Racing Storms - 87 Cessna formation to Oshkosh - Mass arrival Part 2 - Flight Vlog

A valiant effort to Launch nearly 100 Planes, but the ThunderStorms beat us!
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Link to Part one of this series:
• 87 Cessnas Ready on on...
Previous Fisk Arrival episode with the U.S. Coast Guard:
• World's Busiest Airspa...
Play list covering my Chipmunk training culminating in tight formation:
• DHC-1 Chipmunk: Solo, ...
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Rodney’s Cessnas to Osh ’16 Debrief notes:
We identified the following shortcomings/failures.
1. We had a network failure that wouldn't allow us access to the flight roster. This failure also prevented us from using the networked printer at the FBO.
2. During the registration process, we didn't identify the Cardinals by landing gear type.
This mistake was discovered at the last minute while I was walking to give the mission brief.
These mistakes and failures pushed our start time for the brief to the right by 45 minutes.
During the brief, I stopped so that everyone could go outside and see the Bonanzas fly over. Not my best decision and not a good use of time for a group of pilots that are already running late.
I had never defined our weather abort criteria, so we ended up with what we had, a very large flight of aircraft launched in two abortive pieces.
The taxi out took an excessive amount of time further pushing us late.
What we have done to fix these shortcomings:
- We now have a private router/hotspot for use ONLY by Cessnas 2 Oshkosh admin
- We also purchased a printer to cut down on printing delays
- We have reworked our registration database making it much more comprehensive in information
- I have defined a "hard" weather abort criteria 2000/5 with no more than 5kt effective tailwind
- We have a detailed parking plan putting like model aircraft together along with splitting the flight into 2 pieces to cut down on engine idle time
There are numerous other changes that we made to the organization to help it run more smoothly, but these changes are mostly visible once we get to Cessna BaseCamp at Oshkosh.
_____
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/ flightchops
FLIGHT CHOPS DISCLAIMER:
I am a "weekend warrior" private pilot, I fly for fun with no intentions of going commercial. I have had my PPL for over 15 years, but still consider each flight a learning experience - I generally take detailed notes after each flight to remind myself what went well or what I could do to improve.... Having the GoPro cameras to record flights like this is invaluable. I find these self analysis videos very helpful in my constant quest to improve, and am happy to share. Feedback is invited; however, please keep it positive.

[@davidkreutzkamp6602]

Between the Mustang video and the Cessna arrival video it is truly educational to see things go wrong and the humble and honest way that we as the aviation community debriefs them. Hats off to the Cessna 2 Osh team and wish Rodney and the team good luck this year. They deserve it have the kicking everyone took in this video.

[@FlightChops]

+David Kreutzkamp - thanks and agreed. This is what the aviation community is all about - I'm proud to be a part of it.

[@FlightChops]

+LunaFlight - keep doing what you are doing, consider air cadets and/or start glider training privately as it is a great way to learn to fly for a very low cost.

[@steveo1kinevo]

This reminds me of "Who's on first, whats on second, I don't knows on third!" lol Excited for OSH17 next week! See you there Mr Chops!

[@FlightChops]

+steveo1kinevo - Haha totally! And yes Osh17 here we come!

[@AndroydFM]

Who's on second?

[@ethanhiggins4887]

My school aviation class spent a day watching the video

[@mikewolfe386]

+Andrew A whats on 2nd

[@Veritas1992]

What's our vector Victor.

[@dmkays]

AirVenture is like a hornets nest. But somehow everyone gets in and out alive. They should make cowling stickers that look like a hornet. put on one for each year you make it in and out of there. I love the FlightChops videos.

[@JesseBusman1996]

Poor delta 3 :-(

[@mattguthmiller]

This is so different from Bonanzas to Oshkosh, super interesting!

[@tommasopoletto1324]

Is absolutely amazing as an European private pilot to see how all this has been organized, good job guys.

[@charliecope5254]

Another great video! I couldn't imagine coordinating that many aircraft to take off in one go, let alone with a storm approaching. fascinating stuff.

