Dave Shaver
08-21-2013, 12:03 PM
Hi all,
First, let me say I really enjoyed OSH this year even with dirtier than expected spot a pots, blowing trash, etc. I have been attending off and on now (average every 3-5 years) for 40 years. Yep first one I was 16 yrs old in 1973 with my Dad.
Now to my gripe, My partner and I landed our Comanche Tuesday about 11:30 local and we taxied most of the way back to Fond du Lac to park. In fact, the marshaller came over and welcomed us to Fond du Lac and we all had a good laugh! That's OK, we came when it appeared to be rather full. BUT, that evening about 30-40% of the planes that came in that day left! They were day parkers. We were camping for at least 3 days and had our VAC sign in the window as soon as we came off 36L. What that did is put us way out in the middle of nowhere south of the last access road/guard shack for the rest of our stay. In fact, we remained the last row with just a couple of planes down there. Didn't want to break camp to move closer and it would probably have been a hassle with the ground crew anyway.
Here is my suggestion, If a VAC or ? sign is not displayed have the volunteers (who are great BTW), park them as far south as possible in the new property and move the lines northward. Let us campers park up together where we are a little more in touch with the OSH world. The marshallers could even go over and ask them their intentions (ie day park, show park, etc.) Besides, I know as campers we spend a H*** of a lot more money there than the day parkers do so I would think that would warrant paying us a little extra attention.
OK, I got that off my chest, and I'm probably coming back in 2014. Wife says she wants to see it again. She has a non current PPL and hasn't been there in over 20 yrs.
And to just confirm, I really appreciate all that is accomplished all year long to make it happen for one week a year. And the volunteers, THEY ARE THE BEST! Hope to join them someday when I retire!
Dave Shaver
PA24 260 N8842P
First, let me say I really enjoyed OSH this year even with dirtier than expected spot a pots, blowing trash, etc. I have been attending off and on now (average every 3-5 years) for 40 years. Yep first one I was 16 yrs old in 1973 with my Dad.
Now to my gripe, My partner and I landed our Comanche Tuesday about 11:30 local and we taxied most of the way back to Fond du Lac to park. In fact, the marshaller came over and welcomed us to Fond du Lac and we all had a good laugh! That's OK, we came when it appeared to be rather full. BUT, that evening about 30-40% of the planes that came in that day left! They were day parkers. We were camping for at least 3 days and had our VAC sign in the window as soon as we came off 36L. What that did is put us way out in the middle of nowhere south of the last access road/guard shack for the rest of our stay. In fact, we remained the last row with just a couple of planes down there. Didn't want to break camp to move closer and it would probably have been a hassle with the ground crew anyway.
Here is my suggestion, If a VAC or ? sign is not displayed have the volunteers (who are great BTW), park them as far south as possible in the new property and move the lines northward. Let us campers park up together where we are a little more in touch with the OSH world. The marshallers could even go over and ask them their intentions (ie day park, show park, etc.) Besides, I know as campers we spend a H*** of a lot more money there than the day parkers do so I would think that would warrant paying us a little extra attention.
OK, I got that off my chest, and I'm probably coming back in 2014. Wife says she wants to see it again. She has a non current PPL and hasn't been there in over 20 yrs.
And to just confirm, I really appreciate all that is accomplished all year long to make it happen for one week a year. And the volunteers, THEY ARE THE BEST! Hope to join them someday when I retire!
Dave Shaver
PA24 260 N8842P