You don’t want to use last year’s NOTAM when planning your flight into Sun ‘n Fun 2006. This year’s arrival procedures include some important changes.
The easiest online link to the new NOTAM is at Sun-N-Fun.org. It leads directly to the official FAA site. Before you press “print” be aware that the NOTAM is 36 pages long, so load plenty of paper in your printer.
The FAA’s Michael Yuska, who developed the NOTAM, points out that it is only the second ever issued in full color. It opens with an impressive rendition of this year’s Sun ‘n Fun fly-in poster. More useful, however, are 10 pages of color photographs showing exactly what inbound pilots will see at various points along the way.
The most important page, headed “VFR Arrival Procedures,” shows a new turning point at Interstate 4, rather than the familiar two lighted towers beyond I-4. After intercepting I-4, pilots follow it to the orange water tower, turn toward the airport, and follow ATC directions the rest of the way in. There are helpful diagrams to follow after touchdown, as well as those for departures. Helicopters, ultralights and Warbirds have their own pages.