Oshkosh 2011, or aircraft rental to
 

Having found myself in Chicago due to a family bereavement. I was wondering about the practicalities of making Oshkosh? any ideas anyone? Whats the ideal way to do it? Is aircraft rental a practical proposition, does it need TSA clearance? All ideas appreciated TIA

alimo car hire 190 usd for two days - 2 hrs 30 mins each way ( according to tomtom)

TSA clearance is not needed, but you must have an FAA certificate. Getting a 61.75 "based on" certificate is straightforward but takes some time, so not an option if you haven't already got one.

Car rental for a few days is much more practical. You need to be very well prepared for flying in and finding a rental aircraft for the purpose may not be easy.

Expedia (UK) often gets good car rental deals and you'll have mobility when you get there. Last time I drove, I took in a side trip to the Harley factory in Milwaukee.

3 hours from Chicago is probably more realistic, longer if you do it at the wrong time.

Thx Mark, My ticket is an FAA one, I have it with me, and ny medical, have 300 hours PIC and Boy I would love to fly in! Prolly to borrow uncle's car would work out ok also.

How many days are you planning.? I have been six times, car hire from Alamo. If you want a hotel, you will be ripped off close to the airfield. I always used the Sundowner Motel, Montello, Wisonsin. 50miles away, but a lovely drive in the morning, eat at Sparky's Montello for breakfast, no increased motel prices. Ate at the Red Apple in Ripon on the way back. Enjoy you're visit. Can't go this year, recovering from operation. Jealous!!!

If you fly, it will be a great experience, but have a good study of the NOTAM.

It helps to have a spotter with you and someone to give you cues for the arrival process. Last year I had to break off between Ripon and Fisk 3 times because traffic was too slow in front (you are expected to fly at 90 Knots), and that was while the airfield was closed to most traffic because of the water-logging.

May see you there.

great tips, thanks people! If it falls into place for me, I will post again.

Am leaving home today to get to EAA on opening day - staying with friends for 1 week then in Appleton for show week. If you have not been before then you will not cover it all in 1 day (or even a week). Be prepared to walk, bring sunscreen, hat and a water bottle. (lots of clean water taps on site)

hhobbit (& Paul)

If you can make it, come to the international party, sign up at the international tent & join in the international parade.

Borrow a tent, or RV, from your uncle & camp for the full on experience. Staying miles away may save you on hotel prices, but you miss out on so much. Staying on site you miss nothing - the evenings are packed full of entertainment as well. Try to get to the seaplane base, you won't regret the extra effort.

And bring the good weather faeries with you too, would you :ok:

Sounds like a great plan. The one rental company I have managed to contact wants me to go with an instructor. That's one relative less to bring, must look elsewhere...

Camping is a great way to get the 'total Oshkosh' experience.
Walmart is a mile or so from the field and you can get a tent, airbed and sleeping bag for about $50 total.
Donate them to the goodwill shop nearby when you leave.

That rates as the most practical comment I have ever seen on threads such as this.

:ok::ok:

Go Walmart! :O:O

Would i need camping equipment like stoves and utensils, or just eat fast food all the time?

Flew in in a rental 172R yesterday - amazing but a bit scary TBH. The 172R has fuel injection which was great coming from a 912 machine. I got misdirected to 27 after being told 36 which was disconcerting and dangerous. Two RV cowboys overtook me on downwind 200 ft higher, WTF. One was told go around they were on top of each other as well. Then had to taxi right around 27 the whole way to park, 20 mins @ $123/hr! Unfortunately the renters want minimum hours which would made under wing camping prohibitive, so back later today by car. Hoping to find a camping arrangement under someone's (airplane) wing...

Watching some of the overshoots (inc one exec jet that went round twice) today was very interesting and must have been a bit scary. Today was not helped by an incident that shut the main display runway for a time. I counted approx 30 aircraft waiting to depart at one point and being on foot made it to the Baslet ramp quicker than some of the aircraft that we saw land.

It is a must go to show though even if the good weather fairy went awol yesterday