The SOS beer tent is the bane of my OSH existence

[jherzog]

Am I the only one who had trouble falling asleep each night in HBC? How on earth is SOS allowed to have outdoor, amplified live music until midnight each night? That leaves only a 6-hour window for sleep until the P-51s fire up the next morning.

My current approach is to wear noise cancelling ear buds, playing white noise from my iPhone app at high volume. Doesn't even begin to cut the sound of the terrible bands paying at SOS.

 

[Mark Dickens]

Am I the only one who had trouble falling asleep each night in HBC? How on earth is SOS allowed to have outdoor, amplified live music until midnight each night? That leaves only a 6-hour window for sleep until the P-51s fire up the next morning.

My current approach is to wear noise cancelling ear buds, playing white noise from my iPhone app at high volume. Doesn't even begin to cut the sound of the terrible bands paying at SOS.

Totally agree, but in my case being deaf in one ear, I just put the "ok" ear onto the pillow and was able to sleep, but I agree that the bands they book are terrible.

 

[tnelson]

Possibly refer to the quote about if it's too loud, you are too old?? I didn't get to bed before midnight any of the nights I was there so I'd prefer they defer the helicopter rides till 10am..

 

[wirejock]

You guys are not sounding very encouraging. Not sure I want to fly my Lucy to Osh. I saw the freight train of disaster on Flight Aware. OMG. No thanks. Then rain, hail, tornados, smoke, loud music. Why would I go?

 

[ERushing]

You guys are not sounding very encouraging. Not sure I want to fly my Lucy to Osh. I saw the freight train of disaster on Flight Aware. OMG. No thanks. Then rain, hail, tornados, smoke, loud music. Why would I go?

Other than the early smoke and the always annoying SOS noise, this was the most pleasant Oshkosh, weather-wise, that I can remember.

We should just have them block off Sunday for an RV mass-arrival.

 

[Mark Dickens]

You guys are not sounding very encouraging. Not sure I want to fly my Lucy to Osh. I saw the freight train of disaster on Flight Aware. OMG. No thanks. Then rain, hail, tornados, smoke, loud music. Why would I go?

For me, the "freight train of disaster" is one of the selling points...and then trying and failing to make sure you have everything you need (summer clothes, winter clothes, rain clothes, sleeping arrangements for hot nights, cold nights, windy nights, etc.)...one of these days, I'll be prepared for whatever OSH lays on me....hah

 

[Kyle Boatright]

Am I the only one who had trouble falling asleep each night in HBC? How on earth is SOS allowed to have outdoor, amplified live music until midnight each night? That leaves only a 6-hour window for sleep until the P-51s fire up the next morning.

My current approach is to wear noise cancelling ear buds, playing white noise from my iPhone app at high volume. Doesn't even begin to cut the sound of the terrible bands paying at SOS.

Never had a problem. Ear plugs and tired from walking 20K steps a day in the heat = darned near instant sleep.

 

[Auburntsts]

Never had a problem. Ear plugs and tired from walking 20K steps a day in the heat = darned near instant sleep.

No ear plugs for me but after a full day at the show and I was out in minutes. My bane was when they used to have porta potties scattered around HBC and some knuckle head letting the door slam at 3am. SOS noise never bothered me.

 

[mackd]

Agree, the late night music was super annoying, although earplugs pretty much took care of it for me.

Fisk was wide open Monday around noon when I arrived. It was a non event after watching the Sunday craziness. The tornado warnings Monday evening were nerve-wracking, but we didn’t end up getting any storms or rain that day.

Also, the registration folks sing you a song when you fly your homebuilt in for the first time. Fun! I think HBC is about the best camping spot, centrally located, but without much foot traffic.

It was my first time flying in and I loved it.

 

[Brantel]

Well, the EAA has tried to get rid of the SOS Brothers since they became a thing. They can’t because it is their private property. Until (edit: Winnebago County) decides to enforce a noise ordinance, they are not going anywhere.

Obviously their attendance proves that at least some of the AirVenture crowd enjoys what they have to offer.

