Dallas to Las Vegas

[romair]

Thinking of taking a trip towards the end of September? Has anyone done something similar before? Any advice? I would go VFR, and I have a J model. 

Stefan

[Joe Zuffoletto]

Looks pretty straightforward, aside from dodging the various MOAs, restricted areas, etc.

 

I've not flown this particular route but I've flown a LOT of long X/C trips, so if you have any specific questions I'll jump in when I can.

 

Just south of Las Vegas along interstate 15 is the Ivanpah Solar Array. Check it out if you can. It's quite a sight from the air. Here's a photo I took earlier this summer from overhead at 16,500'. Note the size of each array relative to the 18-hole golf course at the bottom of the image.

 

[KSMooniac]

I agree it is a pretty straight-forward trip.  Just watch density altitude & performance, and especially engine cooling/CHTs on departure from Vegas.

 

I've only flown in to Henderson, way south of town.  They have a 3x a day free shuttle (or used to at least) but it isn't reliable.  You'll still need a $40-$50 cab ride to get back.  The big airport has a reputation of being unfriendly to GA, or at least the controllers, and the costs are pretty high to park and fuel there.  But, it is very convenient to the strip.  North Las Vegas is more GA friendly, but you have to go through/around the busy airspace to get there.  

[Jeev]

Yep as others have said, straightforward. I have done it many times on my way from Back and forth from FL to Vegas in My J. Unless some nasty weather is rolling in VFR is a pretty safe bet. My route is usually Dallas - Lubbock - Just South of ABQ and Mt Taylor - past Flaggstaff - PGS VOR - then either VGT or HND. Only issues could be afternoon CB, high winds and turbulence but nothing you cant handle in a J. I prefer to make that trip at 10,500 going west climbing higher if the winds are high just west of ABQ to give more of a safety net if there are down drafts, since the rocks are about 9000 in that area. 11,500 east works great unless you can get a nice tailwind higher. westbound make a fuel stop at AEG, very nice FBO with good service and a very long runway incase DA is high..

A note on Vegas, I've lived there for the last 10years and learned how to fly there. The controllers are very helpful if you are concise and professional on the radio, they get busy. Just have a plan before you enter the terminal area and you will be good. I would not go into KLAS, go to N Las Vegas instead KVGT they are very GA friendly and you can get a cab to the strip for about $20-25. Get VFR flight following and when switched to Las app ask for the Cortez arrival into VGT it's on the sectional and unless it conflicts with arrivals they will give it to you. If they don't you will prob get direct Gypsum mine ( east of sunrise mt on the sectional, gps waypoint is VPVGM) - Nellis AFB - Direct VGT.

If you have any other questions let me know, safe flying and have fun!

Edited August 20, 2014 by Jeev

[romair]

Thanks so much guys. I was a bit nervous about those big rocks I need to go over since I have not done mountain flying before, but it seems doable. I plan on an early morning departure.

Stefan

[OR75]

I have flown that route before (although based on the left coast now)

 

Straightforward.   My route east of Page / Grand Canyon  was based on fuel cost. Airnav is a great source with hotel availability in case you want to stop overnight

 

A few good stops to consider:

Page (PGA) - proximity to Monument Valley - lake Powell - nice town and FBO

Sedona (SEZ) - beautiful - watch for strong winds - nice restaurant on the field - nice hotel walking distance from the field - nice FBO - leave early - tricky airport - fly safe

Grand Canyon (GCN) short bus ride to the park

Flagstaff (FLG) - nice size town to spend the night - Meteor Crater

Bullhead City (IFP) - lower profile than Vegas - great FBO - great ride on the Colorado river

Las Vegas (LAS) - great controllers - free shuttle - walking distance to the strip - don't hesitate to go there if you are staying less than 2 days (else it gets expensive)

 

 

Places to avoid:

Grand Canyon West - sounds good but once there you are stuck with taking a tour - not my cup of tea, so I took off right away

 

 

fly safe watch for density altitude, gusty winds

[carqwik]

Go to Henderson coming from Peach Springs,  Don't mess with KLAS unless you're prepared to pay big dollars and are IFR.  VFR aircraft sometimes get the words "Expect a 1 Hour Delay into McCarran" which is the controllers' way of telling you to go elsewhere.  You need to make reservations for the free shuttle to the Strip from Henderson...but it's your dime (about $50) on the way back. 

 

Another kind of neat overnight is at Winslow, AZ.  The hotel in town (La Posada) is a redone Harvey Hotel and the dinner there is one of the best in AZ (not kidding...it is really awesome at a reasonable price) but the rooms are a bit sparse.  It is a five minute taxi ride from the airport to the hotel.  Relatively short hop from there to Vegas...and you'll go right by Meteor Crater.

 

Also, it is still plenty hot in the desert in September so fly early.  Drink lots of water.

[bonal]

Our trips were from NorCal so can't be much help but when we go to Vegas we fly to Boulder city and the FBO has a rental car ready and don't charge for tie down since we buy fuel. If you have never seen the Hoover dam it's a nice trip and you can get out on lake mead vegas is an easy half hour drive and boulder city is super easy in and out. We flew over some of those solar fields in the Mohave desert pretty amazing.

[BigTex]

I know that Don Muncy flew out there not too long ago from Dallas.  You might want to PM Don.

[DonMuncy]

Actually, it has been some time since I flew into Las Vegas.

Also, a couple of differences. When I was there, I flew in from California. Plus I have a turbo. I was also IFR, and frankly, I don't remember the route  used.

When I was there we flew into McCarren, and the controllers and the FBO couldn't have bee nicer; but like I said, it was a long time ago. 

Sorry,not much help.

[N201MKTurbo]

I was just there a few weeks ago. I flew into KHND. I took a cab to the McCarran rental car facility it is only six miles from KHND $20 cab ride. The cars are much cheaper then the cars at Henderson. If you need the car for more then one day you will save money.

 

Flying there is no big deal..

[Joe Zuffoletto]

I just remembered a pretty funny Vegas story. Years ago I met my parents out there for a long weekend. It was Father's Day, so I took my dad up in my Encore. After touring the surrounding area I headed back to KLAS; ATIS "papa" was current. I called in: "Las Vegas tower, Mooney 20293 10 miles east, inbound for landing with papa." My dad said, "Why do they care who's with you?"

[smccray]

I flew Dallas to Phoenix in August of 2013.  Flight was a piece of cake.  I would fly V94 west from El Paso- the minimum altitudes are reasonably low, and most of that trip is flying above a highway (if you have any problems).  I suspect you could find some pireps on flying from Phoenix to Las Vegas, but the map looks like the opportunity for a nice flight over lake havasu up the valley to Vegas.  You could of course fly north of the restricted areas in eastern NM, but then you're flying over tall rocks.