Flying to SUN ‘n FUN? Be aware of changes to arrival procedures

Spring has sprung, and that means the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is just around the corner.

The annual “Spring Break for Pilots” runs March 28 through April 2, 2023, and this year there’s a significant change to the arrival procedure.

Like the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh arrival, the route has been “strung out,” and now begins at Lake Myrtle, which lies about 6 nm east of the power plant on the north shore of Lake Parker (the previous arrival entry point).

You can find arrival procedures on the SUN ‘n FUN website here.

Here’s a screen shot from the NOTAM:

Note that, unlike the power plant, there are no coordinates published for Lake Myrtle — a puzzling omission.

Fortunately, the diagram does show Baseball Fields on the north edge of the lake. With this depiction from the NOTAM diagram, you can use Google Earth to find the lake and its coordinates.

An easier way is to use your flight planning app.

First, set the map preferences to show a satellite view only (no Sectional Chart overlay), then find Lake Myrtle and save it as a waypoint. When airborne, this will help you pick out that lake among the myriad of others in the area.

Here’s a screen shot from ForeFlight, with a waypoint created:

Regardless of your navigation technique, remember to keep your head on a swivel, your eyes out of the cockpit, and clear for other aircraft. We all like to run into friends at a favorite fly-in, just not on the arrival.

NOTE: This article is meant to highlight changes to the arrival, NOT to supplement the FAA NOTAM. It is up to each individual pilot to determine the correct location of Lake Myrtle and to familiarize themselves with the procedures.

As always, check NOTAMs before departure and en route, as airport conditions may change.