I am sure the EAA has offered them a fortune to just sell out and go away. From what I hear, they just laugh at them and smile!

 

[Kyle Boatright]

Well, the EAA has tried to get rid of the SOS Brothers since they became a thing. They can’t because it is their private property. Until the city of Osh decides to enforce a noise ordinance, they are not going anywhere.

Obviously their attendance proves that at least some of the AirVenture crowd enjoys what they have to offer.

I am sure the EAA has offered them a fortune to just sell out and go away. From what I hear, they just laugh at them and smile!

There's a long standing grudge there. EAA used eminent domain via the local government to take the SOS Brother's first location (near where the forum buildings are today), and the SOS brothers re-established where they are now. Then you had the EAA filing a copyright (or was it trademark?) infringement suit against SOS for selling "BeerVenture" gear.

SOS is a heck of a place to people watch in the evening while talking with your buddies.

 

[Norman CYYJ]

Other than the early smoke and the always annoying SOS noise, this was the most pleasant Oshkosh, weather-wise, that I can remember.

We should just have them block off Sunday for an RV mass-arrival.

That would be another disaster especially those that say they have to fly high because they have no clue how to fly their plane.

 

[Rotorhead8]

They have a lot to straighten out at osh

 

[Kyle Boatright]

They have a lot to straighten out at osh

I'd argue the arrival process is the only sore thumb. They do a masterful job elsewhere for an event that only happens one week a year.

 

[gasman]

Am I the only one who had trouble falling asleep each night in HBC? How on earth is SOS allowed to have outdoor, amplified live music until midnight each night? That leaves only a 6-hour window for sleep until the P-51s fire up the next morning.

My current approach is to wear noise cancelling ear buds, playing white noise from my iPhone app at high volume. Doesn't even begin to cut the sound of the terrible bands paying at SOS.

Fly into Appleton and take the bus to the dorms....

Enjoy a quiet room, warm shower, nice bed, good food, a few beers at Kelly's, a cheap breakfast and be dropped off 1 minute from the main gate all refreshed and ready to go.

 

[BCP Boys]

I'd argue the arrival process is the only sore thumb. They do a masterful job elsewhere for an event that only happens one week a year.

I agree and for having over a half of million people there! I can’t imagine it could run much better.

 

[Norman CYYJ]

I agree and for having over a half of million people there! I can’t imagine it could run much better.

Not like some of you addicted KOSH fliers I have only flown in nine times. I think that those controllers do a fantastic job and so well at maintaining their cool in some of hardest trying times, as for the rest of the operation I think they have it down to a science. Always making Tweaks for the following year. I often marvel at the fact that there are so many people there and the grounds are always neat and tidy. I have never been anywhere else with less than half that many people and the trash is everywhere. Well done volunteers.

 

[Rallylancer122]

As someone else mentioned, SOS Bros are on private property.

That being said, nowhere on the grounds are what I would call quiet. There's always a generator running, or a party, or some vehicle noise. One time I work up at 430am in the campground and the guy in the tent next to me was snoring so loud that I couldn't get back to sleep. I ended up walking out to my airplane and retrieving a set of ear plugs.

Anyone remember the year the C5A forgot their towbar and the Air Force flew another one in at 3am?

 

[ronrapp]

Also, the registration folks sing you a song when you fly your homebuilt in for the first time.

What?! I didn’t get a song when I rolled in last year. Oh I feel sooo cheated!!

The weather this year was unbelievable. I flew home to Orange County Calif and was like, “Meh. The weather was better in Wisconsin.” How many times has that ever been said??

—Ron

 

[roadrunner20]

My only gripe about the camping at HBC, are the bright blinding lights from the grass parking lot across the street, that are left on most of the night.

 

[Gino230]

You guys are not sounding very encouraging. Not sure I want to fly my Lucy to Osh. I saw the freight train of disaster on Flight Aware. OMG. No thanks. Then rain, hail, tornados, smoke, loud music. Why would I go?

For the influencer Meet and Greet! Duh!

 

[Auburntsts]

Why would I go?

