Airport recomms: KPOC, KEMT, KONT

[rogerl]

who owns it

Edited March 14, 2021 by rogerl

[VetRepp]

You mentioned Northern LA - Those airports are more SE, but I used to fly into POC all the time - haven't in a while.

It depends on whether you wish to visit anything while there, (Depending on the time of day,flying an extra 5 min in the air can save hours in LA traffic).

Any flying in the LA basin is a mess (Though getting better), There is a lot of controlled airspace and you can expect to be handed off 6+ times from Van nuys to  Palm springs.

ONT is a major airline hub - So I tried to avoid for that reason (except when flying Commercial)

I used to stay East of the San Gabriel mtns and drop in abeam EMT (Coming from the north) to Land at POC and avoid most of the congestion.

Coming from the south it can get windy in the Banning/Beaumont pass area (From PSP area)

That being said,  POC is a good choice (Except for maybe Fuel - that I don't know) - It is far enough in to be away from Marine layer - But keep in mind the LA basin commonly has an inversion and MVFR below the mountain level is considered a good day. The General Neighborhood and demographics is probably better around POC than EMT to get around.

Of the three I would go POC

Good Luck Fly Safe

[carqwik]

Go to Chino...cheap fuel...restaurant on the field...and somewhat easy access to all of the Inland Empire as well as to Orange County. 

[bonal]

Only one I can recommend from personal is Camarillo but the marine layer can come into the space.  Channel Island Aviation FBO took real good care of us. Flying in the area Van Nuys looked like an easy in and out and is about as close as you can get outside the Bravo to LA

[FlyDave]

I was based at EMT for 9 years. These airports are at the north end of the LA basin with EMT & POC fairly close to the San Bernadino mountains.

EMT probably has the cheapest cars (call Billionare) but only non-precision approaches to ~900' and the marine layer can get down to 400-500' when it rolls in. The field is attended 24 hours but there has been a little crime over the years on the field. It is the closest to Pasadena of the 3 you listed so if you plan to take people for rides you may want choose EMT.

POC has an ILS the should get you in 98% of the time. Marine layer is a little less than EMT but not by much. Less crime than EMT but 13 nm further east of EMT from Pasadena. Fuel is more than EMT

ONT is the most expensive but a bit less marine layer than EMT or POC and the most approaches. I believe it's a fairy secure field but I don't have local knowledge. Fuel here is the most expensive. It will be a considerable drive to Pasadena.

BUR is another option but will be considerably more expensive - but secure and close to Pasadena.

[Ron McBride]

Chino. Good approaches, cheap fuel. $4.09 a couple weeks ago.  2 great museums. Car rentals etc.

Ron

[kerry]

KWHP is NW of Pasadena.  I find it easy to get in from Vegas.  I think its marine layer tends to break earlier vs. the LA basin.  I agree with others regarding Chino.  Its the best.