Chicagoland Speedway NASCAR Races

June 28 Through July 2 , 2018

In anticipation of a significant number of aircraft traveling to the Chicago, Illinois, area during the Chicagoland Speedway NASCAR races, a temporary air traffic control tower and special air traffic procedures will be incorporated at the Lewis University Airport (LOT) at Romeoville, Illinois. The operation of the temporary tower will begin Thursday, June 28th and continue through Sunday, July 1st. In the event that a NASCAR race is postponed until Monday, July 2 nd the tower will be open and these procedures shall also apply on that day.

There will not be a slot or reservation program into the Chicago area airports for these events.

IFR ARRIVAL PROCEDURES TO LOT or JOLIET (JOT)

Aircraft filing for the destination airports of LOT or JOT should file for and expect the following routings:

North of Chicago: BAE .. RFD .. JOT THEN DIRECT

Northwest of Chicago: RFD .. JOT THEN DIRECT

West and southwest of Chicago: BDF .. MOTIF .. JOT THEN DIRECT

From Michigan, Northern Indiana, Ontario: OXI.V38.EON .. JOT THEN DIRECT

Other areas east and south of Chicago: MACES .. BVT.V7.ZORRO .. EON .. JOT THEN DIRECT

All other Chicago area airports, file over normal Chicago STAR arrival routes.

IFR DEPARTURES

Please file your IFR flight plan two hours before you wish to depart. Your proposed departure time should be the time you expect to depart, not two hours prior. Due to the expected high volume of filings and the necessity to ensure the preferential routes are incorporated into your flight plan, extra time will be required to process your flight plan. Do not file multiple flight plans. Departure flight plans will be valid from ½ hour before to 2 hours after your proposed departure time.

To update your proposed departure time:

After LOT Tower hours, call Chicago TRACON at (847) 289-0926. On Sunday visit the ATC clearance delivery desk located in the terminal at the LOT Airport.

Chicago Center’s ability to provide VFR advisories may be limited and VFR aircraft requesting to activate IFR flight plans while airborne may not be immediately accommodated within 100 miles of the Joliet (JOT) VOR. Attempts to air file an IFR flight plan with Chicago or Indianapolis Center will be referred to the appropriate AFSS.

Traffic departing from all Chicago metropolitan airports should file and expect initial routings over those navaids or fixes depicted in the O’Hare-3 departure procedure (ORD3-ORD). NOTE - eastbound aircraft filed over EBAKE, DUFEE, MOBLE, GIJ or ELX will be taken over Lake Michigan. If you do not want to fly over water, file over EON, direct OXI and make a notation of "NO OVER WATER" in the remarks of the flight plan.

The following are preferred routes for JET AIRCRAFT from the Chicago area airports to the Indianapolis, Raleigh/Durham, Charlotte and other southerly USA areas:

JETS to:

VIA:

CLT

ELANR4.EMEGE..FLM..TAFTT.PARQR3.CLT

JQF

ELANR4. EMEGE..FLM..GZG..BZM..PEGTE..JQF

RDU

ELANR4. EMEGE..FLM..HVQ..BKW..PSK.SBV5.RDU

INT or GSO

ELANR4.EMEGE..FLM..OTONE.TRAKS2.

IND Metro

ELANR4.EMMLY..JAKKS..VHP..

EXX or MTV

DARCY4.SCOTO..IIU..GZG..TRAKS..

SVH or HKY

DARCY4. SCOTO..IIU..GZG..BZM..

VJI or TRI

DARCY4.SCOTO..IIU..

GSP

DARCY4.SCOTO..IIU..DAJPI.RCTOR1.GSP

AVL

DARCY4.SCOTO..IIU..AVL

SO/SW USA

DARCY4.DARCY..CYBIL.. then desired route

All others

DARCY4.SCOTO..IIU.. then desired route

The following are preferred routes for PROPELLER (including turbo-prop) AIRCRAFT from the Chicago area airports to the Indianapolis, Raleigh/Durham, Charlotte and other southerly USA areas:

PROP Aircraft to:

VIA:

CLT

BLOKR4.RBS..DONVE..TTH..IIU..VXV.LIINN2.CLT

JQF

BLOKR4.RBS..DONVE..ABB..HYK..DORFF..BZM..PEGTE..JQF

IND Metro

BLOKR4.RBS..JAKKS..VHP..

