First time flying in Las Vegas
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Join Date: Jan 2004
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First time flying in Las Vegas
I am expecting to be in Las Vegas on business late April this year and hoping to take advantage of the cheaper rates to get in some hours during my stay. I have completed the preliminary certification procedures, received my letter from Oklahoma City and spoken with Las Vegas FSDO about an appointment to get my restricted Airman’s Certificate.
I am currently working through my copy of FAR/AIM 2004 and various other documents from the FAA site. I am a low hours PPL (c75hrs) and would like to hear from anyone who has experience of renting in the LV area. It seems that the two schools at Las Vegas North are the obvious choice and a C172 the most available type. As I have never flown an aircraft with the wings “up top” I guess it will also be a good opportunity to gain experience on a new type at the same time.
So any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks.
PV
I am currently working through my copy of FAR/AIM 2004 and various other documents from the FAA site. I am a low hours PPL (c75hrs) and would like to hear from anyone who has experience of renting in the LV area. It seems that the two schools at Las Vegas North are the obvious choice and a C172 the most available type. As I have never flown an aircraft with the wings “up top” I guess it will also be a good opportunity to gain experience on a new type at the same time.
So any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks.
PV
Join Date: Aug 2001
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PV,
Flying in the US is great and am sure you will have a good time.
You may want to find and buy an ASA 'Guide to the BFR' which covers the sort of stuff you're after.
The FAR/AIM is 'The Law' but a bit dry to work through.
Make sure that you go over the charts with the instructor that you will be flying with and they will no doubt introduce you to the 800-WX-BRIEF facility which is great.
Have fun and keep us posted.
FD
Flying in the US is great and am sure you will have a good time.
You may want to find and buy an ASA 'Guide to the BFR' which covers the sort of stuff you're after.
The FAR/AIM is 'The Law' but a bit dry to work through.
Make sure that you go over the charts with the instructor that you will be flying with and they will no doubt introduce you to the 800-WX-BRIEF facility which is great.
Have fun and keep us posted.
FD
Join Date: Jun 2001
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Hi Percy
I did my first flying in the US (in Los Angeles) with about 75 hours experience, and as long as you do some preparation to familiarise yourself with the differences in RT and airspace (which it looks like you are doing) then flying in the US is MUCH easier than here, with the additional benefit that it is much cheaper as well.
I was in Las Vegas in October last year, and rented a new 172 from West Air aviation at VGT. They were really helpful and the plane was in top condition. If you have not flown a 172 before I would certainly recommend getting a new one, as in my opinion the extra comfort, better avionics (big moving map GPS) etc are easily worth the slight extra rate. West Air have a good website with all the details.
As far as the flying is concerned, I would book an extended checkout to get you familiar with the aircraft and the airspace. Around VGT you have a good opportinunity to talk to controllers in the Las Vegas Class B, and this will help with your US-style RT. Once you are checked out there are quite a few places to go around the area (remember - no landing fees!), although some of the country is remote and there are mountains around, so you will need to do some flight planning. The folks at the FBO should be able to help with this.
Go fot it - I'm sure you will have a great time.
I did my first flying in the US (in Los Angeles) with about 75 hours experience, and as long as you do some preparation to familiarise yourself with the differences in RT and airspace (which it looks like you are doing) then flying in the US is MUCH easier than here, with the additional benefit that it is much cheaper as well.
I was in Las Vegas in October last year, and rented a new 172 from West Air aviation at VGT. They were really helpful and the plane was in top condition. If you have not flown a 172 before I would certainly recommend getting a new one, as in my opinion the extra comfort, better avionics (big moving map GPS) etc are easily worth the slight extra rate. West Air have a good website with all the details.
As far as the flying is concerned, I would book an extended checkout to get you familiar with the aircraft and the airspace. Around VGT you have a good opportinunity to talk to controllers in the Las Vegas Class B, and this will help with your US-style RT. Once you are checked out there are quite a few places to go around the area (remember - no landing fees!), although some of the country is remote and there are mountains around, so you will need to do some flight planning. The folks at the FBO should be able to help with this.