[@justanotherguy8791]

Anyone who can look forward, say their mistakes and learn form them is a good person in my book. Thanks for the good video!

[@dhawley81]

Great video. This is reminiscent of your earlier videos. Real pilots in real situations. Not everything is perfect. You live and learn. Hats off to these guys looks like a first class organization.

[@tristanmiller5215]

At first i was thinking that this is the most ridiculously stressful event you could participate in. But what you would learn from this would be extremely valuable. I'm glad I've watched this, thanks chops!

[@m0ther_bra1ned12]

"The blue angels we are not" LMAO XD

[@TheWindigomonster]

Another fantastic look into a unique part of Oshkosh. A huge thank you to the people who managed this for being willing to share the footage and give the aviation community so much information on what eventually went wrong. It was awesome to see how quickly you and your pilot were able to get along and work together through the tough conditions.

[@FlightChops]

+TheWindigomonster - Thanks! it is really cool that this group was so open to sharing! And yes, Larry and I got along great and had excellent CRM on board.

[@nickxidis9571]

Good story Steve, I really enjoyed it, thank you. I'm a former Army Aviation guy and I've never seen a movement of that many aircraft that didn't have issues to work through. I appeared that the air boss and staff did an excellent job managing a complex movement and dealing with weather. I'd fly with these guys any day.

[@FlightChops]

+Nick Xidis - Thanks for your service, and your kind words are appreciated Nick!

[@sigmet61]

I did a small 9 aircraft loose formation last year for remembrance day and I can tell you... It is not easy to have everyone on the same page.

[@FlightChops]

+sigmet61 - loose formation is harder. That said, thorough pre flight briefing is key.

[@badnade4886]

I hope you continue to cover this group each year, as best you can. Great groups of folks, and I would like to see the development process for a group like this, as it continues to improve.

[@erichhartmann1]

That boy in the blue shorts at 15:08 seems to be enjoying himself. LOL!

[@unapro3]

I think he needed pee pee....

[@JordanBulthuis]

Erich Hartmann I was just waiting for that one comment😂

[@pesto12601]

well.. what else to do during a delay?

[@bhgkiks]

Knowing he and his family will be watching this video,I would encourage you to take down your comment.

[@unapro3]

If he can't take the knock's, he should stay away from his crotch.

[@USAIRFORCE621]

I see thunderstorms coming, the last thing I'd do is fly up into them, common sense says wait it out or wait til tomorrow, no flight is worth risking your life!

[@Chalupa6059]

You could really hear the nerves on frequency, very cool. "Quiet on frequency!" Boy that really shut people up.

[@briansmobile1]

BOSE' sponsor game is on point!

[@Ellexis]

L😍VE it! Not perfect but that's real life in action! Thanks for posting!👍👍

[@izzykingston1602]

Ellexis that's what makes it so great, real world experience, real life solutions

[@davidhopley4431]

Very cool guys. As a student pilot this stuff just adds fuel to the passion. Thank you for spending the time to put this together.

[@francisconti9085]

That was awsone! (So awsome, I couldn't spell!)

[@CLHall]

Just had my first discovery flight in a 172. So damn fun, I even got to do the takeoff!

[@rishabhchhabra777]

As an airline pilot our job is not even half the fun of this! :P Loved it buddy!! Thanks so much for the video. I was with you at the Island Air. Hope to see you sometime!!

[@FlightChops]

Awesome thanks! and congrats on being an airline pilot!

[@rishabhchhabra777]

FlightChops Thank you, sir :)

[@scottgilliland2061]

Well done to everyone involved and especially to the Air Boss! It’s hard to question a “safety first” mentality, and I applaud the decision. Hope you all have a great and safe Oshkosh!

[@UnitedJetSetter]

I was working at UNU that summer! Would be a summer I'll never forget!!

[@FlightChops]

Yup

[@PapaDutch]

If all of them had been able to launch it might have been the biggest formation flight since world war two...

