Or he could've radioed FSS and asked them for the text of the NOTAM.

Maybe. FSS radio traffic tends to be a bit higher during AirVenture.

My experiences with FSS is that they are often (a) hard to contact, (b)
hard to hear, and (c) pressed for time. I can't imagine -- nor would
I want -- them reading a multi-page, single-spaced NOTAM to someone
over the radio, while other pilots are waiting for a weather update.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"