Flying single props into LAX?
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Join Date: Oct 2011
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Flying single props into LAX?
Came across this video on Youtube, a guy flying a Cessna into LAX -
Anyone got any further information on this? Do you not need an IR rating? Landing fee etc?
Definitely something I'd love to do after passing!
Anyone got any further information on this? Do you not need an IR rating? Landing fee etc?
Definitely something I'd love to do after passing!
Join Date: Feb 2002
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Why would you need an IR? Isn't it class B?
I believe that there is a landing fee, but it's relatively minor (but seems to put off American pilots who aren't used to landing fees.)
EA is probably right about the fee.
I believe that there is a landing fee, but it's relatively minor (but seems to put off American pilots who aren't used to landing fees.)
EA is probably right about the fee.
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Having looked at the video now, I see that the flight was in cloud, so an IR would have been required for this flight, but no reason why you can't do it in VFR conditions without an IR.
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In the LA class B you can request a "tower en-route" IFR clearance, even from the ground at a nearby airport (Santa Ana for example as this is probably the OP's local apt) which is very simple to do. There might be some delays due to traffic but you can be sat at the end of the runway waiting for your clearance.
Once you get your IFR clearance, off you go and you'll probably be vectored straight onto a final appoach between the heavy jets. VFR is more complicated and you could end up hanging around for a while waiting for your clearance as you will have to fit in between the big boys (rather than them fitting in around you
). At least IFR then seperation services will be provided! Plus shooting the approach at 100kts+ would be more appreciated than flying a 70 kt long final or you might end up with a 747 up the jacksy.
The international terminal has a helipad on the roof and it is easy to fly in by helicopter VFR. All the VFR crossings are fun and great for getting north of LA without any hassle. Wish London had some.
Once you get your IFR clearance, off you go and you'll probably be vectored straight onto a final appoach between the heavy jets. VFR is more complicated and you could end up hanging around for a while waiting for your clearance as you will have to fit in between the big boys (rather than them fitting in around you
). At least IFR then seperation services will be provided! Plus shooting the approach at 100kts+ would be more appreciated than flying a 70 kt long final or you might end up with a 747 up the jacksy.The international terminal has a helipad on the roof and it is easy to fly in by helicopter VFR. All the VFR crossings are fun and great for getting north of LA without any hassle. Wish London had some.
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They will most likely turn you away VFR during the day, but late evening and nights you'll get in, for sure. LAX calms down after around midnight.
But try the Mini-Route at 2500ft above the rwy's. Just pick up a clearance from Santa Monica (or Hawthorne if you're coming from the south) and then talk to LAX tower, read the published route and you're good to go. I normally take people who are new to LA on that route early evenings. They always get impressed by seeing A380's and 747's land right underneath.
But try the Mini-Route at 2500ft above the rwy's. Just pick up a clearance from Santa Monica (or Hawthorne if you're coming from the south) and then talk to LAX tower, read the published route and you're good to go. I normally take people who are new to LA on that route early evenings. They always get impressed by seeing A380's and 747's land right underneath.
Last edited by AdamFrisch; 7th Aug 2012 at 15:20.
I've been into LAX a couple of times in my 182 - it was a few years back (~2004) so it's worth checking to see whether things have changed. There was no landing fee, just a modest handling fee from the FBO ($60 or so) - which they waived the second time because I slipped climbing onto their truck and they were visibly terrified that I'd sue them. One thing to watch is that there is no Avgas there. I was the ONLY small plane on the whole field, and they parked me tucked around the back where nobody would see my plane!
First time was IMC. The second time was VFR, they just had me fly downwind until they could slot me in. It was fun taxiing between the rows of 747s! Absolutely no hassle or problem either time.
Here's a picture of my plane hiding (I've never figured out how to include a picture in the post itself):
Hiding at LAX | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
First time was IMC. The second time was VFR, they just had me fly downwind until they could slot me in. It was fun taxiing between the rows of 747s! Absolutely no hassle or problem either time.
Here's a picture of my plane hiding (I've never figured out how to include a picture in the post itself):
Hiding at LAX | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
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I'm based about 4 miles away at Hawthorne and have no desire to go in to LAX.
I think it is about $50 now and there are typically 8-10 aircraft on final approach at any time during the main working day.
The mini-route and the SFRA procedures will get you a bird's eye view of the airport with little formality. SFRA doesn't even need a clearance so long as you stick to the procedure on the TAC.
Avgas isn't available and handling may be expensive, so HHR or SMO are better choices for GA to get into the area. Hawthorne has got back its simultaneous approach approval for the localiser, so you can approach parallel and about a mile offset from the nearest LAX traffic, but a bit lower.
I think it is about $50 now and there are typically 8-10 aircraft on final approach at any time during the main working day.
The mini-route and the SFRA procedures will get you a bird's eye view of the airport with little formality. SFRA doesn't even need a clearance so long as you stick to the procedure on the TAC.
Avgas isn't available and handling may be expensive, so HHR or SMO are better choices for GA to get into the area. Hawthorne has got back its simultaneous approach approval for the localiser, so you can approach parallel and about a mile offset from the nearest LAX traffic, but a bit lower.
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If you want to mingle with the big boys in LA, just pop down to Orange County (John Wayne Airport) and you'll get your fill. Last time I was following a 737, "caution wake turbulence", and chased by a 757. Complete with the extortionate handling at Signature. Or you can do Burbank, but they have less big guns.
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KSNA is where I train so I'm used to that Airport now. I've had a low wake turbulence encounter just coming approaching the numbers. Scary but brilliant lesson!
Thanks for everyone's responses. Once I pass I'll look into the Mini-Route, I've seen it done a bit. Then one night in good conditions fly into LAX! I really want to get in when a Speedbird or Virgin is on Frequency. Nothing like hearing some of the lads from home over here :-)
Thanks for everyone's responses. Once I pass I'll look into the Mini-Route, I've seen it done a bit. Then one night in good conditions fly into LAX! I really want to get in when a Speedbird or Virgin is on Frequency. Nothing like hearing some of the lads from home over here :-)
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f you want to mingle with the big boys in LA, just pop down to Orange County (John Wayne Airport) and you'll get your fill. Last time I was following a 737, "caution wake turbulence", and chased by a 757. Complete with the extortionate handling at Signature. Or you can do Burbank, but they have less big guns.
The USA is a totally different flying experience. Flying past SNA just along the coast a while back and you can watch the airliners departing towards you. We were at 2500' and a 737 just departed. ATC limited him to 2000' due to us and we had this nice picture of a 737 going straight underneath. Try that around Gatwick....
