With just three months to go until AirVenture 2009, it's time to begin preparing for that unforgettable flight to Oshkosh. The first step for any pilot planning to fly to the Oshkosh area for the event is studying FAA's Oshkosh NOTAM, which covers air traffic procedures for the period surrounding and during EAA AirVenture. THIS IS ESSENTIAL READING! While the overall procedure is similar to previous years, there are changes on 29 of the 32 NOTAM pages - so don't rely on previous years' versions or your memory to carry you through.

Just a few of the changes:

• The NOTAM is effective longer this year - until Noon on August 3, the day after AirVenture.
• There are changes to the Volk Field Military Operations Area (MOA) times and also active military aircraft (including the Thunderbirds) around Milwaukee.
• The parking area at Appleton is relocated.
• There are new descriptions of the VFR arrivals to Oshkosh and Fond du Lac.
• Some of the IFR routings and altitudes are changed.

You can download this year's NOTAM here in PDF format (about 3 MB download). Printed copies are now available, and you can order yours free of charge from EAA or by calling 800-564-6322. Printed copies are available for order while supplies last through July 20, 2009.