Go fot it - I'm sure you will have a great time.
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I have flown out of VGT while (supposedly) attending conventions for nigh on 20 yrs with various FBO's. I recommend WestAir http://www.westairaviation.com/ at VGT - the contact is John Guiles.
You can view the charts online at Maptech http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepag...TOKEN=62360080 .
The chart shows the VFR flyways that have made navigation in and out of VGT somewhat easier in the last couple of years. The flyways are linked to landmarks like 'Showboat' and it might make sense to do a tour of them in the car (You can actually see most of them from the boulder highway out to the east of town). Never forget the magic word 'unfamiliar' if you are at all uncertain about a landmark - they are very helpful on the radio.
My personal preference of places to go is Temple Bar, out on the lake, but I don't know Westair's policy on gravel runways. I have a little site about some of the places you can go at www.viewing.com if Prune will forgive me plugging it!
You can view the charts online at Maptech http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepag...TOKEN=62360080 .
The chart shows the VFR flyways that have made navigation in and out of VGT somewhat easier in the last couple of years. The flyways are linked to landmarks like 'Showboat' and it might make sense to do a tour of them in the car (You can actually see most of them from the boulder highway out to the east of town). Never forget the magic word 'unfamiliar' if you are at all uncertain about a landmark - they are very helpful on the radio.
My personal preference of places to go is Temple Bar, out on the lake, but I don't know Westair's policy on gravel runways. I have a little site about some of the places you can go at www.viewing.com if Prune will forgive me plugging it!
I would recommend West Air as well. I have flown from 'North Town' quite a lot, they are the best IMHO.
Good day trips, Death Valley is a good one. Flying up the Canyon is good - the restrictions don't matter if the vis is good - and you won't be going up there if it isn't. You can land at Grand Canyon National and take a taxi to the rim, but at 6500' up you may find a 172 a bit athsmatic depite the 6000' runway length. Grand Canyon West is a good trip. It's 5000' up and not so long so the same ref engines applies. It's owned and run by the Hualapi Indians and is in their reservation, they will relieve you of a landing fee but are very friendly and you can walk to the rim from the airfield if you don't have time to take one of their tours. But stick to the path - the place is riddled with rattlesnakes!
Other trips, Bryce Canyon, Sonoma and Monument Valley are reachable on longer days out or maybe a night stop.
But generally, flying around LV is to be recommended.
Good day trips, Death Valley is a good one. Flying up the Canyon is good - the restrictions don't matter if the vis is good - and you won't be going up there if it isn't. You can land at Grand Canyon National and take a taxi to the rim, but at 6500' up you may find a 172 a bit athsmatic depite the 6000' runway length. Grand Canyon West is a good trip. It's 5000' up and not so long so the same ref engines applies. It's owned and run by the Hualapi Indians and is in their reservation, they will relieve you of a landing fee but are very friendly and you can walk to the rim from the airfield if you don't have time to take one of their tours. But stick to the path - the place is riddled with rattlesnakes!
Other trips, Bryce Canyon, Sonoma and Monument Valley are reachable on longer days out or maybe a night stop.
But generally, flying around LV is to be recommended.
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Get the most powerful engine you are allowed by the insurance policies. A 160HP rental machine can be a bit underpowered at the best of times, and at the altitudes you will find yourself at an extra 20HP can help keep your trousers clean 
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I had no problems in the 172SP from WestAir, with 2 up at 10,500 feet over the Grand Canyon, so unless you have more people/lots of baggage I would not pay for a more powerful (=expensive) plane.
I flew from VGT on one of the VFR routes over the Grand Canyon to Marble Canyon (L41), which is the most amazing location I have ever flown to, and is reasonably accessable for a day trip (174nm on a direct track), and has a pretty good restaurant next to the strip.