[@FlightChops]

+Dutch J - the Bonanza mass arrival was actually bigger in. 2016 - I think they were 130 strong and got it done in one shot!

[@howardflies]

Definitely not perfect but hey, if everything was perfect then what's a debrief's purpose anyway? Good to see some very good decision making taking place and not letting get-there-itis catch onto you.

[@JWH-01]

The first time I attempted to fly in formation was in my Cessna 172 alongside a Cherokee 140. It was a challenge at first, but became easy after a few minutes. I couldn't imagine trying to organize that many! I was a little puzzled listening to the audio. I am confused as to why someone turned around and headed back. Wouldn't that take them right into the bad weather?

[@CNT12696]

Hey Steve, I know you can't speak for India 2 which had to break off formation but since Juno was at a ground stop due to a thunderstorm, wouldn't it have been safer for them to join the Fisk Arrival or land at another airport instead of going back?

[@FlightChops]

+CNT12696 - agreed - I never heard what the reasoning was there, but I wouldn't have flown back toward that storm.

[@MegaBuckBuck1]

How does this compare to the Bonanza arrival, as far as coordination efforts, launch procedures, radio calls, etc.? Good job with marginal VMC. Sorry I'll miss this year but looks like pretty good wx all week.

[@schwibbs1286]

We had to circle back over FASK 4 times! We just missed the Bonanza mass arrival, but it was still chaos when we reached the railroads/water tower. We kept getting stuck behind Piper Cubs 😂. But, it was cool landing in front of Doc!

[@KarlH1980]

Hell no I'm not going go easy. I'm gonna tell it like I see it! What a tough undertaking. Saw a lot of folks destined to be the mystical old/bold pilots. Kudos!!

[@jordanhoneyman5734]

I really need to experience this! I'm actually really bummed I'm not going to OSH this year. I guess I'm always bummed when I don't go haha. Would've been nice to meet you and Steveo1kinevo finally

[@Michaelc136]

I like when he says "eh"

[@RWBHere]

Eh?

[@thehammerman4436]

Amazingly successful considering the fubar factor involving the weather and uninformed traffic. Seriously amazed that more didn't go wrong :). I feel for the organizers. This must have been like herding cats.

[@Porkins69]

Fantastic video! "Hearding cats" is an understatement. I've managed launches of up to 12 a/c and had just as many issues as these guys with so many more planes. My hats off to them and you!

[@aviator1724]

Hey Steve! Currently rockin' a pair of 15+ year old David Clarks, could use an upgrade #BoseA20 ;) Love the recent content, keep it up! Also on another note any advice for someone flying to oskhosh for the first time? (looking to cross it off the bucket list next year) .

[@garywheeler2055]

Job well done by pilots and organizers.

[@angelreading5098]

Very well done,a learning curve for sure,top marks for organisational skills under difficult conditions too.

[@GaryMCurran]

I haven't had the privilege of flying for a couple of decades now, but I still love aviation and I still wish I could be flying again. Having said that, these individuals, all from different backgrounds, different airplanes, different skill sets, got it done. No, it wasn't the smoothest effort, but almost 90 airplanes on one day without any formalized large group training, I think Cessnas 2 Osh did a great job of putting it together. I also think that the leadership has learned some lessons, and that things will be better this year. I wish them well going into AirVenture this year. Thanks for posting this wonderful and informative video, it really opens your eyes and shows the good, the bad and the ugly, all of which is what happens. It's not a storybook ending, it's real life. Insofar as I know, everyone got there in one piece, safe and sound, and in the final bit, that's what counts.

[@derkiwi151]

Was so looking forward to this. I'm slightly gutted that I'm traveling from New Zealand to the USA a week too late to head out to Oshkosh

[@kg7yts187]

I feel so bad for the guys who couldn't make it. Hopefully they have better luck for 'Kosh18

[@SidestickPilot]

Great way to pass the time in class.

[@nodnerbhu]

Its painful to watch how so many people got cut and how long this must have taken, but looks like it paid off.

