Seaplane Base Information
 
General Information
Airport Identifier: 96WI
133° Radial off OSH VOR 111.8
4.15 SM DME

Coordinates: N43° 56' 37" W088° 29' 68"
Phone number during the convention - 920-230-7829
 
Flight Safety Alerts
• Be alert for Warbird and high performance aircraft operations from Fond du Lac to Oshkosh at 2,800 ft
• Be alert for low level aircraft just west of the Seaplane Base when AirVenture runway 36L departure procedures are in effect at Wittman Regional Airport. These aircraft will be operating at or below 1,300' MSL
 
Phone number prior to the convention - 715-581-4381
Phone number during the convention - 920-230-7829
Oshkosh ATIS - 866-493-5553
 
FREQUENCY AGENCY
123.3
AirVenture Seaplane Base
118.5
Oshkosh Tower
125.9
Oshkosh ATIS
127.0
Chicago Center
111.8
Oshkosh VOR
 
Aircraft Operating Guidelines
• Monitor the Seaplane Base radio frequency 123.3 at all times
• Altitude - DO NOT exceed 1,300 MSL within 3 miles of Seaplane Base
• Avoid flight operations over any vessels, structures, or people to avoid 500' separation rule

• If flight is necessary directly over base maintain 500 feet minimum
• Be alert for Warbird operations from Fond du Lac to Oshkosh at 2800 ft, transitioning down to 1,800 ft into Wittman
• Be alert for stray land based aircraft departing Wittman, and occasional lower altitude traffic unaware of seaplane base
• No takeoffs or landings in the lagoon (except in an absolute emergency)
• Landings though "The Gap" must be above tree tops (gap is only 100+ ft wide)
• Use right hand pattern in calm wind conditions, using blue silo for base to final turn, landing Northwest
• After landing always turn left to proceed to base, so others can anticipate your taxiing direction
• Obey light signals and/or flags for entering and exiting lagoon (especially if non-radio equipped)
• Do not taxi to or from mooring buoys under your own power
• Make sure magneto switches are off before exiting your aircraft
• Check ELT to insure it is not activated before leaving your aircraft
• Make sure your flight plan is closed before leaving aircraft
 
Departure Notes
• When at dock awaiting departure, you must have clearance from radio point prior to engine start
• No takeoffs allowed directly over Seaplane Base shoreline or crowds. With southerly wind direction use mooring lagoon opening (gap) as line of reference for takeoffs, and turn east to stay over water and farm fields when climbing after takeoff
• Amphibs wanting to return to airport are advised to depart Seaplane Base, and while remaining east of airport, contact Oshkosh Tower at 118.5 announcing "Amphib departing Seaplane Base returning to Oshkosh". Tower personnel will provide a convenient arrival that will not require you to enter the standard Fisk arrival pattern
 
Arrival and Local Ops

The radio frequency for the Seaplane Base and all airborne operations is 123.3. A radio is not required, but please monitor 123.3 at all times if you are radio equipped. Pilots are authorized to deviate from the two-way communication requirements specified in FAR 91.129(c) for arrival and departure during AirVenture 2010. DO NOT use the VFR arrival transition over Ripon, and DO NOT contact the Oshkosh Tower. During the afternoon air shows, the Oshkosh Airport (Wittman Field) is closed, and seaplane traffic must land outside of the Oshkosh Class D airspace and taxi to the base. For air show times, check OSH ATIS, 125.9.

At times other than the afternoon air shows, normal operations are followed. If you wish to orient yourself, fly a pattern from north to south at 600' AGL with a left turnout. Takeoff and landing patterns are at the discretion of the pilot. Keep in mind that with northerly winds Lake Winnebago gets very rough and plan accordingly. An alternate landing site is available at War Bird Island, call 123.3 for details. Avoid low over flights of boats or cottages. A pilot briefing is required prior to local flights or departures. Watch for low flying land aircraft departing Wittman Field over the Seaplane Base.

Signal flags or lights are used at the mouth of the lagoon to control entering and exiting traffic. Please obey green to enter or red to hold short. Seaplane Base hours are 8 AM to 8 PM. Upon arrival at the Seaplane Base, a dock attendant will direct you to a dock.

A special parking area is set aside for amphibians on Wittman Field, south of the Antique/Classic Area and west of the north/south runway. Amphibs may land and park, even if the other parking areas are saturated. Showers and running water are available at the amphib camping area on Wittman Field and at the Seaplane Base. Amphib pilots who want to camp at the Seaplane Base may land at the Seaplane Base, register, drop off camping gear and proceed to Wittman Field, using a special procedure that requires a briefing.
 

The Countdown Is On.

day:hours:minutes:seconds to Oshkosh 2010