Any MooneySpacers based at Herlong (HEG) in Jacksonville Florida?

[Hector]

Looking for anyone that can give me the skinny on Herlong airport (KHEG).  Since I have owned my Mooney I've been based out of Craig airport in Jacksonville (KCRG).  I have a small T-Hangar and hurricane Matthew did minor damage to the hangar.  Coincidentally, last December I had put my name on a waiting list at HEG for a hangar.  They called me last week to let me know one had become available.  I went to see it today and it is MUCH nicer and larger that my current hangar at CRG for the same price.  It is also a much newer hangar and seems to be better built.  Additionally, It is 11 miles closer to my home and about 15-20 minutes less driving time.  HEG is also 20 miles more inland than CRG which can be a benefit with hurricanes. Avgas is also cheaper at HEG.  The only cons is that HEG is a non-towered airport with a single GPS approach while CRG is a towered airport offering multiple GPS/VOR/ILS approaches.  Regardless the pros outweigh the cons so It looks like I'm moving.  The airspace around HEG is a bit more complicated as the airport seems to be boxed in between Cecil Airport, NAS Jacksonville, and Whitehouse.  I'm sure this is a minor inconvenience but I'll have to figure out what the local procedures are.  Anyway, if anyone is familiar with HEG or any anyone here is based out of there I would like to hear from you.

[jasona900]

I use to hangar my Swift at HEG when I was stationed in Jacksonville.  I really enjoyed that airport.  Very friendly people with a nice hometown feel.  Nice FBO with equally friendly employees. Only downside for me when I was there was the lack of maintenance on the field.  Not sure if that is still the case today.  But you're right about those hangars.  Probably the nicest I've had.  Good to hear the fuel prices have gone down.  I use to top off at Keystone because it was cheap enough to justify the trip.

Don't sweat the airspace.  Like other controllers in the country, the folks at NAS Jacksonville, Cecil, and Jax International are quick to respond to your calls should you need to transit their airspace.  Whitehouse can get busy when there is a squadron getting their bounces in before they go to the boat.  But when they aren't in town, there will be nothing going on there.

Lastly, you MUST try the Treemendous BBQ (that's the name) restaurant just down the street from HEG.  Fantastic BBQ!

[rbridges]

I'm based at a small non-towered airport.  It is near Macon which has 2 runways and a tower.  I actually like the non-towered convenience, but I have the luxury of landing at Macon if the winds are bad or if it's more convenient for whatever reason.  Sounds similar to your choices without the nice beach views.  

[Hank]

I used to be based at an uncontrolled field with no approaches, right on the edge of D airspace with TRSA services--the best pf both worlds. I picked up flight following on downwind departure, and cancelled in the pattern coming back. Fly an approach, break out and go home Special VFR. Now I'm at an uncontrolled field with no approaches and radar from many miles away, FF usually cuts me loose 12-15 nm out. But it works . . .

[Hector]

I use to hangar my Swift at HEG when I was stationed in Jacksonville.  I really enjoyed that airport.  Very friendly people with a nice hometown feel.  Nice FBO with equally friendly employees. Only downside for me when I was there was the lack of maintenance on the field.  Not sure if that is still the case today.  But you're right about those hangars.  Probably the nicest I've had.  Good to hear the fuel prices have gone down.  I use to top off at Keystone because it was cheap enough to justify the trip.
Don't sweat the airspace.  Like other controllers in the country, the folks at NAS Jacksonville, Cecil, and Jax International are quick to respond to your calls should you need to transit their airspace.  Whitehouse can get busy when there is a squadron getting their bounces in before they go to the boat.  But when they aren't in town, there will be nothing going on there.
Lastly, you MUST try the Treemendous BBQ (that's the name) restaurant just down the street from HEG.  Fantastic BBQ!

Tremendous BBQ is good! I have tried it and will be doing more so in the future once I move there.

[Raptor05121]

Hector, coming from the west, I like to cross Cecil at the very north of their airspace and just give them a call 10 miles out. As soon as they hand you off, they will give you any traffic on their scope at HEG. Going back westbound, I've learned just to have Cecil in the standby and pop it over as you pass 1,000 feet and give them a call.

Personally, I prefer non-towered airport. Less time on the ground, less traffic to hold you up. But then again I know you are IFR and prefer to have options.

If you need help moving all that stuff in your hangar, give me a call, I've got a pickup and I'm only an hour away. I owe you one, anyways.

[1964-M20E]

Closer means more time at the airport and more flying.  Nicer larger newer hangar same cost not much of a decision.  Non towered is not an issue you have an approach at HEG.  Do you have an IFR GPS?  If they do not work out on occasion go to CRG for that flight.

[DrBill]

When I had my Sundowner I frequently stopped at HEG on the way to PBI for fuel, after Mooney purchase I did this trip non-stop. 

Always had good experience at HEG. Plus there is a nice shooting range nearby.

Bill

 

[Hector]

Closer means more time at the airport and more flying.  Nicer larger newer hangar same cost not much of a decision.  Non towered is not an issue you have an approach at HEG.  Do you have an IFR GPS?  If they do not work out on occasion go to CRG for that flight.

Yes have IFR GPS but non-WASS. If I needed lower minimums I can always shoot the ILS at Cecil. The two airports are right next to each other. Should not be a problem.

[Hector]

Hector, coming from the west, I like to cross Cecil at the very north of their airspace and just give them a call 10 miles out. As soon as they hand you off, they will give you any traffic on their scope at HEG. Going back westbound, I've learned just to have Cecil in the standby and pop it over as you pass 1,000 feet and give them a call.

Personally, I prefer non-towered airport. Less time on the ground, less traffic to hold you up. But then again I know you are IFR and prefer to have options.

If you need help moving all that stuff in your hangar, give me a call, I've got a pickup and I'm only an hour away. I owe you one, anyways.

Thanks, appreciate the offer. Hopefully I'll learn this week when I can move in.