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Flying to Las Vegas, NV airports

Vince Koehn

Well Known Member
I will be flying my RV to Las Vegas, NV the first part of Nov. for a week. Any suggestions on where to fly into?

Thanks
 
VGT or HND

Unless you're made of money, North Las Vegas (VGT) or Henderson (HND) are good choices imho. There's a FREE shuttle to the strip from VGT, and it's easy to rent a car at HND.

There are also some really nice RV folks at Boulder City (61B). Don't know if they monitor these forums.

)_( Dan
RV-7 N714D
http://www.rvproject.com
 
I agree with Dan. I've been flying into Henderson & North Las Vegas for 5 years now, and they are easy in/easy out :) Flying into McCarran will cost you some big $$$! Rosie
 
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Las Vegas; Henderson, North Vegas, other?

I will be travelling to Vegas for a convention at the end of the month. For those that have travelled or live there, what airport would be best for a couple day stay?
 
I have only flown into North Las Vegas (announced as North Town) and it is a great airport. They don't charge for tie down if you buy fuel and it is only about 15 minutes to the strip (around $20 - $25 for a cab ride each way).

Las Vegas airport is obviously closer but their tiedown fee is very expensive. One FBO was $65/night and the cheapest I found was $35/night. Their was also a landing fee that was waived if you bought fuel.

I know many people really like Henderson airport as well and it is probably the easiest to get and out of. I don't know the cab ride expense from their to the strip.

Everytime I go I get ready for the VFR arrival to the different waypoints but each time they have given me a direct to airport clearance. Keep in mind I am flying in from the north and my first call is to Nellis AFB approach. If you come from the south you may like Henderson better.
 
Depends on how close you want to be to your airplane....KVGT up North of the strip by about 10 miles, KHND 8 miles south. KVGT a bit more user friendly for ramp space..I have a spot in my hangar at KVGT real cheap...read free if it's not taken up by a Stearman getting an engine R & R, even then should not be a problem. Enterprise has rental car desk ther too.
 
I've been flying into all 3 airports since 1979 and was flying mostly into North Las Vegas (VGT) until my friends moved nearer Henderson Executive (HND). McCarran (LAS) is high $$$ for overnight and fuel. Both HND and VGT have the same fuel prices (today) at $4.71/gal. I forget what I paid to overnight at VGT but it's $5/night at HND.

Also at HND, Enterprise car rental in on-field (~$45/day). Avis is nearby (off-field), but they will have the compact car waiting for you outside the terminal building, ~$35/day. Contact Avis directly at (702) 270-7808.

Free overnight at VGT sounds nice though! Have a great trip :) Rosie
 
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Henderson

I flew into KHND last fall and was pleasantly surprised at the low fuel prices and the tie down was $5 after I fueled. They gave me a free shuttle ride to the strip. It is about $35 taxi ride back out.... Very nice FBO and was treated well there in the Biz Jet world with my humble experimental. It was over 105 degrees and when I opened the canopy a fellow was walking up with a bottle of ice cold water!
 
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both now have shuttle's

Was in Henderson for a conference last week and they now have a free shuttle into the strip or downtown. But Taxi rides from North LV is about a 8 mile shorter fair to the convention Ctr.
 
Thanks to all

I will be coming in from the North, so North Aiport sounds like my best option.
 
If you go to North Las Vegas..

Be sure to get the sectional (TAC?) that shows the arrival and departure points and pre-program them into your GPS.
 
Henderson, NV

I am new to this forum, but I noticed your post. I just flew my 182 to Henderson last weekend and they rolled out the red carpet for us. I can tell you they treated us like kings. They had a guy waiting in the overnight tiedown area, he motioned where he wanted us and then after shutdown he helped push us back and tie us down plus called the fuel truck for me. After we fueled he loaded our luggage in the courtesy van and dropped us at the terminal. He carried our luggage in for us, I tipped him and said thanks. They run a ticket for you at the counter, and you pay for your fuel and tie down ($5 a night) when you leave. Considering how easy it was to get to and the courtesy they provide I can highly recomend going in there. They also have a shuttle to the stip and hotels! I will definetly go there again, hopefully soon! Marty
 
I second the "treated us like kings" at Henderson. Same treatment with me. Also, they have a free shuttle to pretty much anywhere in the city, pickup included. The shuttle runs every two hours. Call the terminal to arrange your pickup. Really works well. They also have Hertz and Enterprise counters at the terminal.