[@liquidcooled877]

This is the first piece that I have watched on your channel. Really nicely told story and pacing. 👍

[@FlightChops]

Thanks! Enjoy the back catalog of over 100 episodes - and be sure to check out part 1 of this series.

[@JudsonCc514]

It's rough that you had to make the disclaimer in the end, but that's a reflection of where things can go on the internet these days. I'm between aircraft right now, so this is easy for me to say, but the preparation and effort that went into something like this, including the earnest debrief, made me all the more eager to join the Cessnas 2 Oshkosh flight one day. And the folks that come back after a year like that are likely all the more dialed in and ready to put in the practice and concentration to make this year's go off without a hitch! Best of luck to the group and thanks to everyone involved in these last two videos.

[@regressmenot]

It went the way I expected, with difficulty. This is not an easy task for the inexperienced, there will be a learning curve.

[@davidpalmerton2954]

Very interesting and educational. Wish I was part of the flight.

[@Payne2view]

Considering the weather it was an achievement to get so many off first time before the storm. Well done.

[@brandonb417]

What'd you think of the C177, Steve? I've always thought it was pretty cool looking with the sleeker belly and windshield and no wing struts. How'd it fly and feel compared to a C172?

[@Rodhern]

We need more C177 hype; it is an awesome design.

[@sea_turtle_adventures]

Sorry, nothing about this looks fun to me. Reminds me of big Harley groups trying to coordinate on a ride.... pain in the arse. Go solo

[@TheKevintegra19]

Great video, backup radio and beacon for OshKosh...

[@theolschoolblues]

F That Noise. that looked like a shit show. lol. brave souls. still very cool. and all jokes aside formation flying is hard and everyone was safe.

[@Duane002]

You can tighten up this formation by making an iterary printed with instructions on position placement and time slots. Just a suggestion.

[@zzodr]

Good job all round considering the weather! Not an easy job. Still easier than herding cats in the rain though.

[@jrwarner579]

All and all I see a successful mission ..Congrats to all the participants!!!

[@txav8tion]

That was CRAZY! nice video

[@grillsandaxlegrease3578]

What is the whole point of this? Time to go home? Why everyone in the same shirts?

[@smaze1782]

Another phenomenal video sir. You kind of make it sound like it was a disaster but all things considered it seemed to go well for the most part.

[@RECK_Adventures]

Is there a flight chops episode that compiles some of the best camera shots the channel has accumulated?

[@AVAUSTRALIA]

So cool! Looks like it would have been an awesome experience!

[@ShulerBurton]

WOW thats a huge undertaking.... Thanks for the video

[@zeberdee1972]

I thought they did really well , it was only that storm that messed things up .

[@maxtanicfilms]

Great video really enjoyed both parts. Love Oshkosh, have been numerous times since 1986 in our B55 Baron, F35 Bonanza and now our Cessna 310P. Hope you can post a bunch more EAA Air Venture vids👍👍

[@thepipingpilot1568]

I've never been to Oshkosh... Sure hope to someday!

[@StackableGoldMC]

Imagine people that seen all these planes flying in formation.

[@doyletp57]

I'm so sick! I'm stuck here in San Diego and not in Oshkosh...I was planning on going this year for the first time and flying in with my 1968 Cardinal 177. Can you tell me how many Cardinals where in the flight? NEXT YEAR FOR SURE!

[@frankhummel9826]

This year (2017) 21 of the 53 total Cessnas 2 Oshkosh aircraft were Cardinals.

[@Nothank1997]

Hoping to get my Cherokee down to Oshkosh this year! :) hoping to meet the chops team there

[@geraldroloson9598]

Love the 177, enjoyed your video. Thank you

[@adamsmith1447]

Great video. Going next year for the first time in a 182 and trying to decide best way to get there.

[@TheRcplanefan]

I was in North tower during the bonanza mass arrival and boy was it hard to write all of those down

[@PutterersFolly]

5 years until the next Piper Cub mass arrival. #BoseA20

[@N8844H]

The difference between a "formation" and a "gaggle."

