It’s that time of year again -- time to start gearing up for ARRL Field Day, June 25-26, 2011! ARRL’s flagship operating event -- always held the fourth full weekend in June -- brings together new and experienced hams for 24 hours of operating fun.

Field Day packets are now available for download and include the complete rules (including a change for 2011), as well as other reference items such as forms, ARRL Section abbreviation list, entry submission instructions, a Frequently Asked Questions section, guidelines for getting bonus points, instructions for GOTA stations and a kit to publicize your event with the local press.

There is one rule change for 2011. Starting this year, all stations operating in Class A may use a free VHF station without increasing their operating category. This is designed to encourage more activity on the VHF bands, especially 6 and 2 meters, during the best sporadic-E season of the year.

We have also included in the FD packet a brief one-page flier with basic "What is Field Day" information that may be reproduced as a handout for your information table.