Raleigh-Durham ??

[carl]

Hello,

 I am considering flying my M20 E to Raleigh to visit my brother.

 

Does anyone have any insight as to the proper FBO for an overnight stay?

 

Or any input as to flying into Raleigh.

 

Thanks 

 

carl

 

also looking for an avionic shop nearest to Altoona with a personal recommendation, meaning one you have been to. 

 

carl

[midlifeflyer]

RDU is a pretty straightforward Class C. I assume you have seen the airport diagram. You can anticipate being vectored to land on the shorter parallel runway, 5R/23L. 32 is always an option but it's less commonly used due to its shorter length and limited go-around options (you would want to stay ckear of the parallel runways going around) and its less convenient for taxiing to the FBO.

The two GA FBOs, TAC Air and Landmark, are pretty much side by side off taxiway J. Both FBOs are pretty decent, although I have a personal preference for TAC.

BTW, is RDU the most confident airport to where you are visiting?

[Hank]

An overnight at RDU is pretty painless, or it was when I visited from West-by-Gawd, Virginny a couple of years ago. Not too busy, friendly FBO, but I don't remember which one I went to. If you're comfortable landing at a towered field, you'll do fine.

[Jeff_S]

RDU is easy, and TAC Air will treat you right with friendly service. I don't recall their gas prices...I'm sure they are higher than at outlying airports, but I remember them as being fairly economical all things considered.

[midlifeflyer]

RDU is easy, and TAC Air will treat you right with friendly service. I don't recall their gas prices...I'm sure they are higher than at outlying airports, but I remember them as being fairly economical all things considered.

MUCH higher.

 

Probably the least expensive in the area is KHRJ to the south  (close to $2 less per gallon than RDU) and KSCR to the east. That was one of the reasons I asked about where Carl wanted to go within the area.

 

Easy enough to check relative gas prices these days through apps and websites such as Airnav. 

[PTK]

I stayed with TAC Air when I went there last October. Only great things to say about them.

[Jerry 5TJ]

I do a lot of my GA trip planning using ForeFlight.  Fuel prices on the map graphic work for overall planning.  Then I look at the airport description and comments on the FBOs  to see what's said about their service and facilities. 

For RDU area the image shows a number of airports with 100LL.  No one has mentioned IGX Horace Williams in Chapel Hill which is much cheaper on fuel but has much more 'basic' facilities than RDU -- as the comments clearly state.

 

 

[midlifeflyer]

I do a lot of my GA trip planning using ForeFlight.  Fuel prices on the map graphic work for overall planning.  Then I look at the airport description and comments on the FBOs  to see what's said about their service and facilities. 

For RDU area the image shows a number of airports with 100LL.  No one has mentioned IGX Horace Williams in Chapel Hill which is much cheaper on fuel but has much more 'basic' facilities than RDU -- as the comments clearly state.

 

 

People don't mention IGX too much because it has been "closing" and chasing off its based operators (and tenants) for at least 10 years. I think it's last announced closing date was sometime in 2013!

 

People avoid recommending it because its friendliness can vary a lot/ It's tough t predict. I do understand, though, they are a bit friendlier to transients than locals because they don't plan to stay there for long or return too often.

[Oldguy]

We flew into RDU mid-April this year and used TAC Air. Great folks but pricey fuel. Solid IFR into it and the controllers were great working us around.

 

John

[Danb]

On a different some years ago just after the movies Top Gun came out I was departing rdu and was given an immediate turn, so I followed orders buzzed the tower and was razzed by those guys, if I did that in Philly I'd have had to call the tower..Southern hospilitality is great

[carl]

Hello,

My brother lives in the Falls Church development . Two crossing roads are Falls Church rd. and Falls of Neuse. North Raleigh area.

 

I could find a better another place for gas  , as I will need fuel .

[DrBill]

I'd go to the closest airport to your brother.  I've been to them all in the area.  RDU is nice,especially if you need an IFR approach.   IGX is small and is great if your visiting someone at UNC Chapel HIll. Last time there I walked from the airport  to  downtown. I used to go to RDU monthly and always stayed at what is now Landmark, then they were bought out and the service went downhill so I switched to TAC.  Great service.   I'd fly in in the morning, order a PAPA JOHNS pizza or 2 delivered at noon with my N number on it and leave either after 6 or the next day.  They got to the point to call me by name when I arrived. Worth the $10-14 pizza charge.

Went to TTA last year to drop off some stuff, in/out in an hour... smooth.

SO, pick the one closest to your stop and brush up on fast talking controllers. Those RDU guys, I think just got out of the NYC area.

Have a nice trip.

Bill (just E of CLT)

[Wistarmo]

Both FBO;s good, prefer TAC Air.

[carl]

thanks for all your input. 

carl

[Piloto]

I park at Landmark. Very good and prompt service. If you call on the radio ahead they will bring the rental car to the ramp for easier and quicker unloading.

José

[carl]

"I park at Landmark. Very good and prompt service. If you call on the radio ahead they will bring the rental car to the ramp for easier and quicker unloading.
José "

 

Wow, that just like a rock star!!!

 

thanks 

carl

[midlifeflyer]

"I park at Landmark. Very good and prompt service. If you call on the radio ahead they will bring the rental car to the ramp for easier and quicker unloading.

José "

 

Wow, that just like a rock star!!!

 

thanks 

carl

BTW, I have seen very few FBOs that will not bring a prearranged rental car to the airplane.

[midlifeflyer]

Hello,

My brother lives in the Falls Church development . Two crossing roads are Falls Church rd. and Falls of Neuse. North Raleigh area.

 

I could find a better another place for gas  , as I will need fuel .

 

Less choices for a good place to land coupled with significantly better gas prices that aren't more  than 20 minutes further than RDU.

 

Louisburg (KLHZ) is about 15 minutes further. Good airport, good people (including a mechanic with a good rep), but gas prices are only about 50¢ less.

[ELT]

I too learned to fly at W17 and lived in the area 45 years.  Raleigh East is a north/south runway slightly narrow and up hill.  Services are now marginal.  However the Carolina Aero Club is hosting a trip there Saturday  6/13.  Will probably be a big turnout.  Free food and people who will transport you.  Unfortunately, I will not be there due to just returning home after extensive travel.  The Stell family is hosting the event.  Dexter, Deckie, David and the rest of the Stell family have a 60 year involvement at W17.

[FloridaMan]

I had the worst FBO experience of my life at Landmark at RDU; it was out of character for Landmark and apparently I'm not alone in this experience. TAC air has been wonderful.

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