EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — Now that the 2021 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is in the books, the aviation world is looking towards this summer’s EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
As part of the preparations for this year’s big show, the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021 Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been released, with EAA officials noting it includes “several important” FAA-approved changes, which were based on pilot feedback and an FAA review of arrival procedures.
The NOTAM includes arrival and departure procedures for the 68th fly-in, slated for July 26-Aug. 1, 2021, at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) in Oshkosh.
The NOTAM, which is in effect from noon CDT on Thursday, July 22, until 8 p.m. CDT on Sunday, Aug. 1, outlines procedures for the many types of aircraft that fly to Oshkosh for the event, as well as aircraft that land at nearby airports.
The NOTAM was designed by the FAA to assist pilots in their EAA AirVenture flight planning and is “required reading for all aviators flying to AirVenture,” according to EAA officials.
Some of the 2021 changes include:
- There are new ATC-assignable transition points approaching Oshkosh from the west that will ease holding and congestion. These points are at Endeavor Bridge, Puckaway Lake, and Green Lake. They will be announced on the arrival ATIS when ATC put them into use at times of highest traffic flows.
- Different start and ending dates for the NOTAM.
- The temporary Runway 18L/36R at Oshkosh (KOSH) has been reconstructed and is now 60 feet wide.
- Two VORs have been decommissioned (FAH and IKK).
- Numerous editorial changes.
“With AirVenture on hiatus last year, it is more crucial than ever to thoroughly read and understand the 2021 AirVenture NOTAM to ensure safe operations on arrival and departure for this year’s event,” said Sean Elliott, EAA’s vice president of advocacy and safety. “We also urge all pilots to log appropriate cross-country time prior to their trip to Oshkosh so they have the proficiency and confidence to fly safely in conjunction with a thorough knowledge of this year’s NOTAM.”
EAA is hosting a webinar on June 23 at 7 p.m. (CDT) regarding flying to AirVenture 2021 and changes in this year’s NOTAM. Pilots are encouraged to participate in that webinar to build their knowledge prior to their flights to Oshkosh, officials said.
Pilots can download a digital version of the NOTAM at EAA.org/NOTAM, order a free printed copy via that website, or by calling EAA Membership Services at 800-564-6322.
Of course, no one reading this would be guilty (!), but I’ve been amazed each year at how many pilots have tried to come into OSH with no knowledge that the special NOTAM even exists, or that IFR reservations are required. Flying in isn’t difficult, but proper planning makes it much easier—and that includes not only reading the NOTAM, but having it readily accessible and doing what it says. Rock your wings!