By Anthony Lam, Transportation Safety Specialist, Office of Safety Recommendations and Communications
As the much-anticipated EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 approaches, the NTSB wants to remind all attendees, particularly pilots, to prioritize safety above all else. The unique environment of major fly-in events like AirVenture brings specific challenges that require heightened awareness and preparation. Here are some key safety topics every pilot should prioritize to ensure a safe and enjoyable event.
Preflight Preparation
Ensure your aircraft is in top condition. Conduct thorough preflight inspections and address any maintenance issues well before departure. Plan your route meticulously, considering alternate airports and contingencies. Be familiar with the airspace, arrival, and departure procedures specific to Oshkosh. Check out EAA’s “Flying In” resources guide to help plan your arrival.
Reviewing NOTAMs
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) notices to airmen (NOTAMs) for fly-in events contain essential information on operational procedures, arrival and departure routes, and communication protocols. Thoroughly review and understand these NOTAMs, including the 32-page AirVenture 2024 NOTAM, before your flight. This knowledge is crucial to navigating the event’s unique operational environment safely.
Physical and Mental Preparedness for Dynamic Environments
Fly-in events can create pressure for pilots to perform, sometimes leading to decisions outside their comfort zones. Be mentally prepared for a challenging environment and avoid pushing beyond your—or your aircraft’s—limits. If an approach feels unsafe, don’t hesitate to go around. Ensure you are well-rested before the flight. Fatigue can significantly impair judgment and reaction times. Stay hydrated and nourished to maintain optimal cognitive and physical performance during the flight.
Environmental Awareness
Stay updated on weather conditions ahead of time. Be prepared to delay, alter your arrival or departure, or even cancel your fly-in plans if weather conditions deteriorate past your comfort zone. There will always be another fly-in event.
Radio Discipline
With the high density of air traffic, maintaining radio discipline is essential. Monitor the published frequency well in advance, and remember acknowledgement of air traffic control (ATC) instructions is done by rocking of the wings. If you absolutely need to use the radio, keep communications clear and concise. Listen to ATC communications from prior EAA AirVenture Oshkosh events from publicly available sources like YouTube to know what to expect. These can help alleviate communications congestion and ensure that critical instructions from ATC are heard and understood by all pilots in the area.
Runway Separation and Working with ATC
Fly-in events allow for reduced runway separation standards, sometimes as little as 1,500 feet between aircraft. This, combined with minimized radio communications and shared control of arrival and departure aircraft, requires pilots to be extra vigilant. Keep radio traffic to a minimum, follow ATC instructions precisely, and be prepared for dynamic changes. If at any point you are unsure or uncomfortable with an instruction, communicate this to ATC and prioritize flying your aircraft safely. If uncomfortable with any ATC instructions, remember it is safer to execute a go-around than to risk an accident.
Briefing Passengers
Ensure that all passengers are aware of what to expect during the flight, particularly during arrival and departure. Involve them in safety by asking them to help watch for other aircraft. This not only increases overall safety with extra pairs of eyes but also helps keep everyone engaged and informed.
Stall/Spin Awareness
High-density traffic and special flight procedures can increase the risk of stall/spin accidents. These incidents often occur when pilots are focused on complying with ATC instructions and lose control of their aircraft. To prevent stalls, avoid flying too slowly, using excessive bank angles, or overshooting the runway during turns from downwind to base leg or from base leg to final. Regularly practice slow flight, go-arounds, short-field landings, and stall recovery techniques with a qualified instructor to stay sharp. Remember, the priorities are clear: aviate, navigate, communicate.
Knowing Your Limitations
Understand both your personal and your aircraft’s limitations. Practice key maneuvers before the event to build confidence and proficiency. Use flight simulators to practice arrivals, departures, and emergency procedures in a controlled environment to stay mentally prepared. Recognizing your limits and preparing accordingly can prevent accidents caused by overextending capabilities.
Postflight Review
After your flight, conduct a debriefing to evaluate what went well and what could be improved. Share your experiences with fellow pilots to collectively enhance safety practices.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 promises to be an exciting event for aviation enthusiasts and pilots alike. By staying vigilant and prioritizing safety, you can help ensure that this event is memorable for all the right reasons. The NTSB encourages all attendees who are flying in to review these safety reminders and enjoy a safe and successful AirVenture experience.
For more information on staying safe during your upcoming AirVenture fly-in, explore the following additional resources:
- NTSB Safety Alert SA-053 – Arriving at a Major Fly-in Event?
- NTSB’s Aviation Investigation Search
- NTSB’s Accident Docket Search
