Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • AirVenture (Oshkosh) is an extremely congested airspace event, highlighted by a pilot's futile attempt to pinpoint traffic.
  • A tower controller humorously but accurately informed a pilot that traffic was present in every direction imaginable.
  • The anecdote underscores the overwhelming density of aircraft at AirVenture and the critical need for pilots to exercise extreme caution and vigilance.
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True story:

During my first visit to AirVenture, known as “Oshkosh,” around 1996, I brought my hand held radio to listen to the tower.

I heard a guy ask one question:
“Tower, can you tell me where the traffic is?”

Tower responded:
“Sir, their is traffic in front of you, behind you, to your left, to your right and above you. There probably is traffic below you. Just be real careful out there.”

I turned off my radio, as I had heard it all.


Matthew Bunch

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