Amarillo airport preference

[Marc_B]

Flying down to meet my dad for lunch for a stop-over, then heading back out.  Curious if there is a preference/pros/cons for KAMA vs KTDW?  Likely be flying IFR so navigating the airspace should be non-issue either way.  Suggestions?

[midlifeflyer]

It was too long ago, so it might no longer be relevant. I chose KAMA. It had a restaurant and was the quietest Class C I've seen. An hour waiting to someone else during which no one else landed or took off. 

[Danb]

I was at KAMA last week and had lunch at the small restaurant very convenient, I went there the prior week on way to Double Eagle they turned around quite fast. The staff was very nice, it’ll be my stop always on way out west.

 

[T. Peterson]

I have never been to KAMA, but fuel is 7.27. That would have me picking a different airport. 

[Marc_B]

@T. Peterson ya I saw that; self fuel at TDW is currently $5.43.

[T. Peterson]

3 hours ago, Marc_B said:

@T. Peterson ya I saw that; self fuel at TDW is currently $5.43.

Foreflight shows River Falls, H81, at 4.99 a gallon. 9.4 nm ssw of KAMA.

[DCarlton]

Never been but was planning a stop at KBGD.  Talked to the FBO.  Good fuel prices and crew cars. 

[Vance Harral]

It's been a few years since the last visit, but I've stopped at KTDW multiple times and always had a good experience.  I'm sure KAMA is pleasant, but the typical fuel price difference tips the scales in favor of the smaller airport.

[trevttu76]

I also vote for Tradewinds in Amarillo (KTDW).  I flew in there recently and had a great experience; restaurant onsite and clean nice and friendly FBO.  It is under the Class C and can be tight if you are not talking to approach, but no biggie.  

Edited October 18, 2023 by trevttu76

[Marc_B]

Wound up flying into TDW. Easy in and out. I pulled up to the self serve pumps and the line guys came over and did everything but pump. Shelby’s restaurant on field was nice but wound up going out to eat with my family. But they had a jalapeño gravy fried chicken that was recommended that I kinda wanted to try. Next time.

Funny thing, River Falls (H81) had a sign on the side of road into TDW advertising fuel. Looks like a fly in community from the air. Certainly sounds like they are looking to pull in fuel purchases from the area intentionally.  

@DCarlton I’ve flown into BGD several times and it’s interesting that their 100LL is pumped/piped directly from Phillips refinery next door.  It’s one of the sites for TEL for leaded fuel. Last time I was there, they had a budget surplus and are nonprofit so their fuel prices were super cheap to even out the books. 

[Skypunk107]

Your trip report sounds like you and family ate at Green Chile Willys.

Not a bad joint.  It's BYOB and no charge for that ... great ribeyes too and try the deep fried pecan pie... 

Rwy @ KTDW could use some work.   H81 takeoff to the south you're over the 2nd largest canyon in the U.S.

KBGD has some very interesting terrain surrounding it considering most of the KAMA area one can watch their dog run away for 2 weeks.  Probably on rwy 4-22 as well cause it's 13,500ft ... old USAF B36 base.  Would never flt train there spend as much time taxing on that thing as flying.   

 

P.s. Know any CFI w/15hrs of Mooney time and a M20 available.... Trying to buy a M20B in AZ and get her back here.

 

Blue Skies...

[NickG]

Any extra fuel cost at KAMA (and it is expensive) is offset by its close proximity to this: