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I also read the article and was a bit surprised at the extreme language.
On the other hand, anyone who listned to the audio clip knows that there
was at least one USDA prime moron trying to get into OSH. Given that it
is a busy place, it is very possible to have 90% of the pilots taking
the thing seriously and still have a couple dozen morons in the pattern.
The speed thing is a real problem. The only time I tried to get into
OSH, it was IFR when I got there and I ended up at Appleton. I have
gone into Arlington and have first hand knowledge that there are a large
number of pilots who either do not have any clear idea of what 90 kts.
is or don't care. My Legacy can do 90 kts. more or less forever. It's
awkward, the nose is up and it requires concentration but it is doable.
No harder than taxiing a tail-dragger. Following an a/c doing 70 kts.,
on the other hand, requires serious S-turns low, in a high traffic area
and close to stall speed. It only takes one moron to put the entire
gaggle behind him in that position.
I think the OSH people should consider multiple approach patterns based
on speed rather than a/c type. It just doesn't work to have a pattern
in which there are firewalled a/c shaking and rattling around at 80 kts.
and other a/c hovering on the brink of a stall trying to stay behind
them. It would be nice if there were three approaches: 60/100/130 kts.
You could pick whatever one made sense but you would have actually to
fly that speed.
FWIW, I have read all about the 130 kt. Pattern 500 ft. high but have a
hard time figuring out how the patterns merge at the airport. If somone
has done it and knows, I would love to hear.
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