I would also recommend Temple Bar (U30) as a closer trip. It is listed as asphalt, not gravel, on Airnav so I don't think you will fall foul of any rental policy. Walk or get a lift down to the Marina for lunch, or a trip on the lake.
I have photos of both of these if you are interested.
I flew from VGT on one of the VFR routes over the Grand Canyon to Marble Canyon (L41), which is the most amazing location I have ever flown to, and is reasonably accessable for a day trip (174nm on a direct track), and has a pretty good restaurant next to the strip.
I would also recommend Temple Bar (U30) as a closer trip. It is listed as asphalt, not gravel, on Airnav so I don't think you will fall foul of any rental policy. Walk or get a lift down to the Marina for lunch, or a trip on the lake.
I have photos of both of these if you are interested.
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I can kinda second West Air in that I flew with them from N Las Vegas three or four years ago.
When the taxi dropped me off at WestAir the whole place was shut up and they had forgotten me.
Fortunately the Business next door did some telephoning and after a two hour wait some one turned up.
Unfortunately there wasn't then time for me to have checkride then go off on my own so I had to content myself with a flight with a safety pilot
Flew a rather tired Arrow over to West Grand Canyon : quite sporting: crosswind landing.
But it was all made up for by the dusk trip back to N Las Vegas as the downwind leg takes you right down the Strip, past all manner of mad theme hotels: really a fantastic sight.
Sound like from previous posts West Air has perked up a bit since then.
Enjoy your trip and post the piccies.
Will be there meself for 2 weeks end april with Keef.
Safe flying
Cusco.
When the taxi dropped me off at WestAir the whole place was shut up and they had forgotten me.
Fortunately the Business next door did some telephoning and after a two hour wait some one turned up.
Unfortunately there wasn't then time for me to have checkride then go off on my own so I had to content myself with a flight with a safety pilot
Flew a rather tired Arrow over to West Grand Canyon : quite sporting: crosswind landing.
But it was all made up for by the dusk trip back to N Las Vegas as the downwind leg takes you right down the Strip, past all manner of mad theme hotels: really a fantastic sight.
Sound like from previous posts West Air has perked up a bit since then.
Enjoy your trip and post the piccies.
Will be there meself for 2 weeks end april with Keef.
Safe flying
Cusco.
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PhilD,
Ah but the 172SP comes with a 180HP engine as standard, and that would be the biggest plane Percy will get with 75TT.
Personally would not go up to The Canyon in anything less than a 200HP retractable, or even a 230HP skylane if I was carrying a load. Well that's a lie, I've had a supercub up there plenty of times, but at VGT he ain't going to get one of those Shame really.
Excess power is always nice, especially up in the mountains where it can save your butt, and with the dollar so weak there is no excuse for cost to be an issue
Ah but the 172SP comes with a 180HP engine as standard, and that would be the biggest plane Percy will get with 75TT.
Personally would not go up to The Canyon in anything less than a 200HP retractable, or even a 230HP skylane if I was carrying a load. Well that's a lie, I've had a supercub up there plenty of times, but at VGT he ain't going to get one of those
Shame really.Excess power is always nice, especially up in the mountains where it can save your butt, and with the dollar so weak there is no excuse for cost to be an issue
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I can thoroughly recommend Las Vegas Flying Club , operating from North Las Vegas Airport. Last April I had three hours instruction and flew over the Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon and Lake Mead as well as seeing The Strip - all fantastic sights in their own right. My instructor was very helpful, the company very professional and the Cessna 172 a luxury after my usual C150 ! (At $75 per hour (+ $30ph for instructor) certainly cheaper than an hour in the casinos!). I understand they had Warrior 11's at the same price. email address : [email protected]
Have Fun ; I'm back there in three weeks time
Have Fun ; I'm back there in three weeks time
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Some practical points that might be of interest (apologies to those who've seen this before, but without the search facility I can't just refer to earlier threads):
1) Virgin fly direct lgw - las but the flights tend to be expensive and noisy. It's usually cheaper to fly to LAX and drive (5Hrs). I advise against an internal connection - the airlines make you wait hours for the connection and the baggage hassle with TSA can be ridiculous, especially coming off an international flight.
