How to park at airports on xc flights?
Posted by TangeloSpecialist535@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 41 comments
I’m a commercial student part 61 and I’m doing a ton of solo xc flights right now. My instructor suggested I land at an airport and try to get lunch. My question is, how do you navigate a new airport for parking? I know this is kind of a dumb question but I’d just like to be fully prepared so I don’t look like a complete idiot.
How do you know where to park? If they have fees, how do you pay them? How does a crew car work, if they have one? Do you need to contact anybody ahead of time to get parking?
I’ve never stopped and parked at a new airport before so any information would be helpful!
(also any recommendations for airports to get lunch at in the Pennsylvania/ Ohio / West Virginia / New York area? My home base is around Pittsburgh)
RecognitionGlad8803@reddit
Most places have transient parking and I’m glad that my CFI took me to lunch before my ticket so I knew how to do that fun stuff. Didn’t even learn how to refuel the plane myself until after my ticket. But basically most if almost all airports having transient parking usually with signs and they will provide either chains or ropes to tie down I believe there is a limit for how long you can be there but it’s per airport basis. But to actually find it look on either the AFD, Google Maps, call the airport, or just ask on the ctaf where it is if your at a uncontrolled.
rcbif@reddit
Research.
Many airport have websites that spell it out for you in plain English if it's not in the AFD.
Look at satellite views to see where tiedowns and fuel are. Look at google review/ maps images people have posted.
Or just call up the airport and ask, saying you are unfamiliar with the area.
Ohio has tons of airports with food nearby. Check out Carrol County Airport which has a restaurant on field. Or PCW/ Tin goose for something further. Look at social flight for fly-ins, and if you are on Facebook, join aviation groups for those states. Ohio Pilots is a good one.
Front-Monitor-1311@reddit
At busier small untowered airports with no FBO, look for signs with “Transient Parking” to indicate where you should tie down. Sometimes it’ll just say “Transient” and other clues would be “Transient” or “T” stenciled on the ramp near a row of tiedowns. Frequently these are colored blue or another different color from the normal spots. If a spot has a number and says “reserved”, that’s a clue to find a spot that doesn’t.
Turbomeister@reddit
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1ESeubCk9sDWafBt8iQ4dzXu97tftJBQ&hl=en&ehbc=2E312F&ll=40.98957217697436%2C-101.43571270582072&z=4
I'm not near Pittsburgh, but check out the green dots on the map. Around me, I've had great success trying a few from this map. Maybe check their hours on Google Maps before you go.
AlexJamesFitz@reddit
I start by looking at the taxiway diagrams, ForeFlight comments and Google Maps satellite view. If that doesn't make things obvious, call the FBO/airport manager.
If there's an FBO and I'm staying for a while or need the crew car, I'll call ahead of time.
Fees are paid either after landing or through the mail, if the airport uses a system like Vector.
Come check out Sky Acres in NY if you're up for an interesting little airport with lunch on the field. You could also go up to Basin Harbor for more of an adventure, if you're able to do grass. And keep an eye out for fly-ins.
Law-of-Poe@reddit
How is sky acres during the summer? I flew there in the winter while building up xc hours. Fun little airport. With the popularity of the restaurant I’m always afraid it’d be a shit show during summer weekends
AlexJamesFitz@reddit
It can be busy but I've never really seen it a total madhouse. People tend to be good on the radios, too. IIRC there's a spot on one runway where you don't have good visibility of the other end.
AlexJamesFitz@reddit
Oh one other thing you may not know yet: Don't set your parking brake when you're transient. Use chocks/tie-downs so the FBO etc. can move you if needed.
lctalbot@reddit
Never had one fail to tell me yet! 🤣
TangeloSpecialist535@reddit (OP)
Thank you! I might make sky acres a stop on my long xc
moxiedoggie@reddit
What I did when I was doing this for the first time is I just called the airport ahead of time and asked these questions directly. Usually an airport manager or front desk person at an FBO would help. Questions like "When I arrive, where is the best place to park? Do you guys have crew cars? Is there a fuel purchase minimum to waive any fees?"
To give you a sense of the general answers:
1. How do you know where to park?
Look at the airport diagram, identify the ramp, either directly in front of the FBO or what should be marked as transient parking, or a big open ramp away from taxiways/runways, those will be your parking places.
If it's a towered airport, tower/ground might ask you where you are parking, if so, tell them based on your advanced research, or if you don't know, just say "transient parking" - and they will direct you.
If it's untowered, do your best to taxi to where you think you should park. As you get to the ramp, look for parking spots and park there. If there are lineguys, they will run out and direct you, or you just park and say "fuck it", lock up the plane and walk out. If someone has a problem with where you parked, they will come out and tell you to move. But for small GA untowered airports, there is usually a 100% chance wherever you parked, as long as it's on the ramp, you will not be bothering anyone for the time you are there.
If there's an FBO, they should have a unicom frequency, and you could call them on that using your radio when you enter the ramp and just say "hey, uhhh, this is uhhh, N12345, uhh where should i park" - make sure to say uhh a lot, so they know you are confused.
