OSH 2015 For a first timer

[Md11pilot]

Well let me comment with my vast experience of one OSH and like you waited too late in life to go. I fly for a living and OSH renewed my love of aviation. We went with my wife, my son and my 2 year old grandson. All did fantastic, even after walking 18 miles according to my pedometer in three days. We stayed in a hotel in Fond Du Lac and it was about a 20-30 minute ride each way. We booked a motorhome rental for next year for several reasons. 1. When anyone gets tired we can slip back to the motorhome and rest. This would allow us to do the evening and night festivities. 2. Allow us to stay longer. My son and his family are only coming up for about three to four days but my wife said she wanted to be there for the entire AirVenture. Now, based upon my limited experience and I know that some old timers will fill in better information than I can provide. Your decision to stay for the entire week is good. I was amazed at the organization, the logistics and the friendliness of all the volunteers. A good friend and an old timer told us to not try to see it all in one year and that took a lot of pressure to rush through areas. I have friends that have done the dorms and like them but with my wife and little kids we decided that wasn't the best match for us. Camping in a tent would be fine depending upon the weather. We are planning on staying in a camp ground on the property or close to it called Happy Hollow or Camp Scholler. The shuttles - school buses and tractors pulling big shuttles run every where. Signs are posted as to stops and you can get on and off at different areas. If you fly in with your camping gear, be sure to check with an old timer as to how to get supplies...I think that a shuttle will take you to an area you can walk to a store. There are camping areas for different types of aircraft i.e. War Birds etc. I think you have to be a member of those groups to stay there. Again not sure. Look over maps and download the Air Venture App to your phone and it will give you daily updates, schedules, maps etc. Hopefully the weather will be as good this year as last. You mentioned being with 30 - 40 K people at scout rallies....try 500,000 at OSH. I also recommend a supply of handkerchiefs....to wipe your chin of drool as you ooh and ahh over some absolutely beautiful airplanes and meet some super friendly people. The ONLY downside we had at OSH.....Was the AOPA tent where we went to see our new Debonair...it even spoke to me and said it wanted to come to live in Texas with me but they must have dropped my card and gave it to some lucky guy in Minnesota.