Future trip to Sacramento Area

[jabodine]

My wife and I plan to fly to the Sacramento, Ca. area August 30, 2013 returning to Butte, Mt., September 1, 2013 such that we can visit our son and his Bride to Be. Tentatively planning MYV or LHM. Requesting advice, especially from anyone local, as to best airport, FBO, tie down/hangar, things I need to know about local airspace, local customs, approach, etc. If convenient I would like to meet up with local Mooney owners.

Your input and advice will be appreciated.

Best regards,

Jonathan Bodine

[mooneygirl]

Hi Jonathan,  to bad you aren't coming this weekend, you could have popped up to South Lake Tahoe KTVL for the Lake in the Sky Airshow. We usually have 15-30 Mooneys up there.  Lincoln is a friendly GA airport.  Sac Executive is home to Dr. Bob Achtel, Kelly Couch and Randy Smith, all Mooney drivers.  Sac exec is pretty easy in and out. My favorite gold country airport is my home airport [at least my families home base] of Jackson Westover KJAQ.  Jackson and Lincoln probably have the best fuel prices.  I hope you have a fabulous time.

 

Jolie

N6619U

65 E model

[jabodine]

Good Morning Jolie,

Thanks for the info. I will check them all out and will talk with my son and see which is nearest him. We plan a little wine country visit with him and his fiance. It is our first long distance trip in our Mooney and really looking forward to the experience. If you have other pointers I am all ears.

Best regards,

Jonathan Bodine

[47U]

Hi Jonathan,

 

I'm based at LHM and frequent MYV, also.  Fuel is going to be a little cheaper at LHM (currently $5.25/gal), self serve.  Both airports have maintenance shops and I regularly see Mooneys at LIncoln Skyways FBO.  Honeycutt at MYV advertises brand "B" expertise.  There's parachute jumping at LHM and their drop/landing area is on the northwest corner of the field.  They make numerous announcements over CTAF and NORCAL also often announces jumpers away.  Prevailing winds generally favor runway 15 (left traffic) so it's not a big problem.  If 33 is in use (also left traffic) the jumpers are inside of the pattern, but you do need to keep your eyes peeled.  Both airports are in close proximity to Beale AFB where the RQ-4 Global Hawk flies, so be aware if there is a TFR posted above Beale Class C airspace.  The RQ-4 will stay within 10 miles of Beale up to the flight levels.  Talking to NORCAL approach will satisfy TFR requirements.  Neither airport has a tower so be on the lookout for traffic.  LHM is generally a little busier than MYV, especially on the weekends.  LHM has better security with a proper airport perimeter fence and locked gates with access codes.  There's a pilot lounge with internet next to the gas pumps and transit parking at LHM, too.  At MYV, the FBO closes at 5 or 5:30 so there's no office space or flight planning when they're closed.

 

Let me know if there's any specific questions I can answer for you... 

 

Safe travels,

 

Tom 

[thinwing]

Hi Jonathan...We will be ksac to kbzn during the same time period...regarding best airport..it all depends on what part of town you are visiting...You have many choices two of which involve exairforce runways 11000 ft or greater..you could probably land and takeoff 2 or three times if you wanted to.LHM...is too far out unless you are going to Roseville....Ksac is probably the most centrally located runway 2 is most active.Avoid ksmf as being mostly airliner traffic.Mather MHR is mostly aircargo but not that busy...Often overlooked is mcc (mcclellan)with I believe the cheapest selfserve..and Lyons gate runs really nice hotel in the old officers quarters.Contact norcal approach as you crest the sierra and start on down...for a smooth ride I like 12 or 13 k...same as clearing deer lodge pass into Butte.Your direct route basically takes you in to SAC on v392...start your descent around Blue Canyon and sinc you need to lose 10 k or so will come rocketing in like all the other east to west traffic.About folsom reservoir (that big mostly empty reservoir off your right wing just past Auburn CA )norcal will probably hold you at 2500 until your speed decays.Just continue direct to ksac (if that is most convenient)and figure runway 20 is the active..Norcal will switch you to tower after you have passed abeam mcclellan.Ksac is not far from either I5 or 99 south of sacramento...regards kpc

[jabodine]

Good Morning Mooneygirl, 47U, and thinwing:

Thanks for the benefit of your experiences, information and advice. It is going to be a great help to us as this is our first planned trip both so far and into these uncharted waters. I hope to return the favor someday.

Best regards,

Jonathan Bodine