If You Are Headed For The Sebring Florida U.S. Sport Aviation Expo, You Must Be Aware Of The Special NOTAM For Operations Between January 20 And 23

Typical of large aircraft fly-ins, a special operational NOTAM has been issued that addresses pilots who are flying into and out of the Sebring Regional Airport during the operation of the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo.

Of course, the only way to understand all the details of the NOTAM is to download it and study it carefully. Here are a few excerpts and some commentary about safe operation flying into this event, or any large event, that requires special air traffic procedures.

If you check-out Sebring Regional Airport (KSFE) on a sectional chart, it shows up as having no control tower in operation. However, the NOTAM makes it clear that there will be a tower operating during the days that the Expo is taking place. Unique to this air event, the control tower will be operated by a private company, known as AirBossinc, and they do a fantastic job of keeping things operating smoothly. The tower will be operating from 9 o’clock in the morning until five O’clock in the afternoon, and the radio frequencies for air and ground operation are listed in the NOTAM.

There are two important cautions included in the NOTAM. They are:

• Caution: Pilots should be especially aware of the Military Operations Areas (MOA) and Restricted Areas associated with the Avon Park Bombing Range north and east of SEF. Contact Miami Air Route Tra?c Control Center (ZMA ARTCC) for MOA/Restricted Area status.
• Caution: Additionally, seaplane aircraft will be conducting a “splash-in” at Lake Jackson during the entire Light Sport Expo. Aircraft participating in the splash-in are encouraged to approach Lake Jackson below tra?c orbiting at 1,100 feet MSL. In the event splash-in participants need assistance, contact Lake Jackson Arrival on 124.725 MHz.

VFR arrival procedures are shown on the NOTAM and arrival altitudes are based on airspeed. The two speeds mentioned in the NOTAM are 90 knots and 150 knots. Check it out to see which applies to your operation, and if you haven’t practiced holding exact speeds lately, do a little practice to make sure you can comply with the speeds or changes to speed if requested to do so. Any aircraft that cannot maintain at least 90 knots must advise the tower.

Much like EAA AirVenture, as you follow the VFR approach procedure, you will probably be asked to “rock your wings” to acknowledge a clearance rather than using your radio. How long has it been since you performed a vigorous wing rocking maneuver? Here’s another case where some practice may be in order.

Because the NOTAM asks pilots to maintain separation and a single line, it’s important that you are well practiced in maintaining altitude while adjusting your speed to stay in front of, or remain behind, other traffic.

Study the NOTAM, and copy notes that apply to you on handy 3X5 cards that can be used for quick reference. If you are flying with a passenger, keep the passenger in the loop and give them something to do, such as watching for traffic. Keep your cool and make sure you’re stabilized on approach no later than 500 feet above the ground. If something’s not right, advise the tower and take whatever action is necessary to keep good control of your aircraft.

ANN will be there…join us at Sebring and let’s have some fun.

(Images from NOTAM)

FMI:Link to NOTAM