These procedures are important, but should not be a substitute for checking the NOTAMs prior to coming to Merced.  There may be changes that do not get posted on the website but do get posted to the FAA prior to the event.  Check this site and NOTAMs before departing for Merced.

Arrivals
Remain clear of the class D surface area until entering left hand downwind for runway 30 at a 45 midfield west of the airport.  NO STRAIGHT IN OR BASE PATTERN ENTRY WILL BE AUTHORIZED.  CHECK the ASOS.  On the initial contact, advise that you have the numbers.  Report ten miles west for left traffic runway 30.  Expect to follow the aircraft ahead all the way to the runway.  Expect landing clearance on short final.  Use caution for the possibility of scheduled air taxi aircraft that may be straight in on an instrument approach.  Weather permitting, IFR aircraft should expect visual approach.  Reduced runway separation may be used.  After landing, keep moving and exit runway via taxiway Delta.  Taxiway Delta is at midfield.  There will be a marker to the left of the runway abeam taxiway Delta.  Please do NOT exit the runway prior to taxiway Delta.  If you want to be judged or if you are a tenant, advise ground control when leaving the runway.  Expect to follow the "FOLLOW ME" vehicle at intersection Echo.  If you are not a display aircraft or an airport tenant, exit the runway at Delta and expect to turn right and taxi to parking in the grassy area.

Departures
Do not call ground control until you are at the exit point.  On initial contact, advise ground control you are at the exit point.  If you can accept an intersection departure, advise ground control.  After departure, fly straight out until clear of the class D surface area.  Be aware that Castle now has class D airspace.  IFR departures contact NorCal Approach on 120.95 for IFR clearance.  Advise ground control that you have IFR clearance.

Parking
Please be aware that regardless of your aircraft category or judging status, your planned parking area may be on the grass.  The marshals, who can be recognized by their orange vests, will be working in close coordination with the F.A.A. Ground Control, so if you have a special need please inform ground control after leaving the runway (i.e.. a flight of multiple aircraft wishing to be parked together).  Warbirds and all aircraft to be judged can expect a "FOLLOW ME" vehicle.  They are in radio contact with Ground Control and are working to get you parked as quickly and as safely as possible.  Several taxiways will be ONE WAY only to ease traffic flow.  Aircraft parked in the main show area must have a "FOLLOW ME" escort.  All departing traffic, whenever possible, must be hand pushed to taxi area before starting engines.  Contact Ground Control before taking the parallel taxi way.  For more information or assistance contact any official in an ORANGE VEST.  If you are unfamiliar with the airport, click this link for an airport diagram.  For the Merced area of the San Francisco section click this link. (coming soon)

Registration
All pilots wishing to register may do so at the registration booth starting at Noon on Friday.  Registration is $10 per plane and passengers are an additional $6.  Meal tickets for the Early Bird Dinner and the Awards Banquet Dinner may also be purchased at this time for an additional $10 and $15 respectively.

Closure
The airspace above Merced will be considered class D airspace for the duration of the weekend and will be closed to all traffic during the air show on Saturday.  The air show starts at 1300 and is expected to end by 1400 but could be extended to 1600. Please check NOTAMS and the tower frequency for advisories.

Fueling
For safety reasons, the self serve island will be closed during the fly-in, but through a special arrangement with Gateway Air Center, fuel will be sold at a discounted rate off of the trucks.  Top off your tank and get the fuel at the self serve price.

Fly-In Tower Hours
Friday, June 1st 1200 to 1800
Saturday, June 2nd 0800 to 1800
Sunday, June 3rd 0800 to 1200