Sonoma / Napa - PIREPs

[Seth]

As part of my cross country trip across the United States during the second half of May, I'll spend a few days in Sonoma, CA.

There are six airports in that region. I'd love some PIREPs on each and suggestions as to where to plan to overnight for the those two or three days in Sonoma.

Options I'm aware of:

0Q9 Sonoma Skypark

0Q3 Sonoma Valley

O69 Petaluma

KSTS Charles M Schultz Sonoma Co

KAPC - Napa Co

DVO - Gnoss

I have no issue with short runways as I operate out of W00 often but do want a location where if needed I can shoot an approach (but that is subject as I can always have a primary and backup plan, and there are multiple approaches when you consider all of these airports). Yes, I do have WAAS.

Reviews on airnav say wonderful thinks about both STS and Pentaluma. Skypark is the closest to my destination.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions,

-Seth

[flyboy0681]

I used to live near and fly out of Gnoss. While it's a good facility, there's not much around it. If your goal is to visit Sonoma, I think your best bet would be Petaluma because it's relatively close and offers major services.

[Jerry 5TJ]

My "C" is based at o69.

Each of the airports you mention is fine in good weather for any Mooney.

o69 does have an LPV approach that will get you down below nearly all "June Gloom" overcast.

In May Sonoma County weather is often low overcast in the mornings with clear and warm afternoons. (Clear at GAI means 5-7 miles whereas at o69 it means 30-40 miles, BTW)   

I think out of your list only STS and APC have rental cars on site, but o69 and DVO do have near-by agency rentals that will come fetch you.  The drive from o69 to the town of Sonoma is very pretty and not long.

Send me PM for additional details.

 

[FlyDave]

Seth,

 

I moved to Novato in December. I ping'ed jerry-N5911Q and he gave me a spot-on lowdown on the airports in the area.

Although I live less than a 5 minute drive to DVO I chose Petaluma (O69). O69 has a 24 hour fuel island but DVO only has a fuel truck that runs 8-5 Mon-Sun. There is also a good airport cafe at Petaluma so if you need to "fuel yourself" before departure you can get a nice meal there.

I had put an offer in on your airplane more than a year before you bought it - I'd love to see it when you get here if you have time.

 

Dave

[mooneygirl]

I fly into Sonoma Skypark.  It is a little daunting at first, but with careful planning I just did great.  A local told me that if you aren't down by the S in Sonoma you need to go round. And if there are tree branches in your landing gear you need to steepen your approach. HA  I also have flown Santa Rosa and Petaluma too.