Gulf Shores / Jack Edwards Airport

B Cunningham · #1 02-23-2011, 01:24 PM

Im planning a little RV7 getaway with my wife. Looking at Gulf Shores, Perdido Beach area for the March 5 weekend. Does anyone have any info on JKA Airport, or a better alternative? Perhaps someone has some hangar room nearby for that weekend?

Sig600 · #2 02-23-2011, 01:32 PM

Great airport. The drive to Perdido is super easy, Gulf Shores is not bad itself and there is a lot to do. Make sure to hit the Florabama.

Make sure to keep your eyes open around there. Pensacola and Whiting field house two huge Navy training commands, and there is a LOT of T-34, T-6, T-39, T-45, and helo traffic over that entire area.

Oh yeah... if you're there on Sunday land at Fairhope (just north) and have the Grand Marriott send out the shuttle to pick you up. They do a Sunday brunch on the water that is absolutely killer. Or drive up from Gulf Shores.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/trave...-club-and-spa/

You can also go into Mobile downtown and catch a ride to the USS Alabama, and poke around the park there. Great fishing charters out of Orange Beach in Gulf Shores too. If you drive over to Pensacola NAS (about 25 minutes from Perdido) you can visit the Naval Aviation History Museum. They have a great IMAX theater.

Jack Tyler · #3 02-23-2011, 01:39 PM

To Sig's point, if flying VFR then use Pensacola Approach thru-out your transition of the PNS area. Most of the Navy traffic is out of Whiting (fixed and helo) and routinely works with PNS Approach when transiting areas not already allowed them.

Jack

B Cunningham · #4 02-23-2011, 02:19 PM

Thanks for the Pirep guys. I have a bit of T-34 time from that neck of the woods, buts its been years. Sounds like fun!

Sig600 · #5 02-23-2011, 03:46 PM

Can't stress this enough, the brunch is AWESOME.

DanH · #6 02-23-2011, 04:36 PM

Often overlooked are the fortifications at the mouth of Mobile Bay. Highly recommended if you have any interest in American history.

Fort Morgan (east side) is larger and has an excellent museum. It is a short and pleasant drive from Gulf Shores. Fort Gaines is on Dauphin Island and also has some fine displays. Although Morgan was in use as late as WWII, both are best known for their role during The War of Northern Aggression

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_...sing_the_forts

Sig600 · #7 02-23-2011, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanH

both are best known for their role during The War of Northern Aggression

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Flyingguido · #8 02-23-2011, 07:24 PM

Ben,
I took delivery of my plane there and found they had open hangars for rent with no list. They might have one now for a nominal daily charge....?
Really enjoyed that field and the area in general. Great food too!

DENMACRES · #9 02-23-2011, 08:30 PM

I VISITED THERE OVER THANKSGIVING, VERY NICE AIRPORT. BE SURE AND CHECK OUT THE FOOD AT BAHAMA BOB'S, ON THE SHORE DRIVE. DENNIS

mrreddick · #10 02-24-2011, 06:54 AM

If you're landing at Gulf Shores, ya gotta go to Lulu's! It's about a 1/4 mile walk, a very short drive if you're getting a car. Four of us flew in to check it out a few years ago. The "Cheeseburger In Paradise" was great but the waitress gave us all funny looks when we ordered pink lemonade instead of a nice cold draft.