Dave@sri-unix (08/07/82)
I'm scheduled to make my very first flight into DCA this coming Tuesday, and even though I'll be going in IFR I'm a little nervous about flying into such a huge place. Anybody else want to contribute anecdotes or useful advice? The DCA airport manager's office told me the landing fee for a 172 is $4. -- Dave Touretzky
LRH@MIT-MC@sri-unix (08/07/82)
From: "Lyman R. Hazelton, Jr." <LRH at MIT-MC> As you may know, I kept my tiger based at DCA for three years. I could probably write a book about all of what I saw or happened to me while I was there. Condensed into a couple of short comments for anyone going there, I would say: Realize that it is a *VERY* busy place from 07:00 to 10:00 and from 19:00 to 22:00 (especially the latter... it closes at 22:00, and there is always a mad rush to get in/out just before), and this is worse on Friday evenings and Sunday evenings and Monday mornings. Clearance delivery is rather quick, and will correct small errors in your read back at those times the place is busy, but may make you wait if you really fumble it. Small aircraft under VFR should not expect to use runway 18-36, even if there would be no cross wind using it... it is the longest runway, and is almost reserved for company traffic. If the ATIS says they are using 18, expect 15, and so on. Although they expect you to know what you are doing, I have found the controllers (both tower and ground) at DCA to be about the best anywhere, They will ask you to land long or short of the intersection (with 18-36), and never forget to thank you for helping out when you are down... but if you end up stopped in the intersection and they have to send a 727 around over you, you can expect them to be less than friendly. If you don't have an airport plate, ground control will help you get to/from the general aviation ramp, unless things are really hectic. Oh, and by the way, once parked in the GA parking area, if the micro-bus isn't right there to pick you up (it usually is), call for it on the unicom... DO NOT walk from the GA parking area into the GA lounge... you will be walking right across a normally busy taxiway, and the ground control people do get upset about it. If you land on 33, expect a bump as you cross the boundry between the river and the airport... it is always there. Expect to be told to keep up your speed... there is probably something bigger than you on your tail. I loved it there. They run a tight and professional operation. If you pilot your aircraft in similar fashion, they welcome you. Those that don't, they ask to leave. And the parking fees are $7.50 per night, outside tiedown... fairly steep, and they don't give any break if you are based there. Enjoy your trip there, Dave. I am sure that you will. Lyman
ark (08/07/82)
I think the single most useful thing you can do to ease your arrival at DCA is to study a Washington TCA chart carefully and memorize the lay of the land. In particular, know the runway numbers and the relationship between the runways and the rivers by heart, cold. Be careful to distinguish between the Potomac and Anacostia rivers. Know where the restricted areas are. And expect a visual approach unless the weather is terrible. Also, don't be surprised if then line you up over the Anacostia and clear you to land on 18. That means a 30 degree left turn on short final. The FBO people are very friendly. Last time I was there, the landing fee was $4.50 and parking was $6.50 a night. On the way out, expect your clearance to sound like a tobacco auction. It helps a LOT if you get it right the first time -- they have little patience.