Trip: Butte, MT - Henderson, NV

[jabodine]

My wife and I are planning a trip first to Henderson, NV from Butte, MT in mid April. We would like to make a pit stop about half way, in the Salt Lake City vicinity. Seeking suggestions for a GA friendly stopping point in that area. The flight will be IFR so no trepidation regarding class Bravo airspace.

 

Subsequently we plan to leave Henderson for San Diego, CA. Again any suggestions for a GA friendly airport that we can put down in for a couple of days?

 

Of course the trip will be in our Mooney. We would like to make contact with local Mooney owners if time allows.

 

Thanks and Best Regards,

 

Jonathan Bodine

[cliffy]

If you want right in the SLC valley  South Town is the best bet but IFR into and out of there can be a bear with the KSLC traffic. Long delays. Spanish Fork south of the SLC valley has a good gas price but no IFR into. All depends on what you want and the weather. Provo has a high gas price. Be very aware of the restricted area south of South Town if you are VFR. That's where the NSA computer facility is. It's right in the gap of the hills going south if you're trying to scud run out of the valley. 

 

In San Diego Montgomery Airport is a good one. All the services you want and a very good restaurant on the airport. Good ILS also and SoCal App. is one of the best with GA traffic. Easy in easy out there. 

[Joe Zuffoletto]

Don't know about the SLC area but I agree with cliffy about San Diego Montgomery (KMYF).

[TTaylor]

Logan is a good stop, 80 miles north of SLC.  Leading Edge is a good FBO with a fast turn.  South of SLC, Provo and Nephi would be options.  Nephi is only self serve with minimal facilities but likely cheapest gas.   

[Daniel Lindberg]

I really enjoy landing at Ogden, the folks at Ogden Jet center are always friendly and glad to help. Plus it is almost like an air museum there because the original owner was a WW2 pilot. I fuel up there, then land at the Wendover, NV airport, again, more aviation history there. If possible spend the night at one of the beautiful hotel/casinos located there. Great food as well, safe flying.

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[jabodine]

Thanks for the info/ideas. Currently it looks like we will fly Butte - Ogden - Henderson. A couple of days later to Montgomery (San Diego). Returning via St George and Wendover then back to Butte. I will try to have a short Pirep or return.

 

Thanks and Best Regards,

Jonathan Bodine

[cliffy]

On your way back instead of KSGU go a little east to KPGA Page AZ. Lots better views out the window both in and out to the north. Stop by the Jet Center, get some fuel, use the crew car and have a nice meal a couple of blocks in town. Good BBQ at 2 places. 

[AlanA]

Richfiield KRIF is a great little airport. They just built a brand new runway which is wide and long.  They have a couple of courtesy cars they let you use.  DON'T stop in Heber 36U.  VERY expensive there.  Great town (I live there) but the FBO caters to the Park City jet set.  Even though I live in Heber and pay taxes to support the airport I can't afford to keep my plane there.  I keep it instead in Provo.  Let me know whey you are passing through and I'll try to meet up with you.  Safe journeys!

[kortopates]

I live in San Diego and was based at MYF for over 10 years and have since moved my Mooney to SEE. I'd be happy to help out with any specific questions you may have of the facilities or San Diego in general. Expect our marine layer to return around when you arrive. If it does, expect low ceilings to roll in at sunset. There is no TAF for MYF, but Miramar KNKX is only a couple miles to the NW and has one. Also keep in mind if MYF has a low ceiling, that SEE, just a few miles east is often still in the clear. But it's a very rare day or night when you can not get into MYF with both LPV and ILS (each with 200 & 1/2 mins).

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