VFR Along Chicago Lakefront

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turbojet28

Well-Known Member
Hello,

A friend, who also has his PPL, and I are considering a trip to Palwaukee (KPWK)in a 172SP from our home here in Michigan. We want to fly up the lakeshore to get the great views of downtown. I am a little apprehensive, however, as I have never really flown too close to class B airspace before, and don't have a whole lot of experience in very congested airspace (I fly to GRR a fair amount, which is a decently busy class C). My question is this; how is the flight up the lakeshore VFR? Typically, how bad is the traffic situation? Is Chicago Approach usually pretty accomodating with flight following or do they usually cut VFR guys loose?

Also, what would be the best way into PWK? I see on the Chicago TAC that they recommend flying to the north, west to the Northbrook VOR, and then south into PWK. Is this what the tower usually likes?

I'm looking forward to this experience, and any advice from those who have done it before would be great! Thanks!
 
As far as traffic, pretty much all of the stuff going into O'hare is well above you. Usually just local sightseeing flights in that area up the lakeshore. Only once did we talk to chicago approach...they were very friendly and helpful.
 
Well, if my memory serve right, you don't need to talk to any one as long as 2500 or below


adreamer
 
Call up Chicago approach and tell them you will be flying VFR down the lakefront at 2500 feet (I did it at 2300 usually, to get that "buffer"). They are normally very accomodating. They may request you stay outside of Navy Pier, or report some point along the lakefront.

Last time I flew VFR up the lake was while Meigs was still open though, so I was talking to Meigs Tower most of the time...

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Flying into PWK really isn't that big of a deal. I was IFR northbound along the lake and ATC really wanted to keep me far offshore. I cancelled IFR and was able to fly along the shore around 2000. I was also given vectors to final even though I was VFR. It's an AWESOME trip.
 
It will be a great flight for views of the city! As others have stated most of the commercial traffic is well above you…and it all depends on when you go as to how much VFR traffic there will be along the lakefront. Some days it’s busy, others it’s not. Just keep your head on a swivel and keep a look out! You’ll get some great views of the city, navy pier, and once you are north you’ll see Northwestern Univerity and the Bahai Temple.

I’m not sure what you guys have planned but if you are going to be getting some food when you land I would make the suggestion to bypass Palwaukee and fly over to Schaumburg Regional (06C). They have a really good restaurant that is right on-field in their terminal building. The restaurant is called Pilot Pete’s and has very good food. Just a suggestion. Schaumburg is uncontrolled and can get a little busy at times but I’d say it is worth it for the food. There is one restaurant on-field at Palwaukee but I’ve been to it and was not all that impressed by it.

I fly out of Schaumburg so if you guys have any questions feel free to PM me!

Have fun!
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I've only come into palwalkee from the west. So that was a piece of cake. When I left though, I flew southeast towards down town. Then went south west between o'hares class B and midways class C. Then went up to dekalb and back west. I think I was using the northbrook and joliet VORs. Thats probly as hecktick as it gets with out actually going into either of those airports. I was talking to approach the whole time which was probly a good idea. I didnt really have a problem with them. He kind of poked fun of me for taking such an odd route around their airspace, "you really dont want to get in here I do you?" was kind of what he said. But other than that it was a blast. As long as you dont screw up, you'll be fine.
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Tom
 
Thanks to everyone for the timely replies! We hope to do this sometime within the next couple of weeks, if we can find a time when the weather is actually VFR that coincides with our schedules!
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WindyCityPilot - I will definatley have to consider that option. Thanks for the suggestion!
 
No problem......if you're going to fly into Schaumburg shoot me a PM and if I'm around I'll stop by and meet ya! I'm always looking for an excuse to go to the airport!
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Hey windycitypilot !! Another chicago area guy.....i fly out of lansing municipal, south burbs. Ever flown out to Chanute AFB in Rantoul ? It's great..nice museum and airport.
 
If you fly into KPWK, which FBO you looking at using? I used to work out of North American Jet. May be a little biased, but I prefered them over Signature. When I was there, I always took care of the little guys just as much as the big guys. I fly out of there as well with Windy City Flyers, though I haven't been up in about 15 months now... I live about 15 minutes away now but am moving farther out in about a month. If you head in before then, drop me an IM.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Hello,
Also, what would be the best way into PWK? I see on the Chicago TAC that they recommend flying to the north, west to the Northbrook VOR, and then south into PWK. Is this what the tower usually likes?

I'm looking forward to this experience, and any advice from those who have done it before would be great! Thanks!

[/ QUOTE ]

Also, I've never dealt with Chicago outside of the IFR environment so not really sure how they deal with VFR guys. I'd say the Northbrook VOR may be a good bet, but I'd be careful as that's where they bring a lot of the jet traffic into for approaches. If you come in at a busy time, keep your eyes open. I'd say once you clear the 2500' shelf on the little corner just east of PWK, turn west and head in from there. Contact them about 10 out and they will guide you in. The controllers at PWK are really nice... unless you get Grumpy... though he was set to retire last year I believe. (don't worry, they are really nice!) I really enjoyed doing pattern work at night solo and just chatting it up on slow nights. Really great group of controllers...

Except for the one that went off the deeep end, kidnapped his wife and stashed her in a garbage can at the storage facility just off the airport grounds.... luckily she survived and they arrested him quickly. But that's a story for another time.
 
Hey IndianaPilot....I've never been out to Chanute AFB in Rantoul.....how long of a flight is it? Sounds pretty cool. I'm still working on my PPL so I haven't been all that many places yet. I think the farthest I've been so far is up to Lake Delvan in Wisconsin for lunch. Nice little airport up there with a resort across the street right on the lake. Nice place for a quick flight for lunch.
 
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