Because the pros far outweigh the cons (which are generally minor to include SOS Bros noise). Also you don’t have to camp in HBC. We fly in but “glamp” in a rented RV (5thWheel) in a private campground directly across from the SOS Bros . Other options include camping in Scholler (either tent or rented RV) , AirBnB’s, UW dorms, and of course hotels in and around Osh (for next year need to start planning now for that option),

 

[218KR]

Every time I walked by SOS I chuckled and wished I was 21 again. I say, let them have fun and enjoy their youth. It sure doesn’t last that long.

 

[RogerH]

You guys are not sounding very encouraging. Not sure I want to fly my Lucy to Osh. I saw the freight train of disaster on Flight Aware. OMG. No thanks. Then rain, hail, tornados, smoke, loud music. Why would I go?

To each his own. Flew home yesterday and my sore feet & ringing ears are in recovery, BUT wouldn't have it any other way. Already working on a list of things to do & see next year.

On your list of things that plagued Oshkosh this year: your sounding downright Old Testament,. Fortunately most of the plagues visited on Egypt like locust, frogs, etc didn't reappear in Wisconsin this year.

 

[DanH]

You now have 350 days to find the best earplugs. There are all kinds. Foam plugs are the least effective.

Find an eye mask too.

I was tented in the corner of HBC closest to SOS. No problem.

 

[wirejock]

To be clear, I have been to Airventure many times. There were some forums, I really wanted to hear. I wish there was a way to stream them. I enjoy the flea market, air shows and occasional celebrity meet and greet. Maybe next year. Aviation101 saves us a room every year. This year, I was ok with missing it.

 

[Caveman]

There are ways to fly in and avoid the conga line fiasco. Fly to an airport of your choice an hour or two away. Refuel & tie down. Spend the night in a hotel or on field in your tent. (I've done both). Get up early and head on in, timing your arrival to be there when the tower operations begin. Easy as pie, and traffic is light to non-existent. There are other ways, but I don't want to give away too many secrets. As far as why would a person would ever subject themselves to all this mess... well I don't have time to write a book but lifelong friends and meeting special people are the biggest draw for me.

Joe
15+ times at AV and counting
Only drove once

 

[Jerry Fischer]

Well, the EAA has tried to get rid of the SOS Brothers since they became a thing. They can’t because it is their private property. Until the city of Osh decides to enforce a noise ordinance, they are not going anywhere.

Obviously their attendance proves that at least some of the AirVenture crowd enjoys what they have to offer.

I am sure the EAA has offered them a fortune to just sell out and go away. From what I hear, they just laugh at them and smile!

Problem is that the SOS property isn't in the city limits, it's in Winnebago County.

 

[Brantel]

Problem is that the SOS property isn't in the city limits, it's in Winnebago County.

I was unsure and just guessed. LOL
Looks like it is right on the line depending on what map you look at. I am going to go with your knowledge and edit my post!

 

[uk_figs]

While there are cool things to see and new things to learn every year, as Joe said to me it is about the people, meeting friends from all over the country/world, meeting interesting new people and spending a week with people who love aviation. The entry and exit can be challenging at times but as they say you can always go around and try again and once there it is a very well run experience, the volunteers are terrific, and it is well worth the effort.
As a former drummer in a rock band I can also say that you can sleep through the SOS entertainment with the correct ear plugs
Figs

 

[MacCool]

Because the pros far outweigh the cons (which are generally minor to include SOS Bros noise).

Of course, that’s a matter of perspective. Relative value of the trip (juice vs squeeze) might not be the same for everyone these days.

 

[KMMUflyer]

A different approach...

Last year was my first year, and I wanted to avoid the conga line. Landed at 11:59 am Thursday before the show, as the last plane before they started sending folks to FISK.

Spent the time before the show volunteering with Flight Line Ops N40.
Enjoyed that as much as the show.

Parked in HBC, the third row from the cell tower, pretty close to the SOS brothers. Slept with earplugs. Like others said, SOS brothers wasn't the only loud thing. Each night I slept better than the previous night.

