KDPA → KOSHWest Chicago to Oshkosh

125.3 NM354° TC1h 3m @ 120ktWind: 140°/3kt

Pre-loaded with current METAR wind. Adjust values as needed.

Course Calculator

Enter true heading, TAS, and wind to get compass course and ground speed

Course & Speed

°

Wind

°
KT

Corrections

°

Intermediate Values

Course Calculation Flow

TC
354°
VAR
3.7°W
↓
MC
358°
WCA
+1°
↓
MH
359°
Dev
0°
↓
CC
359°
TC: True Course
MC: Magnetic Course
MH: Magnetic Heading(aka “True Heading”)
CC: Compass Course
VAR: Magnetic Variation
WCA: Wind Correction Angle
Dev: Compass Deviation

WCA

+1°

MH

359°

Crosswind

2 KT

from right

Tailwind

2 KT

ETAS

—

WCA ≤ 10°

Results

Ground Speed

122

KT

Compass Course

359°

= magnetic heading

Start Leg Planning

Continue with distance, fuel consumption, waypoints, and time estimates

Note: This calculator uses standard aviation wind triangle formulas. Wind direction is where the wind is coming FROM. Positive WCA means turn right, negative means turn left. ETAS (Effective True Air Speed) is shown when WCA exceeds 10° to account for the reduced effective forward speed when crabbing at large angles. For complete flight planning with fuel, time estimates, and waypoints, use the Leg Planner.

DuPage (KDPA) to Oshkosh (KOSH) VFR Flight Calculator

The route from Chicago's DuPage Airport to Oshkosh is a pilgrimage for aviation enthusiasts. Whether you're heading to EAA AirVenture or just visiting the aviation capital of Wisconsin, this 125 nautical mile flight takes you from one of Chicago's premier GA airports to the home of the world's greatest aviation celebration. This calculator helps you plan the perfect flight to 'the world's busiest airport' during late July.

Route Overview: Chicago Area to Oshkosh

The direct route from KDPA to KOSH covers approximately 125 nautical miles on a true course of roughly 345°. Flight time is typically 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes at 120 knots. The flight crosses the Wisconsin-Illinois border near Lake Geneva, passes west of Milwaukee, and arrives at Wittman Field. Outside of AirVenture week, this is a pleasant Midwest cross-country over farmland and lakes. During AirVenture (late July), special procedures apply and this becomes one of the most exciting arrivals in aviation.

Airport Information

Departure: KDPA

Name:
DuPage Airport
Location:
West Chicago, IL
Elevation:
759 ft
ATIS:
120.175

Arrival: KOSH

Name:
Wittman Regional Airport
Location:
Oshkosh, WI
Elevation:
808 ft
ATIS:
125.9

Flight Planning Considerations

DuPage is a professional GA airport with excellent facilities. Oshkosh during normal operations is a standard towered field. During AirVenture, everything changes - study the NOTAM carefully.

  • •CRITICAL: During EAA AirVenture (late July), Oshkosh has special arrival/departure procedures
  • •AirVenture arrivals: Download and study the NOTAM thoroughly - unique procedures
  • •Non-AirVenture: Standard VFR arrival, contact Oshkosh Tower on 118.5
  • •DuPage has excellent services and is outside the O'Hare Class B
  • •Route passes west of Milwaukee Class C - easy to avoid or transition
  • •Fuel: Top off at DuPage - cheaper than Oshkosh during AirVenture
  • •File a VFR flight plan - good practice and recommended for AirVenture

Airspace and Navigation

This route is relatively simple for airspace, staying clear of the major Class B areas. The main consideration is Milwaukee's Class C.

  • •Chicago Class B: DuPage is well west and outside - no factor for departure
  • •Milwaukee Class C (KMKE): Route passes 10-15 NM west - no transition needed
  • •Waukesha (KUES): Possible waypoint, Class D field
  • •Fond du Lac (KFLD): Good checkpoint south of Oshkosh
  • •Oshkosh: Normal Class D; during AirVenture becomes special procedures
  • •Chicago Approach not needed; Milwaukee Approach (127.0) optional for flight following
  • •Oshkosh Tower (118.5) - or Fisk Approach during AirVenture

Suggested VFR Cruising Altitudes

Eastbound (0°-179°)

4,500 ft, 6,500 ft

Odd thousands + 500 ft for VFR

Westbound (180°-359°)

3,500 ft, 5,500 ft

Even thousands + 500 ft for VFR

Weather Considerations

The Midwest offers generally good VFR weather in summer, though afternoon thunderstorms are common from June through August. The Great Lakes influence can create lake-effect clouds and fog, especially in spring and fall. Winds are typically from the southwest in summer, providing a slight tailwind on the northbound leg. During AirVenture week, weather becomes critical - even marginal VFR conditions cause massive delays in the arrival sequence. Always have a backup plan for AirVenture arrivals.

Visual Landmarks and Navigation References

Fox River

Runs north through the region. Easy to follow from DuPage area northward.

Lake Geneva

Popular resort lake near the Wisconsin border. Easy landmark.

Milwaukee Skyline

Visible to the east. Keep it on your right as you pass.

Fond du Lac

City at the south end of Lake Winnebago. Marks 20 NM to Oshkosh.

Lake Winnebago

Large lake - Oshkosh is on the west shore at the north end.

EAA Museum

Large complex visible from pattern altitude at KOSH.

Alternate Airports

ICAONameDistance
KFLDFond du Lac20 NM S of KOSH
KUESWaukesha County50 NM from KOSH
KENWKenosha Regional60 NM from KOSH
KATWAppleton25 NM N of KOSH

Tips from Experienced Pilots

  • •AirVenture arrival: Review the NOTAM multiple times - it's unlike any other arrival
  • •During AirVenture, monitor 124.5 Fisk Approach starting at Green Lake
  • •The Ripon-to-Fisk arrival is a once-in-a-lifetime experience - embrace it
  • •If not going to AirVenture, Oshkosh is still worth visiting for the EAA Museum
  • •DuPage has multiple FBOs - shop around for best fuel price
  • •Watch for increased VFR traffic in the region during AirVenture week
  • •Pack light for AirVenture - camping under the wing is part of the experience
  • •Return flight from Oshkosh: Depart early morning to avoid AirVenture traffic

Related VFR Routes

KFRG → KBEDKVNY → KSBAKTMB → KMTH

Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational and reference purposes only. Always use official flight planning tools and verify all data with current charts, NOTAMs, and weather briefings before flight. Wind data shown is from the most recent METAR and may not reflect actual en-route conditions.