Q: What do I need to do to get ready for the race?
A: In addition to what you would ordinarily do for any cross-country trip, you should also consider:
- Washing and cleaning your airplane. Not only will it be on display during airport day on Saturday, a clean airplane is a faster airplane.
- Determine what power settings you will fly at for optimum speed, efficiency and safety. This usually requires some test flights at your home base. You don’t want to be experimenting during the race. During the race you will want to keep your head outside navigating and watching for traffic, not inside.
- Pay special attention to flight planning as your airplane will likely be consuming more fuel during the race that it usually does on a normal cross country. This is because you will likely be flying at higher, perhaps much higher, power settings. You must land with legal VFR fuel on board.
Q: Where can I get race numbers for my plane? What are the spec requirements?
A: Numbers can be made at your local sign shop. Otherwise, companies such as AeroGraphics may be a good resource. Specs and rules on where to place the numbers on your plane can be found in the rules. They should be 18” high in a high contrast color and placed under the left wing (top of the numbers forward) and on each side of the fuselage or tail (your choice) where they can be clearly read from the ground. If your airplane is too small for 18” numbers propose the size that will work to the race coordinator for approval.
Q: What will I learn in the pilot briefing the morning of the race?
A: You will learn about:
- Final race route
- Reported and forecast weather for the route at race time
- TFR’s
- Special instructions
Q: What altitude do I fly the race at?
A: Altitude is at the discretion of the PIC. Some people fly it like a regular cross country at whatever altitude they fly their cross countries at. Others look at the winds at various altitudes and choose an altitude based on that. Others fly as low as possible. Stay legal! Stay safe!
Q: What route do I fly the race?
A: You can fly any route you want, however generally speaking the closest distance between two points is a straight line
Q: On Saturday, the local EAA chapter may be providing Young Eagle flights. Can I participate?
A: Racers meeting the EAA requirements can contact Steph Schulko, AVC volunteer at mzstef615@wi.rr.com or 414-732-6782.
Q: What if I bring someone and want to get them separate transportation to the end-point on race day?
A: You are responsible for finding transportation for anyone who travels with you. Do not ask race officials or volunteer staff if they can transport your relatives or friends to the end point or Oshkosh. AirVenture race volunteer staff will not be able to assist you as they will be busy with race tasks.
Q: What if I don’t plan on using the wristband for Oshkosh that is included in the entry fee?
A: The wristband is part of the registration. If you are not planning to use it, check with other pilots as some may want to purchase your wristband.
Q: What if the weather is not VFR the morning of the race?
A: The race has never been canceled. However, it has been delayed to later in the day, and on rare occasion has been delayed until the next day. This is a VFR event. The weather must be legal VFR for the entire route for the expected duration of the race. If you are uncomfortable with the weather you can withdraw and receive a full refund. Do not fly if you are uncomfortable with the weather or any other aspect of the race. SAFETY IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY!
Q: What is the dress code for the Friday and Saturday dinners?
A: Dress is casual. Many pilots choose to wear their race t-shirts. Others dress in clothing representing their aircraft.
Q: What is the dress code for the awards ceremony?
A: It’s Oshkosh! Wear weather appropriate casual attire.