Heinrich Gerhardt
 
Probably over evaluating it.

Not that bad, just look for the Santa Fe hotel, Lone Mountain and four fingers lakes....main landmarks.

It looks like the only way in is through one of the VFR corridors to avoid Nellis and all of the MOA's? Being a local, how would you go from St. George?
 
It's VERY easy to get into North Las Vegas from the north east if you're willing to talk to approach. Follow the I-15 into the area, call up Nellis approach when you're within range and just tell them you're headed to North Las Vegas (some folks just call it Northtown). Just let them know you're unfamiliar. Every time I've worked with them they've been absolutely fantastic. They'll clear you through the bravo over to VGT most likely on your own navigation. It's great scenery along there anyway. You'll see the speedway and Nellis just like all the Air Force guys do. If they do give you vectors it won't be tough at all.

If you REALLY don't want to talk to anybody on the radio, it's possible to skate under the bravo shelf to the north of Nellis. I do not recommend it as it can get pretty bumpy around the hills (expect wind) and the radio work is so easy it's a non-event.

I moved to Henderson a few weeks ago, but if you need anything while you're in town feel free to give me a call. Seven zero two six six four four zero eight eight.

Have a great trip!
It looks like the only way in is through one of the VFR corridors to avoid Nellis and all of the MOA's? Being a local, how would you go from St. George?
 
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VGT

We've only used VGT.

Nice long runways with enough options to deal with any wind situation in the desert. Good instrument approaches. Friendly controllers - as long as you read back all taxi instructions.

The enterprise car rental desk is hit & miss. We joined the hertz gold club (because of VGT) and have our keys waiting for us at the FBO desk. Pulling out on the ramp to load & unload no problem.

ATC for the class B also cooperative. No problem getting any reasonable clearance request.

Our only negative from VGT has been ground transportation, so plan ahead.
 
Thank you

It's VERY easy to get into North Las Vegas from the north east if you're willing to talk to approach. Follow the I-15 into the area, call up Nellis approach when you're within range and just tell them you're headed to North Las Vegas (some folks just call it Northtown). Just let them know you're unfamiliar. Every time I've worked with them they've been absolutely fantastic. They'll clear you through the bravo over to VGT most likely on your own navigation. It's great scenery along there anyway. You'll see the speedway and Nellis just like all the Air Force guys do. If they do give you vectors it won't be tough at all.

If you REALLY don't want to talk to anybody on the radio, it's possible to skate under the bravo shelf to the north of Nellis. I do not recommend it as it can get pretty bumpy around the hills (expect wind) and the radio work is so easy it's a non-event.

I moved to Henderson a few weeks ago, but if you need anything while you're in town feel free to give me a call. Seven zero two six six four four zero eight eight.

Have a great trip!

I kind of thought I might be over analyzing things. Appreciate it.
 
This is good info for me as well

When I lived in California we usually flew into McCarren and tied down at Scenic (Hughes only once). I have no desire to fly there anymore but we read that Bette Midler is taking over as the show headliner at Ceaser's Palace. We are flying to the Columbia California area in October and want to Miss M on the way home. I had not even considered these other airports. Thanks for the great inputs.

Bob Axsom
 
North Town(VGT) used to have a free shuttle to the major hotels on the strip during regular business hours.
I was based there for a few years.
 
While McC may be pricey, I always feel like I'm flying into an aviation museum there. I did my Private long cross-country to there in a 152 and found myself parked between a 747 and a foreign C-5A. As I was making arrangements with the FBO for a gyro repair, a NASA Talon taxied up.

When it was time to leave, I requested progressive taxi and the tower replied, "Unable to locate you visually, taxi forward and you'll get instructions when we can see you." :D Once I cleared the 747, they spotted me immediately. I should also say that despite my aircraft being relatively tiny and slow, the tower was quite polite and helpful.
 
