Flying to California-

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Persian_Pilot

Well-Known Member
Hey guys,

My buddy and I are flying to California tomorrow for the weekend and I was wondering if you guys have any tips or advice for 2 low timers. We’re both instrument rated with 250 hours each but have not done any flight at sea level airports (We live in SLC).

Our plan is to fly to North Las Vegas and refuel; then head to Van Nuys. We’ll be flying to San Diego International on Saturday which brings up another question.
How GA friendly is KSAN? Should we just go to KMYF instead?

We’ll be flying a 172 G1000 and plan to file IFR if that helps anyone.


Thanks,

Sina, :D
 
KSAN is very GA friendly, you can easily fly from KVNY to KSAN VFR through the Special Flight Rules Corridor (see terminal chart). If you fly down the coast with flight following you will be cleared into KSAN class B via MZB VOR for a right 45 pattern entry just past Oceanside.

R-2305D along the coast just northwest of Oceanside is almost never active, check NOTAMS to be sure.

Have fun!
 
KSAN is GA friendly, but you might want to call the FBO and ask about ramp fees, might be really steep. KMYF has parking at Casa Machado for cheap if not free.
 
Awesome,

Thanks guys.

I guess the over night fee is 12$ with fuel purchase at land mark. I was expecting it to be a lot higher given the airport.
 
The VFR Corridor over LAX is a must!! Did that on my Instrument long xc.

At VNY, on the FAAAAR NW corner the FBO is really GA Friendly. Macquire Aviation IIRC. It's next to the approach end of 16R...kinda hard to find though..go past all the covered tie downs on A2 and it's on the right...
 
Think about heading into WHP instead of VNY if you don't want to deal with big-time FBO's. We've got Vista and then some transient parking... call on unicom and the guys will always find a spot for ya (if transient is full).
 
TXTBOOK said:
Think about heading into WHP instead of VNY if you don't want to deal with big-time FBO's. We've got Vista and then some transient parking... call on unicom and the guys will always find a spot for ya (if transient is full).
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I wish I could. My buddy wants to go to Van Nuys because of the whole 16R thing... And he's paying for the whole flight: :D: D :D So I don't really have say on the destination.

Has anyone had any experience with Pentastar Aviation? Lots of good reviews on AirNav but I'm wondering if any JC'ers has used them recently.
 
no, you are automatically cleared into the bravo because you are ifr. you won't even hear them say cleared into bravo because you already are. they will give you vectors or make you fly a star.
 
Persian_Pilot said:
I wish I could. My buddy wants to go to Van Nuys because of the whole 16R thing... And he's paying for the whole flight: :D: D :D So I don't really have say on the destination.

Has anyone had any experience with Pentastar Aviation? Lots of good reviews on AirNav but I'm wondering if any JC'ers has used them recently.
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Expect to ask for 16R as they will almost certainly give you 16L if you're a 172. Van Nuys controllers are usually pretty chill, should be no problem as long as there is a lull in the congo line of jets on the ILS.
 
Persian_Pilot said:
By the way,
Is a 172 performance really that different at a seal level airport vs a high elevation one?
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Yes. It'll feel like a 182 does up here. Just remember to go full rich (or just slightly leaned, like 1/4" inch) for takeoff and landing.

I'd fly into KMYF rather than KSAN, personally. Less expense and hassle.

IFR flying in SoCal is a blast, a morning arrival will virtually assure an approach at the end, thanks to the marine layer. To save yourself some hassle between airports, refer to and file for one the Tower Enroute clearances. VFR flying isn't difficult either, just study the terminal charts prior. A GPS to show you the myriad airspace boundaries is quite helpful, too.

Definitely fly out to Catalina while you're down there. The landing fee is like $20, but it's a great experience.
 
Persian_Pilot said:
Has anyone had any experience with Pentastar Aviation? Lots of good reviews on AirNav but I'm wondering if any JC'ers has used them recently.
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Pentastar is the best FBO at VNY. We use them exclusively because not only is their fuel the least expensive, but the people there are fantastic, friendly, and very customer oriented. They are just good people.

And before you settle on SAN....check the fuel prices. Great airport + one FBO = pricey fuel.
 
Persian_Pilot said:
Catalina just got added to the list. We're going there Saturday morning before heading out for San Diego.

Thanks for the tips.
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Make sure that the place where you are renting from allows you to take the plane to Catalina, I have only experience with two places in California, but both asked for a ck out flight before letting anybody going there with their planes..

I always avoid big Airports, or fancy executive ones, they charge a lot for fuel and it's not easy to get a crew car.....
 
Persian_Pilot said:
I wish I could. My buddy wants to go to Van Nuys because of the whole 16R thing... And he's paying for the whole flight: :D: D :D So I don't really have say on the destination.

Has anyone had any experience with Pentastar Aviation? Lots of good reviews on AirNav but I'm wondering if any JC'ers has used them recently.
Click to expand...

You should go to Burbank. That's where they made the stealth fighter. Now there's a Panda Express and McDonalds where the super duper secret building was.
 
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