DonMuncy Posted November 19, 2012 Report Posted November 19, 2012 I'm planning a trip to Las Vegas from Dallas at the end of December. My understanding is that McCarren is no longer small aircraft friendly, so anticipate North Las Vegas. The last time I did this trip several years ago, I came through Flagstaff, Albuquerque and Lubbock. I h Does anyone have any thoughts about the route, and a good fuel/rest stop.
Joe Zuffoletto Posted November 19, 2012 Report Posted November 19, 2012 You might also consider Henderson, a short distance south of Las Vegas. Good airport and services, and GA-friendly.
OR75 Posted November 19, 2012 Report Posted November 19, 2012 I flew to all 3 (North Las Vegas, LAS and Henderson). It all end up the same depending on how long you will stay there and what you intend to do. You will need a rental car if going into North LV or Henderson. The bus service is OK but not very convenient. Plenty of fuel good fuel stops on the way.... airnav.com
lahso Posted November 19, 2012 Report Posted November 19, 2012 I did CHA-HND a couple of years ago. Nice folks at HND and good facilities. Only problem was trying to get my IFR release - took 35 min.
FloridaMan Posted November 20, 2012 Report Posted November 20, 2012 I made the trip last month and stopped at KGGG, KPVW, KLBB, KABQ and KVGT. I stopped in ABQ at night and continued to KVGT the next day. The folks at KABQ were very nice. If you go to Lubbock, go to Lubbock Aero. I ran into SEVERE clear air turbulence crosses new mexico at 11,000 ft. It came out of nowhere, lasted about 10-15 seconds and was at least 3Gs and took a lot of work to maintain a safe airspeed. The cab ride to the strip was just under $40 and the cab ride back was around $30. The arrival cab driver gave me the scenic trip through downtown which I kindof wanted to see. Parking at KVGT was $10/night with the first night waived with fuel. If I remember, I paid $6.09 for 100LL. KLAS is $40/night (I can't remember which FBO, one is $40 and the other is $80). If you're staying two or fewer nights and are staying at the strip, it might be cheaper to stay at KLAS after you factor in transportation. The guy I bought my plane from recommended Henderson. ATC dropped me in to KVGT -- around 7000 ft in just a few miles it seemed to keep me separated from other traffic in the busy airspace. The folks at KVGT were very nice and hospitable and are not allowed to accept tips.
carqwik Posted November 20, 2012 Report Posted November 20, 2012 Vegas is a frequent trip for Phoenix-based pilots...including me...since it takes anywhere between 1:15 to 2:00 hours depending on which Mooney version you fly (from SDL, DVT, or GEU). Here's the decision matrix: 1) LAS does accept GA pistons but it totally depends on traffic volume. VFR flights are often told to expect 45 min to 1 hour delays. IFR means you're in the system and they expect you. However, it can be very very busy and lots of 737 and A320s. Fuel is very expensive and getting out of there can take quite a while whether IFR or VFR. 2) If you are going to Vegas for more than one day, it pays to go to VGT or HND as the fuel savings and other fees (as compared to KLAS) will offset the cost of a rental car or cab ride. From the south, I'd go to HND since it has a very nice FBO with a restaurant, plenty of parking, and you can stay out of the Bravo coming from the southeast to southwest. Getting in VFR is not a problem. Getting out IFR can be delayed but the trick is to leave VFR (Wx permitting) and pick up IFR later. King Airs do that all the time from HND. 3) VGT is ok but gets a little busy and seems a bit crowded compared to HND...plus (for me) it is more confusing to get to the Strip in a rental car.
jgarrison Posted November 20, 2012 Report Posted November 20, 2012 Hey, Don! Henderson is way better than North Las Vegas. Way better. The two airports in the US that I dislike going into more than any other are North Las Vegas and Deer Valley.
thinwing Posted November 20, 2012 Report Posted November 20, 2012 I have been to all three..my vote is henderson...especially IFR ,far less time wait for ifr release..kpc
Omega703 Posted November 23, 2012 Report Posted November 23, 2012 I'm based out of north Las Vegas. Fuel has dropped drastically in the last two weeks and is just under $5.50. I've always been happy with their service. Arriving from the east, you can request the Cortez arrival (Vegas terminal chart). If las app can't give that to you, expect to be pawned off to Nellis, take a short detour north and arrive via the mines, Nellis, then norh Las Vegas. I always arrive/depart vfr, as I have not yet seen ifr conditions in 3 years of basing in Vegas. For departures, I file ifr, depart vfr and pick up clearance down the road
N201MKTurbo Posted November 23, 2012 Report Posted November 23, 2012 I've been to all three more then three times each (have to check the logbook) McCarren used to be OK, but I stopped going there about 10 years ago. I always go to Henderson now. The fuel is cheap the rental cars are cheap and it takes no time to get to the strip.
M016576 Posted November 27, 2012 Report Posted November 27, 2012 I did CHA-HND a couple of years ago. Nice folks at HND and good facilities. Only problem was trying to get my IFR release - took 35 min. I flew into HND last year. Easy in, easy out. Daily fees were a bit steep (8-10 a day, I think), but it's a huge and busy city, so not unexpected. I know i mentioned this in a different thread, but If I can avoid filing IFR, I do so for that exact reason: more often than not I've found that in a little GA plane, you're low on the priority list. I hate sitting on the ground watching my prop turn when it's VMC or being forced to accept vectors when I can see what's around me. If its IMC, that's obviously a different story.... But I've found that flying IFR typically adds about 30 minutes on to my trips. No small cost in fuel or time, if its unnecessary.
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