Day Trip to Las Vegas - Henderson or North Vegas

I'm thinking about making a day trip to Vegas on Columbus Day (just found out I have the day off!) and am looking for a little advice...land at Henderson or North Vegas? I'm interested in parking, prices and easy shuttle/cab access to the strip.

The plan is to leave Santa Monica around 9, head to the strip for some lunch and donate a couple $$ to the casino and then be on the way home around 3:30.

So what airport would you suggest?

Thanks,
 
I have been into Henderson a few times and found it to be a great place to stop. Enterprise rental car is on the field and it's just down the road from the strip.
 
Henderson

Both airports are run by the county (I think). They both have the same prices on everything, but Henderson is much less congested, and I think they are much kinder to experimentals. There at least one crash that I know of at N. Las Vegas, and there are housing developments all around. My experience at Henderson was wonderful. They really roll out the red carpet.
 
Dittos on Henderson

I've been there many times and it's an easy entry from Jean, Nev, if you don't want to talk to Class B.

Also, the last time I was there (Feb '08) oxygen bottle fill was only $20 dollars.
 
Strip access

If you're hoping to get to the strip while you're here, I would recommend Henderson as getting to and from the boulevard will be much easier. The I-15 north and south are nearly always jammed and that's how you'd likely travel from North Las Vegas. Henderson will involve getting on the I-15 but south of most of the congestion.
 
Henderson will involve getting on the I-15 but south of most of the congestion.


Yeah Right!!!!:p If the strip is your destination then Henderson is really the best entry point. And yes, the county runs the whole shebang except Boulder City. It's not really unfriendly to Experimentals around here, it's just they don't want us taking off and landing at their airports, funny though, they take my ground lease check for the hangar and my fuel purchases with a smile. It is gross ingnorance on the part of the airport managment.
 
Joing the growing sea of RVs

at Henderson. Good restaurant at the Terminal. Short stay or long, there are usually RV heads around if you need a hand. Feel free to call :D

Terry Frazier
7oh2 two 78 zero two 73
 
Thanks for the Suggestions!

Everyone thanks for all the suggestions, it is greatly appreciated.

It looks like I'll be heading to Henderson. Unfortunately I'll be in a beater 172 but I'll be dreaming of RV speeds and practicing my grin! :D
 
sightseeing from Las Vegas

Carter here, student pilot (still) and RV-8 builder (tanks).

I'm going to be in Las Vegas for a conference this week, and have "built in" some time for flying on Friday (4/30). I arranged a flight in a 172 (2h) with an instructor for Monarch Air out of North Las Vegas. The company also flies out of Henderson.

2 questions:

Which airport is easier to get to from the strip (Bally's) and what are the recommended sights to see from the air within a 172 striking distance?

There seems to be a lot of positive buzz on this thread for Henderson, but North Las Vegas looks closer on the map... no?
 
Check the weather for friday

before you commit supposed to be windy. Lots of activity at both airports, but IMHO, KHND is your best bet. Not much difference in distance from the strip and less car and air traffic to the South. Scenic flights over the dam to the east (or grand canyon if you want to go that far) are easier from KHND. Red Rock canyon is small but nice to the near west. Death valley (land below 000') farther west.

Our EAA chapter 1300 meets for Breakfast Saturdays at the Landings restaurant at KHND at 8AM. I will personally be flying to Seligman http://www.airnav.com/airport/P23 for a route 66 car show and fly-in, weather permitting. If it's nasty, I'll be going to breakfast and hanging out at the KHND hangar after. Give me a call for more info...

Terry 7022780273
 
In for "Interop"

I will also be in HND tomarrow morning for the Interop conference- Going to have to lock that 6A down since the wind will be gusting to 50kts:eek: in the afternoon. Lots of class B to skirt around from KVGT- but on the other hand you will see much of the city. I would try HND or boulder(BVU) also...
 
KHND is a nice facility. Also if you need tailwheel training and or endorsement, Richard Coe at Mojave Aviation and his CFI's offer same in a nice Citabria.
 
Feedback please What about KLAS-McCarren

I am flying into Vegas on 5/17 to give the casinos 1K of birthday money.
I have read the threads, but my flight instructor suggested KLAS-McCarren for ther day trip. What do you guys think?
I am thinking of Atlantic FBO @ KLAS because I can walk to the strip, no taxis. I am not staying over, and it has a great view on approach. I am not afraid of the Bravo airspace since I fly through LAX all the time on the mini route.

