Oshkosh, Wisconsin Airshow - August 3, 2003 (ALMOST!)

Four adventurous Glendale members decided to trek to Oshkosh on the last Sunday of the world-famous airshow.  Tony Aldi, Chris Kirksey, Mike McGrath and Jody Kirwan met at the Skylane's hangar at 5:00 A.M.

The weather was not ideal, as storms had been passing through all night and low clouds and rain remained in the area.  The plan was for Tony and Jody to fly up, and for Chris and Mike to fly back.

So, with Tony in the left seat and Jody in the right seat, they took off for Wisconsin.  Jody flew until they were southwest of Chicago, and Tony was going to take them into KOSH; however, the weather did anything but cooperate on this trip.

After watching some thunderstorms over Indianapolis, Indiana, the crew had to divert around some additional storms just south of Chicago, Illinois.

Tony (left seat) and Jody (right seat) doing their best to stay out of the weather (and stay awake).

Chris (white shirt) and Mike (tan shirt) enjoying the ride.

Storm just south of Chicago, Illinois.  Thank you Mr. Strike Finder!

View toward the rising Sun and Lake Michigan (if you look real hard, you will see some serious ground fog).

After several calls to Flight Service, it became clear a diversion would have to occur as the weather at KOSH was 100 feet overcast and 1/4 mile in fog.  So, 86 miles south of KOSH (in the clear blue) the crew landed at Rock County Airport in Janesville, Wisconsin (KJVL), and waited.

After some breakfast at the CAVU Cafe on the field (real Wisconsin blueberry pancakes), the guys waited a little longer and noticed that storms started building around the area.  Meanwhile, the weather at KOSH had only marginally improved, and the ILS was out of service.

So, they decided to head home, defeated and tired (but bellies full).  Mike took the first leg from the left seat, and Chris returned the crew safely to Bowman from the right seat.

That was a long trip for pancakes!