Short Final: Oshkosh Short

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot, brimming with confidence, was asked to make a short approach into Centennial Airport.
  • The pilot, referencing Oshkosh (known for its busy airshow), attempted a short approach.
  • The landing was less than perfect, involving multiple touchdowns due to high speed and gusty winds.
  • The pilot jokingly attributed the bumpy landing to their Oshkosh flying style.
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Many moons ago I was flying into Denver’s Centennial airport when tower asked me if I could make a short approach. As full of confidence as a low-time pilot could be, I replied, “Certainly, you want Oshkosh short?”

Tower answered, “Sure, show me some of that Oshkosh stuff!”

I turned base to final a little hot and tried to get it down, with the usual results. Combined with some gusty winds I think I made about 4 touchdowns heading in the general direction of the runway before getting it wrestled under control. Tower comes back on frequency, “Well, that was really something, all right …” and I replied “Yep—just the same way I did it at Oshkosh!”

Greg Niehues

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