Thanks for the feedback.
 
I am thinking of Atlantic FBO @ KLAS because I can walk to the strip, no taxis. I am not staying over, and it has a great view on approach. I am not afraid of the Bravo airspace since I fly through LAX all the time on the mini route.

Thanks for the feedback.

From the comments on AirNav it sounds like Atlantic is a better bet than Signature and they have cheaper fuel too. The ramp fee seems to be anywhere from $20 to $60, but apparanlty it will be waived with a min of 15 gallons of fuel purchased.

From my back of the envlope calculation and having first hand knowledge of cab fare from Henderson to The Strip it should be a wash between the fees at KLAS and fees plus cab from Henderson.

If you do go the KLAS route please give us a PIREP on the experience. I may opt for KLAS on my next trip.
 
Las vegas

I flew into Henderson last august. They have a free shuttle to the strip. BUT it's one way only! You have to take a taxi back from the strip, as I recall the taxi was about $40. I'd go there again.
 
Rethink

So I reread all the posts, and I am thinking I might change to Henderson instead of KLAS. The main difference is the tie down fee and ramp space. I am concerned about parking at KLAS (atlantic), the runway closure of 19L1R and the other construction may make for some tight ramp space. Maybe a cab ride is not so bad after all. In addition, I am not night current yet. If I stay till after dark (1 hour after sunset) before my return, I will need to do some pattern work without my passenger in order to be current for the trip home. I don't really want to do pattern work at KLAS. Thanks for all the comments and I'll give a PIREP when I return.
 
I was based at VGT a few years ago.
As others have said, ramp fee waived with fuel purchase & they provide a shuttle to the strip.
Call ahead as there may be time constraints.
 
Vegas shows

So I will be there with high school buddy. Looking for a craps table , next priority is a low table limit, any ideas?
 
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Lots of hotties working at the Wynn, Cosmopolitan is brand new and should also be pretty well setup in that respect.

As far as shows go Absinthe is at the top of my list to see right now, Hopefully I'll get out there in the next few weeks. Its pretty much what Cirque was back in the day when they first came to town. I've got to always recommend Mystere as well. "O" and Ka are also excellent.
 
Final Follow up

After all the planning and the talking, I bailed out due to forecasted rain. I probably could have made it there, but in thinking about the renewed emphasis on safety, I did not want to have to attempt to this with lingering showers, trying to do a scud run, etc. I figure the flight wouldn't be much fun dodging rain and vegas wouldn't be much fun worrying all day about the weather on the return. Now I just need my IFR ticket. Thanks for all the help and feedback.
 
Flying into Vegas

I'm making my first flight into Las Vegas to visit a fellow Air Force friend at Nellis before he deploys. Any recommendations on airports or FBOs? I am going up Super Bowl weekend and would prefer to hangar if I can find a cheap rate.
 
PM me if you can't find Seb

Seb will probably take care of you, but if you can't find him or he can't find a spot for you, send me a PM, too. I can think of a couple leads at VGT for hangar space to try out.

-Gadget
 
Casey,

I have a Baron in there now for an annual but let me study it tomorrow and we may be able to find a spot for you. If not I have a few friends that may be able to keep you out of the elements. FWIW I normally have hangar space for VAF members coming into KVGT but a twin loves to eat up space.

I only have one banned RV'er and he knows who he is:mad:
 
Dates? I have room in my hangar in Boulder City

I'd need your dates of arrival/departure to see if I can work around my work schedule. Rick at VGT is probably a lot closer if he can help you out, but I can fit you in the hangar if the dates work out. PM me if Rick can't help you out!
 
Still Looking

Thanks for all the reply's. I am still looking for some hangar space. I will be in Vegas 1-4 Feb....I would prefer VGT or HND but I appreciate the offer at Boulder City if those don't work out. Thanks again guys. I'll repay the kindness if you are ever in Tucson!
 
What's the latest intel on RV-Friendly Vegas airports? Any leads on available hangar space in a couple weeks?
 
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