2. If they have fees, how do you pay them?
If there is an FBO, when you walk inside, there will be a front desk person who wants your money. You could avoid them like the plague and walk right past them and not make eye contact and since it's usually a low paid desk worker, they won't bother you. I've never done it, but I have a feeling you could get away with never paying anything. But I'm sure they will identify your tail number and send you a bill by mail to the address the plane is registered to. But really, you just walk up to them and with a big shit eating grin on your face cuz you're a big deal pilot you say "hey there sweetie, i just landed in my fucking plane to eat a cheeseburger at this establishment, what do i owe ya?" Then whip out a wad of cash and flip through it while they answer you. But really, they'll take a credit card, it's just like buying anything. They might have some questions like, your name, plane, where you are flying from, how long you'll be there, maybe an address to put on file.
If there is no FBO, there might not be any fees at all. Maybe there's a little box somewhere to put $5 cash inside to help the owners of the airport keep the field open. Put some cash in there if you can. Or, if they are assholes, like KMTP, they are going to use ADSB tracking illegally to identify who lands there and then use a fucked up company called Vector to send you a $50 bill to help give money to their rich assholes who live near the airport to try to close the airport in the future and turn it into condos or "luxury" apartments.
3. How does a crew car work?
Usually just like every other car. You get in, start it, and drive it. If you can fly a plane, you can drive a car. If you can dodge a wrench you can dodge a ball. But really, if there's a front desk FBO person, just ask them, but turn on the charm, and act like it's your first time every time and they are doing you a huge favor, cuz they are. "Hey, I thought I read online that you guys have crew cars to go into town for lunch. Do you have any available?" Flirt a little, ask how their day is going. "Not so busy today huh? I'd have expected more people flying in cuz of how beautiful it is outside, and how beautiful the people are inside. You like gladiator movies?" But really, if they have a crew car, it's part of their operations to give it out, they probably do it a few times a day, so just ask for one. But, depending on how much driving you do in it, fill it up with a few gallons before you bring it back. And then tell them you did that. They'll appreciate it. Also, if they have a car, they'll charge you a fee of some kind, so consider your fee gives you the car. So you're kinda paying for it. Or, if not, buy some fuel - you'll need the fuel anyway, and they just helped you out a ton with a car, so give them some money for their fuel.
4. You don't need to tell anyone ahead of time that you're coming. Some airports might ask you to do that, but this is America and you don't have to tell anyone anything. Just show up.
aftcg@reddit
Perfect answer
OptimisticMartian@reddit
Lol'ed several times. Can recommend.
TangeloSpecialist535@reddit (OP)
Thank you I appreciate it!
DDX1837@reddit
Airnav has reviews that are helpful. When in doubt, I call the airport and ask about transient parking, crew car access and any ramp fees. Once you've landed at a few new airports, you get the hang of it.
I'm kind of surprised that you haven't been exposed to this by now. I learned this stuff when I first started training (also part 61). But that was back in the 90's, maybe it's different now.
Icy_Huckleberry_8049@reddit
yep, we had the green "bible" that we used, too.
Ok-Selection4206@reddit
It's still available .
https://a.co/d/0fm7RCJj
DDX1837@reddit
The AFD was good. I used to have a small brown binder that had airport info too. It was like Jepp plates but had airport info.
For the life of me, I can't remember the name of it. :-(
Better-Emu7264@reddit
Yep, Flight Guide, the airport bible in the small brown binders; so useful back in the ‘80s-90s… but now, gone, obsolete!
TangeloSpecialist535@reddit (OP)
I did my private training at a small flight school in a different state with only two planes and the owner was very very particular about where you were allowed to go, and you were never allowed to “rent” the plane. Now at this school they just told me go solo and do as many xc flights as I can, so I’m pretty much picking it up as I go. I’ll check out airnav and I appreciate the help!
DDX1837@reddit
I was not at a large flight school. My CFI covered landing, parking and getting fuel at airports that I'd never been to during the first 20 hours or so. IIRC, we talked about that before I ever had to do my first XC solo. And the only place we weren't allowed to land was on grass strips.
TangeloSpecialist535@reddit (OP)
That makes a lot of sense, when I become a CFI it’s definitely something I plan to do with my students.
Ok-Selection4206@reddit
Call the airport fbo and ask, look at all the different publications available that show the fbo information and whats available, Foreflight, Aviapages, AirNav, GlobalAir etc. You can use Uber or call a taxi if there is no crew car.
IndependentAlps9649@reddit
Was none of this covered on your PPL?
TangeloSpecialist535@reddit (OP)
unfortunately it was not
FridayMcNight@reddit
The answer to every one of your questions is different at every airport. lol
I don't know your neck of the woods too well, but the FBO at Xenia is awesome. they'll let you use the crew car to visit the Air Force Museum. More of an all day trip than lunch, but worth it.
