Overview

The procedure to fly into the AirVenture ultralight runway is published in the FAA issued Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). If you plan to fly into AirVenture you must obtain a copy of the CURRENT NOTAM and follow the procedures outlined in the 2008 NOTAM.

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In addition to the FAA issued NOTAM the following information and pictures will be helpful in understanding the pattern and arrival / departure procedures. NOTE - Once you have arrived prior to flying in the pattern, you must attend a briefing. 

Below is an overview map showing Wittman Regional Airport which includes the location of the arrival procedure entry point, Hwy 26 and Hwy Z.

By clicking here you can watch a video of the ultralight runway traffic pattern.

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The following picture shows the Ultralight pattern entry to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Notice that the only approved entry is at Hwy 26 and Hwy Z. From there proceed at 300 feet AGL northeast along Hwy 26 to the Hwy 26 and Hwy 41 intersection.

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The map below shows a closer look at the overall ultralight pattern. The overlaying red stripes signify the "No Fly Zone" again just to drive the point home. As we're zooming in closer at the ultralight pattern, notice that the western boundary is Hwy 41, the southern boundary is County Road N, those are the easy ones. Where most have trouble is with the eastern and northern boundaries. We'll continue with more pictures and close ups so you can familiarize yourself with the landmarks and procedures.

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The next picture highlights the turn points for the northern and eastern portions of the pattern.  The landmarks are labeled here and in the upcoming photos as well.  The yellow line indicates the ultralight flight pattern.

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Let's look at the eastern portion of our pattern, where the potential for trouble is probably at its highest. It requires that pilots fly no further east than the gravel road parallel to runway 18-36.  East of the gravel road is aircraft parking for vintage general aviation aircraft, and east beyond that is runway 18-36.  Ultralight pattern altitude is 300ft AGL. 

The images below indicate the major landmarks of the eastern portion of the pattern as well as the actual runway.  Pay close attention to the displaced thresholds and the eastern boundary depicted by the solid yellow line.

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Now let's move on to the northwest corner of our pattern. Our biggest problem here is when arrivals enter the pattern at Hwy 26 and 41, and need to proceed north parallel to Hwy 41 due to the current weather and winds. If our pattern is in a southern operation, we are flying in a clockwise rotation. Those new arrivals are proceeding north along Hwy 41 looking for their turning point to proceed east.  The turn point is a billboard.  Below are pictures of this billboard.

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Here is a closer look at the turning point billboard. This is the actual billboard. You should never be any further north than this billboard. It may be a good idea to print this out and have it with your air maps so you know what you are looking for. A corridor will be marked by white cones or fencing, this will be your west-to-east leg of the pattern. Below is a closer look at the billboard turn point.

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The three images below will look at:
  * Daily rotation and timeslots for given vehicles;
  * Timeslot breakouts, based upon type vehicles, relative to typical daily weather patterns, anticipated relative winds and thermals;
  * Total time allotted to any "vehicle type".

Flight operations are broken into separate time periods to allow similar performance aircraft in the pattern at the same time. You should consider arriving to the runway during the time period your type is flying.

LSA's for the purpose of flight operations off the Ultralight field during AirVenture include any 2-place fixed wing N-numbered aircraft or 2-place vehicle, meaning all fixed and flex wing 2-place vehicles capable of operating within the performance envelope and safe operations off the ultralight runway. ALL homebuilt rotorcraft as a group are segregated.  All appropriate fixed and flex wing 2-place vehicles will automatically be flown in the LSA flying slots.

All 2-place powered parachutes will operate with the 1-place PPCs.

Homebuilt rotorcraft is defined as helicopters and gyrocopters that can safely operate off the ultralight field.
Special considerations exist for Rotorcraft, and it is necessary to consult the NOTAM and rotorcraft flight operation volunteers for further instructions.

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Best Use Of Time

The slide above is a "best case" typical day of flying at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh ... keep in mind that only pilots who have been briefed are allowed to participate in our flying segments. New arrivals will be parked and will be able to fly in the daily sessions only after receiving a full briefing. Times for briefings are posted in the Ultralight Barn Headquarters. It is best to plan your arrival at AirVenture Oshkosh during the posted times in the NOTAM, then look to see when your vehicles timeslots are (as listed above) for the best blend of traffic during your arrival. Remember that the NOTAM requires that you call the Ultralight Barn prior to your arrival, for current information. The field could be IFR or closed for "Special Circumstances". Always call ahead first. The Ultralight Barn HQ phone number is published in the NOTAM.

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Weather Conditions Dictate

Due to the unique nature of the different types of aircraft flying on and off the ultralight field at AirVenture, it is necessary to give the best airtime to the vehicles that need it the most. The graph above shows best conditions are typically in the early morning and late afternoon, with deteriorating conditions at the height of mid-day. Vehicle types are segregated into the timeslots to best utilize these conditions in the safest manor possible.

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Fair Allotment of Flying Time

The total time for any one "Vehicle type" is meant to be as equal to each other group as possible, yet be realistic to the usage and representation of the attending participating membership. A balance of fairness to all parties operating off the Ultralight runway has been struck, including single place ultralights, 2-place and light-sport aircraft, powered parachutes and rotorcraft.