2) VGT is quite a way (10-15 mins) from the downtown and even further from the strip. Taxi is about $20 so you will need a car anyway. They do have a courtesy bus, but its for arriving pilots and one way only.
3) There are hotels (Texas and Fiesta) out by VGT but I wouldn't fancy the walk. Maybe they have courtesy buses though - quite likely.
4) In the terminal at VGT they have a courtesy phone display where you can call many hotels for free. It's surprising how good the rates can be on the day and you get to stay in places you might not normally book. There's no danger of being stuck for a room in Vegas these days.
5) Do have breakfast in the Stratosphere. You can sit there and check out the landmarks in the Bravo airspace as it rotates in about 40 mins. Just hope the waiter doesn't call the FBI when he sees you studying the terminal chart!
6) There's a nice cafe in the VGT terminal with a patio at first floor level where you can see the pattern and all the ground ops. Sometimes they have the tower on a speaker - I'm sure it's worth asking if it's not on - and an hour watching the goings on can be quite informative. I once sat there and watched two tornadoes (twisters not jets) march down the valley right through the practice area!
7) I believe that the pilot visit to tower programme is re-instated now and it's well worth while to see things from their perspective.
8) The airport office in the terminal have some useful free charts including the ground plan and maybe even a sectional.
9) Do remember the rules about photo ID and carry your passport at all times.
10) A sightseeing destination I don't see often referred to is Valley of Fire state park about 30mi NE which makes a very convenient practice x/c from VGT and has dramatic rock formations. The Nellis controllers are very helpful but as ever in the area keep your eyes open for tour traffic.
Sorry for the length of post
David
1) Virgin fly direct lgw - las but the flights tend to be expensive and noisy. It's usually cheaper to fly to LAX and drive (5Hrs). I advise against an internal connection - the airlines make you wait hours for the connection and the baggage hassle with TSA can be ridiculous, especially coming off an international flight.
2) VGT is quite a way (10-15 mins) from the downtown and even further from the strip. Taxi is about $20 so you will need a car anyway. They do have a courtesy bus, but its for arriving pilots and one way only.
3) There are hotels (Texas and Fiesta) out by VGT but I wouldn't fancy the walk. Maybe they have courtesy buses though - quite likely.
4) In the terminal at VGT they have a courtesy phone display where you can call many hotels for free. It's surprising how good the rates can be on the day and you get to stay in places you might not normally book. There's no danger of being stuck for a room in Vegas these days.
5) Do have breakfast in the Stratosphere. You can sit there and check out the landmarks in the Bravo airspace as it rotates in about 40 mins. Just hope the waiter doesn't call the FBI when he sees you studying the terminal chart!
6) There's a nice cafe in the VGT terminal with a patio at first floor level where you can see the pattern and all the ground ops. Sometimes they have the tower on a speaker - I'm sure it's worth asking if it's not on - and an hour watching the goings on can be quite informative. I once sat there and watched two tornadoes (twisters not jets) march down the valley right through the practice area!
7) I believe that the pilot visit to tower programme is re-instated now and it's well worth while to see things from their perspective.
8) The airport office in the terminal have some useful free charts including the ground plan and maybe even a sectional.
9) Do remember the rules about photo ID and carry your passport at all times.
10) A sightseeing destination I don't see often referred to is Valley of Fire state park about 30mi NE which makes a very convenient practice x/c from VGT and has dramatic rock formations. The Nellis controllers are very helpful but as ever in the area keep your eyes open for tour traffic.
Sorry for the length of post
David
