Flying around Destin FL

[Jeff_S]

Okay, now that I've got my personal traveling machine, my wife and I were looking at destinations for our first real trip in it. We were looking at Destin FL as a likely quick jaunt from Atlanta. But a glance at the Sectional for that area shows it's surrounded by all kinds of restricted airspace for Eglin AFB.

Does anyone have experience flying around there? Are there general procedures to follow for either IFR or VFR flight into Destin that make it simple?

[231Pilot]

It is not a problem.  Prior to entering the Military airspace, you have to check in with Eglin Approach on 124.05, and they will vector you to KDTS.  It is easier if you are on a VFR flight plan, and even easier than that if you are on an IFR flight plan.  The FBO is very accomodating, will have your rental car at your wingtip before you shut down the engine.  Departure is simplified with written instructions in the FBO.

[CoachTom]

There is a good briefing/training course on FAAST.  Here is the link (bout three or four from the top):

http://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/course_catalog.aspx?categoryId=11

Destin is a nice "destination"... If you are military or retired military there is the Fort Benning Receational Center on the north side of the inlet. 

LOTS and LOTS of shopping, good golf a few miles East in San Destin,  and great seafood on the boardwalk.  I head to AJ's on the boardwalk "off season" for a good meal and great views. In season, or spring break it is over run with the college kids acting like fools.  McGuires is on the highway and i head there for a good pint of Guiness on the tap  (a blessing to my Irish tongue as i live in a "dry" county in Alabama) and steak or burger.

Flying from the North, there are a few corridors to negotiate due to MOA's, but overall, a wonderful place to visit. Eglin has the fast movers you have to watch out for and Fort Rucker has a few hundred helicopters in the sky every day. The airport has a Mooney Service Center, mostly high end aircraft transient traffic, and as a final thought, you might want to head South earlier in your flight to Panama City and take the beach in.  Summertime, you have to watch out for the banner tow operations... 

If you make it, let us know how the flight went! 

[Jerry]

I fly out of Gainesville, Ga (GVL) and have made numerous trips into Destin.  I always file IFR  and ther are several MOAs to  deal with but the ATCs along the way make it easy for you and the restricted airspace they ask if I  want them to vector me  around or if I am able to  self navigate with GPS.   I have never had a problem going or coming back and the FBO is always very accomodating.

Jerry

[randypugh]

I spend a fair amount of time in Panama city (have a condo on the beach and I'm there now) and have found it easy to fly direct to Destin. I file IFR direct and no issues. Basicly follows coastline. 

[jrjaks]

If flying VFR, everything you need to know is on the New Orleans sectional.  Just follow one of the corridors depicted on the map, and ensure you've contacted Eglin Approach on the appropriate frequency.   If IFR, just file to Destin.

[Jeff_S]

Thanks all. I did go through the FAA Wings course and it was informative and nicely done. More than likely if/when we take this trip we'll go IFR since my wife likes the added safety, so I don't expect any problems. But it's good to get feedback from others who have gone before.

[eaglebkh]

The Eglin airspace isn't difficult at all - just stick with the depicted corridors and talk with the controllers.  The hardest part for me was the outrageous, class B style fees at the FBO.  But hey, it's just money...