Understanding Air Traffic Control at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

VFR ARRIVAL HINTS AND TIPS - DO NOT PASS FISK WITHOUT APPROVAL

ATC Home | To Ripon and Beyond | Fisk VFR Approach Control | Holding | Do Not Pass Fisk Without Approval | Emergencies

Listen Very Carefully
In the past, pilots have taken control instructions (turns, runway assignments, etc…) and frequency changes intended for other aircraft. By the time the Fisk controllers realized what had happened - it was too late!  This situation obviously causes much confusion and frustration - both at Fisk and subsequently in OSH tower. So please ensure that you “take” the control instructions intended for you and do not change frequencies until instructed to do so and certainly no sooner than Fisk!

Very Important Tip!
The controller will not instruct you to continue past Fisk or issue a turn to the east until you are in very close proximity to Fisk.

Listen Very Carefully
Make sure that the transmissions you hear are actually for you. If you're heading northeast out of Ripon but are not yet close to Fisk, and you hear a control instruction that sounds like it was for you, it most likely was meant for a similar aircraft that's ahead of you near Fisk. You'll begin to hear instructions telling you to turn towards the east or to continue northeast along the railroad tracks towards the airport. Fisk is located just northeast of where the railroad tracks and Highway 44 diverge. Once you arrive in this area, pay close attention for YOUR control instructions.

Do Not Pass Fisk Without Approval

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Frequency Change
Do not change to the “assigned” tower frequency until:

1. You are instructed to do so, and
2. Never before passing Fisk.

Follow the Aircraft Ahead
Make sure you are following the aircraft you were ASSIGNED to follow - and maintain proper spacing.

Retractable Gear Aircraft
If you are flying a retractable gear aircraft ensure that you extend your gear as soon as feasible!

The controllers at Fisk get anxious if they see an aircraft passing overhead Fisk without the landing gear down. Approaching Fisk may be a good time to “drop the gear” if you have not already done so!

Rock Your Wings
Just as you did while transitioning through Fisk, listen carefully to the tower controllers and acknowledge all control instructions by “vigorously” rocking your wings.