RDU

BLOKR4.RBS..DONVE..ABB..HYK.V178.BLF.V45.PSK..SBV5.RDU

EXX or MTV

BLOKR4.RBS..DONVE..ABB..HYK.V178.BLF.V45.FREON..

INT or GSO

BLOKR4.RBS..DONVE..ABB..HYK.V178.BLF.V45.PSK..SMOKN3.

SVH or HKY

BLOKR4.RBS..DONVE..IIU..DORFF..BZM..

VJI or TRI

BLOKR4.RBS..DONVE..IIU..LOZ..

GSP

BLOKR4.RBS..DONVE..IIU..SOT..SUG.V185.UNMAN..

AVL

BLOKR4.RBS..DONVE..IIU..

SO/SW USA

BLOKR4.BEKKI.. then desired route

All others

BLOKR4.RBS..DONVE..IIU.. then desired route

NON-RNAV FLIGHTS or FLIGHTS NOT CAPABLE OF FILING CHICAGO METRO DEPARTURE FIXES destined southeastern, southern, or southwestern USA.

Aircraft:

VIA:

Jets

EON..DNV..TTH..PXV…then desired route

Props

RBS..TTH..IIU…then desired route

OBTAINING YOUR IFR CLEARANCE

IFR DEPARTURES from Chicago area uncontrolled airports: Although you may contact Flight Service for clearance, it is recommended that you contact CHICAGO TRACON directly at (847) 289-0926 or (847) 289-1326. Expect a five (5) minute window for your IFR departure release. Peak departure times are expected Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. Departures from IKK Airport should contact ZAU ARTCC on 132.5 first, if not available then contact Flight Service on the airport via 122.2 or on RCO frequencies published in the East Central U.S. Airport/Facility Directory.

VFR ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES

Due to the anticipated increased volume of traffic, en route aircraft desiring to traverse the Chicago Metropolitan area should plan routes outside of the Chicago Class B and Midway Class C airspace. The appropriate frequencies for advisories are published on the Chicago VFR Terminal Area Chart. Advisories will be provided by Chicago TRACON or Midway Approach on a workload permitting basis WITHIN THE Chicago metropolitan area only. Chicago Center’s ability to provide VFR advisories may be limited and VFR aircraft requesting to activate IFR flight plans while airborne may not be immediately accommodated within 100 miles of the Joliet area. VFR aircraft are to cancel/activate VFR flight plans with Flight Service. A variety of VOR and RCO frequencies are available according to location. Check the East Central U.S. Airport/Facility Directory, Chicago Sectional or Chicago Terminal Area Chart for the appropriate frequencies. Flight Service serves the Illinois portion of the Chicago metropolitan area and can be contacted from all Chicago/suburban area codes at 1-800-WX-BRIEF.

LEWIS UNIVERSITY AIRPORT TEMPORARY CONTROL TOWER
AND CLASS D AIRSPACE

Check current NOTAM’s for updated information on Lewis Temporary Tower.

The Federal Aviation Administration will operate a temporary control tower at Romeoville Lewis University (LOT) Airport. Class D airspace will be in effect during times that the control tower is open. The control tower will be open during the following dates and times:

DATE

DAY

TIME (CDT)

TIME (UTC)

June 28

Thursday

0800 - 2300

1300 - 0400

June 29

Friday

0800 - 2300

1300 - 0400

June 30

Saturday

0800 - 2300

1300 - 0400

July 1

Sunday

0800 - 2300

1300 - 0400

ALTERNATE RACE DAY

July 2

Monday

0800 - 2300

1300 - 0400

LEWIS AIRPORT TRAFFIC AREA

ROMEOVILLE/LEWIS UNIVERSITY AIRPORT - 4136’26.1" N / 8805’46.4" W

The LEWIS AIRPORT TRAFFIC AREA is defined as that airspace extending upward from the surface to 3,200 feet MSL within a 4.0 nautical mile radius of the Romeoville/Lewis University Airport. This LEWIS AIRPORT TRAFFIC AREA is effective during the specific dates and times that the temporary control tower is open as listed within this NOTAM.

