Ultralight Arrival
Procedures
Ultralight/Homebuilt
Rotorcraft Flight Operations
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
2009 NOTAM. Page 19 of the NOTAM describes procedures to fly into the
ultralight runway.
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.
larger view
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.
larger view
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.
larger view
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.
larger view
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.
larger view
larger view
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 is a picture of this 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.
larger view
Flight Schedule
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 aircraft with ultralight-like flight characteristics.
Vintage, LSA aircraft, Cubs and Champs, and traditional homebuilt aircraft
should use the main runway operations.
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.
Adjustments to scheduled flight times will be
made as appropriate for weather conditions.
| AirVenture
Ultralight and Light Plane Runway Operations Schedule |
| 7 - 9 a.m. |
Powered Parachutes |
| 9 a.m. - Noon |
Ultralight and Light Planes |
| Noon - 3 p.m. |
Rotorcraft |
| 3 - 6:30 p.m. |
Air show, No flight operations |
| 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. |
Ultralight and Light Planes |
| 7:30 - 8 p.m. |
Powered Parachutes |
Best Use Of Time
The schedule 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.
|
NEARBY
BUSINESSES