The Sunday after the show, the Hilton by Friar Tucks goes back to $110 per night... Good night's sleep before heading home.

That's also my plan going forward.

 

[543TB]

Well, I'll agree with the OP. Pitching a tent in Schoeller has become less and less fun with the advent of hotels on wheels running generators all night and the Mad Max ATV and E-Bike flow to and from the movies. Went to Vintage, where they dump the porto potties at 4am and dumpster pickup is shortly thereafter...

Last year in HBC was bliss. This year, it's like SOS found the loudest and worst cover band in Wisconsin and let them go until way past what can be considered neighborly. I'm not old enough to feel like this much of a curmudgeon!

 

[Gash]

I've been coming to Oshkosh since 1985. I absolutely love hanging out with my pilot friends at the biggest aviation family reunion in the world. Wouldn't miss it for anything. It was sad to see the lack of civility and radio discipline on the Fisk Arrival this year (mostly attributed to the now famous "Oshkosh Karen" on Sunday). All else was wonderful and I cannot remember having better weather. I'll see all of you degenerates next year!

 

[RogerH]

There are ways to fly in and avoid the conga line fiasco. Fly to an airport of your choice an hour or two away. Refuel & tie down. Spend the night in a hotel or on field in your tent. (I've done both). Get up early and head on in, timing your arrival to be there when the tower operations begin. Easy as pie, and traffic is light to non-existent. There are other ways, but I don't want to give away too many secrets. As far as why would a person would ever subject themselves to all this mess... well I don't have time to write a book but lifelong friends and meeting special people are the biggest draw for me.

Joe
15+ times at AV and counting
Only drove once

That all sounds great but if the conditions are IFR and below minimums till mid-afternoon not much that can be done, hence the conga line "fiasco".

 

[RogerH]

I've been coming to Oshkosh since 1985. I absolutely love hanging out with my pilot friends at the biggest aviation family reunion in the world. Wouldn't miss it for anything. It was sad to see the lack of civility and radio discipline on the Fisk Arrival this year (mostly attributed to the now famous "Oshkosh Karen" on Sunday). All else was wonderful and I cannot remember having better weather. I'll see all of you degenerates next year!

Fortunately having survived Friday's melee so I was safely on the ground by Sunday PM. Any specifics on Sunday's famous "Oshkosh Karen"? A quick search of Google only links back to your comment, do tell please.

 

[Norman CYYJ]

Of course, that’s a matter of perspective. Relative value of the trip (juice vs squeeze) might not be the same for everyone these days.

It has always been that way.

 

[Scott Hersha]

I like the SOS brothers tent. It’s one of the highlights for me each year. I have noticed a change in age every year (younger), and more so it seems this year - at least to this old man. Fine with me, fun to watch.

 

[tnelson]

My only gripe about the camping at HBC, are the bright blinding lights from the grass parking lot across the street, that are left on most of the night.

We had those across from our camping a couple years ago, they mistakenly left the controls accessible and have a large button to shut them off! Don't ask how I know!

 

[moosepileit]

Fortunately having survived Friday's melee so I was safely on the ground by Sunday PM. Any specifics on Sunday's famous "Oshkosh Karen"? A quick search of Google only links back to your comment, do tell please.

Just imagine full callsigns and diatribes that more than fille the 2 mile interval overhead fisk ATC comms. 7pm lcl ish.

Two mile spacing does not work when folks slow to 75 before Ripon to fix their gap.

One mile spacing being called for a single runway was bad enough in the past. It was all downhill from there.

At least Monday was one mile for two runways open, so losing a runway did not guarentee you had to start over.

Notam says 1/2 mile.

 

[Biggiesauls]

Agreed on SOS sound issues. Shifted gears this year for first time. UW-O dorms w/AC. Slept like a baby.

 

[rvsxer]

SOS is a heck of a place to people watch in the evening while talking with your buddies.

Agreed! The food is great, too.

 

[Jerry Fischer]

We had those across from our camping a couple years ago, they mistakenly left the controls accessible and have a large button to shut them off! Don't ask how I know!

So it WAS YOU...