WildPineappleEnigma@reddit
Others have covered the “how” part pretty well. Personally, I check out airport comments on ForeFlight and/or call the fbo in advance, especially if I hope to get a crew car.
I’ll also suggest three airports to check out.
WBW is a really nice little airport along the Delaware. You can dash across the street for a great burger joint or diner.
W05 Gettysburg is a great place to spend the day. There’s a place nearby that rents scooters to ride around and see the battlefield monuments. I called them ahead and they picked me up at the airport.
IAG Fly over the falls and then land at IAG. On a slow day, you can probably get a crew car and go into town for lunch.
TangeloSpecialist535@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the suggestions, I’ll check them out
Double-Reflection838@reddit
Note to CFI's on here: if you're able, take your student on a trip to get lunch somewhere away from the practice airport. It's a good XC experience, with landing, taxiing, parking, etc.
Even for my long XC on my PPL, I stopped at the FBO and topped off with gas before I headed to go home.
TangeloSpecialist535@reddit (OP)
I agree, I’ve asked my CFI a couple times but it never actually happened. I would also show your students how to get fuel, my private instructor showed me once but I’ve never actually fueled my plane either.
some stuff might seem really stupid to show, but if you’ve never done it before its still something to learn.
SSMDive@reddit
“I’ve never stopped and parked at a new airport before so any information would be helpful!”
Your CFI has failed you.
You can call the FBO ahead and ask where transient parking is. You can call the FBO after you land on the radio (and a helpful pilot might hear and also help out. You can land, park the best you can and then ask someone on the ground where you should park. You can look for signs. You can simply park a little out of the way and leave a note on your windshield (If you want).
If there are fees you can either pay at the FBO before you leave, or many places have an ‘honor box’ where you can drop the fee. One place near me has a mailbox with envelopes and a pen allowing you to put your N number on an envelope, drop your 10 bucks in, and then drop the envelope in the mail box.
Crew cars. Depending on the airport. You might need to go into the FBO, let them make a copy of your DL and they will had you the keys. Some places they have a log book with the keys in it and you sign them out and leave your contact info. Some places they have the keys in the car and you just take it… Again you can call the FBO before you go, ask when you get there, or ask any pilot when you get there.
TangeloSpecialist535@reddit (OP)
Thank you, I appreciate it!
falcopilot@reddit
Some airports have restaurants so you don't even need to hassle with a car.
Various-Blood-3902@reddit
Park at the end of the departure runway. That way you save fuel on taxi.
Face88888888@reddit
When yinz red up fer the flight yinz need ya call the FBO. Ask ‘em when yinz get dahn ‘ere where yinz should park n’at. ‘N don’t ferget ta ask ‘em if yinz can take the car dahn’t Primanti’s or eat n park.
flyingron@reddit
You can always call the FBO in advance and ask about fees and where the parking area is. Usually, I just head over near the FBO and linger in the hopes that someone will come out and indicate where they want me, but sometimes, you'll just have to make your best guess. You can always call them on the Unicom. I get the numbers from AIRNAV.COM.
Courtesy cars vary. In Somerset, PA, as in many places, it was an old police car. If the FBO is attended, they will give you the keys if it is available. It's nice if you put a little gas in it while you have it. Don't keep it longer than you have to as there may be others who need it.
Double-Reflection838@reddit
Yell at the FBO on UNICOM when you're a few miles out or taxiing.
Vast-Negotiation9068@reddit
I’ve landed at KSHD and accidentally parked where they have commercial flights (no planes of any sort present) and while it is untowered the manager radioed me on Unicom and said so and directed me where to move (like 50 yards). So not a big deal either way. If you want to practice being more professional, just call the FBO ahead of time.
Mispelled-This@reddit
Look for the FBO on airport diagrams, or failing that, check satellite photos. It should be obvious. Bring your own chocks and ropes; many don’t provide them for you.
Crew cars are generally free for up to 2 hours. If the FBO is staffed, they’ll take care of it. If not, there’s probably a key hanging on the wall near a sign-in/out book.
Fees are generally limited to very busy airports, but may be waived with overpriced fuel purchase. If you’re going somewhere with marshallers, expect to pay one way or another.
For your first few times, simply call the FBO and ask your questions. After a while, you’ll see the answers are pretty much the same everywhere you go, or the variations would have been easy enough to figure out after you land. I can’t remember the last time I called one.
Icy_Huckleberry_8049@reddit
look up the airport info on their website or their chart or use any other airport info website
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
I’m a commercial student part 61 and I’m doing a ton of solo xc flights right now. My instructor suggested I land at an airport and try to get lunch. My question is, how do you navigate a new airport for parking? I know this is kind of a dumb question but I’d just like to be fully prepared so I don’t look like a complete idiot.
How do you know where to park? If they have fees, how do you pay them? How does a crew car work, if they have one? Do you need to contact anybody ahead of time to get parking?
I’ve never stopped and parked at a new airport before so any information would be helpful!
(also any recommendations for airports to get lunch at in the Pennsylvania/ Ohio / West Virginia / New York area? My home base is around Pittsburgh)
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