Page 2 of 2
Re: Flying near the Grand Canyon
Posted: Fri May 02, 2014 7:17 pm
by CFIDave
Rick wrote:So how does one land at L41, Marble Canyon airport, which lies below the 8000' SFRA? That looks like it might be fun, if I were sure it was legal...
Read the fine print on the chart near Marble Canyon airport: "Landing/Take-off operations below 3000' above airport elevation within 3 NM of the airport are authorized by 14 CFR Section 93"
So you can dip below Sector altitudes within the SFRA for landing at airports located within the SFRA -- provided you stay within 3 miles of the airport.
Re: Flying near the Grand Canyon
Posted: Fri May 02, 2014 7:49 pm
by Rick
CFIDave wrote:Rick wrote:So how does one land at L41, Marble Canyon airport, which lies below the 8000' SFRA? That looks like it might be fun, if I were sure it was legal...
Read the fine print on the chart near Marble Canyon airport: "Landing/Take-off operations below 3000' above airport elevation within 3 NM of the airport are authorized by 14 CFR Section 93"
So you can dip below Sector altitudes within the SFRA for landing at airports located within the SFRA -- provided you stay within 3 miles of the airport.
I saw that funny-worded note - it actually appears many places on the chart - but it wasn't clear to me what allows me to descend from 8000' and 6600' (3000' about the 3600' airport). But then, what's the point of having an airport there if nobody can get to it, right?
Re: Flying near the Grand Canyon
Posted: Fri May 02, 2014 9:48 pm
by rwtucker
I asked my son, a Cherokee driver who lives in Phoenix. He said:
It’s on my to do list but whenever I'm in Page and consider popping over there, it has been kind of windy and warming up. I hear from some of the local pilots that it gets a little hairy if the wind is blowing much at all since it sits in the canyon and has the smaller gorge with the river running right next to it. Sounds like the lodge is a decent place for a meal and an old fashioned night’s stay if that’s what you’re looking for.
I neglected to ask but from his description, it sounds like you would want be familiar with canyon flying, especially turns if you don't like what you see.
Re: Flying near the Grand Canyon
Posted: Sat May 03, 2014 1:48 pm
by rwtucker
I followed up with a question about the FAA restrictions.
Marble Canyon is pretty easy, well away from the special flight paths, but still under the SFRA. Probably just need to watch out for air tour traffic, as it looks like they regularly transit the area low level to/from Page. If I were him, I’d call an FBO in Page and ask a pilot/instructor in the area a few questions.
Classic is one recommendation (928-645-5356).
Re: Flying near the Grand Canyon
Posted: Sun May 04, 2014 12:50 am
by Rick
Thanks a bunch, Robert! I'll ask lots of questions at Page when we stop for fuel.
We are now almost halfway there, stopping to spend the night in Kansas City. So far, so good...
Re: Flying near the Grand Canyon
Posted: Sun May 04, 2014 5:12 pm
by rwtucker
Bring back some canyon pictures for the rest of us. I looked back at mine and almost every one is hazy.