Requirements:

Follow ATC instructions for entry into the pattern and sequencing; normal pattern altitudes apply. Expect helicopter operations departing southeast from the airport, arriving southeast to the airport; the helicopter landing area is in the grass east of TWY C and south of TWY B (See airport layout herein and helicopter operators refer to helicopter procedures within this NOTAM).

All pilots parking at Lewis Airport should obtain an information sheet from ground handlers or other airport personnel. This information sheet will explain how to obtain fuel, how to get to your aircraft upon your return, and VFR/IFR departure procedures.

Special departure procedures will be in effect upon completion of the NASCAR races SATURDAY and SUNDAY. Specific times cannot be predetermined and a large number of departures are expected. ATIS will identify when the special departure procedures are in effect. The following page defines the special departure procedures.

LEWIS AIRPORT TEMPORARY TOWER SPECIAL DEPARTURE PROCEDURES
AFTERNOON OF FRIDAY AND SATURDAY ONLY

Check current NOTAM’s for updated information on Lewis Temporary Tower.

VFR DEPARTURES - TAXI AND TOWER PROCEDURES

  1. Call sign;

  2. ATIS code;

  3. Type aircraft;

  4. That you are VFR, and;

  5. Direction of flight.

VFR aircraft desiring flight following may initiate contact on the appropriate advisory frequency upon leaving the LEWIS AIRPORT TRAFFIC AREA. Advisories will be provided by Chicago TRACON or Midway Approach on a workload permitting basis WITHIN THE Chicago metropolitan area only. Chicago Center may NOT provide VFR advisories or flight following within 100 miles of the Joliet area. Plan on routes that remain clear of Chicago Class B and Midway Class C airspace. DO NOT plan on receiving Class B clearance. Establishment of radio contact and/or issuance of a transponder code for advisories is NOT a clearance to enter Class B airspace. Contact with Chicago Approach Control is NOT the appropriate facility for entry into the Midway Class C airspace. Refer to the Chicago VFR Terminal Area Chart for advisory frequencies. VFR flight plans may be opened through Flight Service on JOT RCO frequency 122.5 or through various VOR frequencies. Refer to the Chicago Sectional or Chicago VFR Terminal Area Chart for VOR frequencies to Flight Service.

VFR DEPARTURE FOR AIRBORNE PICK UP OF AN IFR CLEARANCE MAY NOT BE ACCEPTED WITHIN 100 MILES OF THE JOLIET (JOT) VOR.

IFR DEPARTURES - TAXI AND TOWER PROCEDURES

ON SUNDAY ALL IFR DEPARTURES MUST OBTAIN THEIR IFR CLEARANCE FROM CLEARANCE ON FREQUENCY ( 118.025 ) . This area is for receiving filed clearances or to amend your IFR flight plan. There are separate facilities within the terminal for filing your flight plan.

IF you do not obtain your IFR clearance prior to starting your taxi, you will be directed to a parking area.

When preparing to taxi:

  1. Call sign;

  2. ATIS code;

  3. That you are IFR to (destination)

  4. Beacon code assignment.

Stating the beacon code is a crosscheck to ensure you have the correct flight plan clearance. An incorrect beacon code will result in your being directed into an inbound taxiway where you will have to shut down, return to the clearance desk and obtain the correct flight plan clearance.

Follow ground control instructions for sequencing with other taxiing aircraft. Continue to monitor ground until advised to MONITOR tower frequency. Tower will initiate contact. Acknowledge and follow Tower instructions for take-off clearance and departure heading. Tower will advise when to change to Chicago Departure control (the appropriate departure frequency will be issued at the clearance delivery desk as part of your flight plan clearance).

Lewis Airport Traffic Area, Frequencies and VFR Reporting Points

A graphic depicting the Lewis Airport Traffic area.

Lewis Airport Traffic Area is a 4.0 NM radius from the LOT Airport, up to and including 3,200’ MSL. The Lewis Airport Traffic Area is in effect when Lewis Tower is open.

