Headed to Las Vegas

[mooneygirl]

Hello there

We are headed to Las Vegas for the NBAA convention in October.  If anyone has feedback about Henderson versus North Las Vegas it would be appreciated.  We do have transporation to the convention center.  Wondering about inexpensive tie down if possible.  Thanks in advance.  Should be a fun show.  They expect 50,000. WOW.

 

[kerry]

I'm based out of VGT.  I think ground transportation would be a better from North Las Vegas.  Both airports will be busy but I read a newsletter that Hendersons ramp will have more aircraft during the convention.  VGT ramp fee is $7/night and HND is $9.  VGT has a fuel special for the month of Sept. and Oct.  $.50 off per gallon 20 gallon min at the self serve island and .30 off if you use the truck.

[stevesm20b]

I used to live just outside of Vegas. I found Henderson is much easier to fly in and out of, versus North Las Vegas. Both airports are friendly to general aviation and are about the same as far as tie downs. If you need to buy fuel. Jean (0L7) is going to be a lot cheaper than Henderson or N.Las Vegas. Also if you have a hard time finding a Hotel to stay at in Vegas (sometimes they get booked up during conventions). You can normally get a room at the Gold Strike in Jean (a short walk from the airport). McCarren Intl is very expensive to fly into (landing fees and tie downs are very expensive). Hope this helps. Have a nice flight.

[ToddDPT]

Flying from SBP I would go to VGT.  I've been to both and VGT by far the best choice.  From Visalia, I've been into both VFR and VGT is easy and not near as far to travel to and from the strip as HND.  

We have flown 2 different routes from Visalia and it looks like from SBP you have similar routes.  The quickest route as long as the winds aren't blowing too much is from SBP to cut the northwest corner of R-2505.  We usually then head towards Indian Springs (KINS).  This gives you enough time to get down in altitude to VGT and we always have been cleared straight in for 12.  I've been cleared multiple times through the China Lake restricted airspace (R-2505) and that would give you a direct flight towards KINS plus keep the terrain over the Sierras a little lower.

The terrain is not as forgiving that far north and if you prefer lower terrain and can't get clearance through China Lake then you could shoot the gap between R-2505 and R-2524 to L72 then head to the northwest of the Vegas airspace in the direction of KINS.

[lahso]

I flew in from the East (from TN), and choose Henderson. Easy to get in/out, and nice facilities and folks. However, on departure, I did wait on the gound for 30 min to get sequenced from LV approach.

[scottfromiowa]

Maggie II looks fantastic Jolie!  Thanks for posting pics.

[Skyatty]

I've flown into VGT a few times and it has been a good experience for me; never been to Henderson.  In addition to the ramp fee, I have paid $20 for a shade hangar and $50 for a hangar for the night.  Depending on the heat, the shade hangars are worth it IMO.  Staff is friendly and VGT has a good terminal facility.

[mooneygirl]

Thank you all for the help. I believe it will be my Maggie's first voyage of distance since her paint job. The shade hangar might be a good idea. I think we will go with Henderson.  Fuel elsewhere.  Should be a good time at NBAA.  Plus get to see our friend JJ Greenway from AOPA present the new series on communication.  "What'd they say?"  ha