an hour getting out of KOSH will be a good time for a break.
- ForeFlight route to KGED will take about 2.5 hours, where I’ll unpack and wash the airplane; before returning it to KESN later in the week.