Expect numerous arrivals Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning. Expect numerous departures Friday night, Saturday and Sunday evening.

Expect helicopters operating 200’ south of the RY 9/27 and 500’ east of RY 2/20.

Lewis ATIS frequency- 133.900

Lewis Tower frequency- 127.800

Lewis Ground frequency- 118.975

Lewis AWOS frequency- 118.525

Flight Service RCO- 122.50 Obtain IFR clearances through AFSS when LOT ATCT is closed.

Lewis Airport UNICOM - 122.80

LEWIS UNIVERSITY AIRPORT TEMPORARY CONTROL TOWER AND LEWIS AIRPORT TRAFFIC AREA

HELICOPTER PROCEDURES

Check current NOTAM’s for updated information on Lewis Temporary Tower.

Lewis University Airport has identified a helicopter landing area northeast of the main ramp, in the grass east of TWY C and south of TWY B. Helicopters operating within the Lewis Airport Traffic Area airspace will be expected to comply with normal ATC communication requirements. This may have a significant impact on helicopter operations should weather within the Lewis Airport Traffic Area be IFR. Non-radar separation standards require a one in-one out protocol under IFR conditions with IFR aircraft given a higher priority over SVFR operations.

CAUTION - THERE ARE OVER 5 OBSTRUCTIONS (TOWERS, SMOKE STACKS, PERMANENT CRANES) WITHIN 2 MILES OF THE AIRPORT THAT EXCEED 250’ AGL, SOME AS HIGH AS 500’.

Helicopter operations between LOT and the Chicagoland Speedway are to follow the routing identified on the graphic depiction in this NOTAM.

WARNING - UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD HELICOPTERS OPERATE IN THE VICINITY OF THE STATE PRISON, LOCATED LESS THAN ONE MILE SOUTH OF THE AIRPORT. HELICOPTERS THAT DEVIATE FROM THIS ROUTE OR OTHERWISE STRAY TOO CLOSE TO THE PRISON MAY BE APPROACHED BY POLICE RESULTING IN PASSENGERS AND CREW BEING DETAINED BY DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS OFFICERS. EXCEPT IN AN EMERGENCY THE CONTROL TOWER WILL NOT ISSUE ANY INSTRUCTIONS THAT MAY CAUSE HELICOPTERS TO OPERATE TOO CLOSE TO THE PRISON.

Pilots should check NOTAMs daily for changes and TFR information.

Use extreme caution when landing or departing the helicopter landing area. There will be people loading and unloading in your landing area. The alleyway to the south of the helicopter landing area is the hot refueling area for quick turn fixed wing aircraft. If you need to hover while waiting for the landing area to clear, hover over the grass area bounded by TWY G, TWY B, TWY C and the Main Terminal Apron. Do not hover over or park the Main Terminal Apron.

The traffic pattern for the helicopter landing area is:

LEWIS AIRPORT HELICOPTER ROUTE TO CHICAGOLAND SPEEDWAY

A graphic depicting the 2018 Lewis Airport helicopter route to Chicagoland Speedway.

DEPART LOT Outbound Speedway-Fly East across the Des Plaines River to the Oil Storage Tanks (41°36'36"N / 88°02'56"W), fly South remaining East of the train tracks to the Railroad Yard (41°32'15"N / 88°03'30"W), continue South over Warehouse and Golf Course (41°29'55"N / 88°03'15"W), approach speedway landing area from the North.

Use common reporting frequency of 123.025 over race track .

DEPART SPEEDWAY Inbound to LOT- Fly West approximately 1NM then Northwest toward Laraway Quarry (41°29'11"N / 88°05'31"W) remaining West of the quarry, fly North to the Des Plaines River & I-80 Bridge intersection (41°30'42"N / 88°05'29"W) from there fly the Des Plaines River Northbound (remain West of the tracks at all times) until North of the state prison then turn Northwest to the LOT landing area.

NOTICE - ATC will not issue instructions contrary to this route which may place helicopter traffic closer to the prison. Helicopters that deviate from this

A graphic depicting the helicopter landing area at Lewis Airport. No helicopter hovering over, or parking on the Main Terminal Apron.