Sun-n-Fun

How complicated is it to fly into Sun-n-Fun? I read the stories of
Oskosh and, as an 80 hour private pilot, I wouldn't touch that by air.

I flew into SNF in '03 and '04, and we're planning on doing it again
this year. It's not bad, but it CAN be busy. Your job is to be
ready.

With 80 hours, you don't know what you don't know, so be overly
cautious. Here are a few rules of thumb:

1. Practice slow flight. You will have to stay behind traffic that is
probably closer than you've ever seen before, so get comfortable
flying slowly.

2. Practice holding a speed. I believe the NOTAM is available on-line
now. Find out the speed you're supposed to be at, and practice
holding it.

3. Practice landing on a spot. The controllers will expect you to be
able to hit a target.

4. Practice steep turns. They keep you in VERY tight in the pattern
at SNF.

5. READ THE NOTAM. Way too many people come to these big shows
without the slightest clue -- don't be one of them.

6. Have a second set of eyes on board, to help you spot traffic. It
helps if they're a pilot, but even an experienced passenger can help.

BTW: Don't be afraid of Oshkosh. It's bone-simple to fly into, just
busy. Last year, with the runway accident gumming up the works, was
an exceptionally bad year -- don't judge the show by that.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"