[@Tiwow]

That's an impressive organisation. Hat tip to all the staff.

[@jaymur001]

The group you flew with seem like a really cool bunch

[@mlh1612]

Awesome video!

[@rocketsurgeon4876]

When you try to do shots of other planes like at 13:58 would you be able to put some kind of marker or pointer that shows where it is? I've replayed that segment many times and can't spot the plane that bisected the flight

[@FlightChops]

+Rocket Surgeon - yeah, I couldn't find the plane in the footage either, but I had the shot in sync, so I used it... But it was one of those cases where with the naked eye you could see the traffic, but to get it clearly on camera would have required a longer lens.

[@mlh1612]

Hi Flightchops! I know your sponsored by ForeFlight so I wanted to get your opinion on their new product Scout ADS-B and I heard they are debuting it at Oshkosh. Any input? I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger and buying it.

[@FlightChops]

+Broskies Aviation - I am super stoked to check that out at Osh this year - I haven't had my hands on one yet.

[@USAIRFORCE621]

No offense Flight Chops but in 16 yrs of flying I would never consider taking off into a thunderstorm, sounds pretty risky, you'll couldn't wait another day?

[@tonyfdesign]

They flew away from the storm, not towards it.

[@AviatorGeek]

Good stuff. Thanks for sharing.

[@jennifergreen964]

That was stressful to watch but what an undertaking.

[@bbt95762]

wow, that's a real undertaking

[@RichWellner]

Great episode. You guys did a really effective job at documenting a complex event.

[@Fishingh]

15:10 that guys repositioning something alright.

[@erictaylor5462]

My dad used to own a Cessna 177 RG. It was a beautiful airplane, but the back seat was freezing cold.

[@Video-tipsTv]

WOW!! This sure is a huge formation and challenging flight.... Wish I was there....

[@Aviator482]

Will you guys still be in Oshkosh on the 29th and do you guys have your own stand?

[@FlightChops]

+Aviator - check the link in the description for info about where I will be when. I think I'm at the ForeFlight booth at noon that day.

[@jaymur001]

What aircraft is that at 5:17? The red and gold oldtimer.

[@leighton7553]

I love those DHC-1 formation flying pictures! Great shots FlightChops! Very impressive!

[@jessewildermagic3630]

Hey, What is the name of the song used in the video?

[@stephenglass2011]

Good job as far as I'm concerned.

[@flyifri]

W hay Cool , and a great effort by all. Well done everyone.

[@AltheRad]

Reminds me a bit of flying into Abbotsford, BC same kind of density and great controller fast thinking and compliance by a lot of people. Thanks for posting this, never been to Oshkosh but always hoped to one day...

[@Mrcaffinebean]

What an undertaking mad respect for the guys that organize this. It got a little messed up but that happens with 87 people.

[@schwibbs1286]

I'm staying at the college across the street from Oshkosh! (Flew there in a V-tailed Bonanza). Where are you going to be tomorrow, the 23rd?

[@RWBHere]

Thanks Steve. Looking forward to your reports for the 2018 event, to see how the changes improve things. It's a mammoth task getting 100 people organised, at times, so kudos to the organisers for attempting it. That many aircraft in the air for one event is a rare thing today. Probably only beaten by the 'thousand bomber raids' of WW2.

[@breddi1]

Great video! Heading to Osh on Wednesday for my first trip. I feel like a kid waiting for the trip to Disney!

[@FlightChops]

+Brent Reddick - right on! Stop by one of the meet and greets! Details in the link in the description - the first one is Cloud Ahoy at noon on Thurs!

[@davejones542]

how come everyone is wearing the same clothes

[@SPQRTempus]

Having some personal experience in ground ops I know how hard it is to get people and aircraft where they should be at the right time. Getting 87 aircraft to OSH is no small feat and despite the hiccups they all arrived safely - goal achieved.