Aircraft rental near the grand canyon?
06-24-2011, 11:31 AM
#1
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Aircraft rental near the grand canyon?
I'm going to Arizona in a few weeks on a trip with the family and I was wondering if there's anywhere to rent a 172 or archer to fly over the Grand Canyon in near the south rim/Flagstaff, AZ area.
06-24-2011, 11:55 AM
#2
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Flying the Grand Canyon
AOPA Online: Grand Canyon overflight rules will have little impact on general aviation, thanks to AOPA
SFAR Special Flight rules in the Vicinity of the Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
USMCFLYR
06-24-2011, 01:01 PM
#3
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Thanks, I had already checked out the AOPA info and got a grand canyon sectional, I'll admit its a bit intimidating, but there will be two pilots on board, so I'm thinking we're up for the challenge.
06-24-2011, 01:14 PM
#4
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I don't know because I've never looked into the cost, but I'm wondering if the cost of getting checked out in another FBO's aircraft and then the cost of renting the plane wouldn't be more than just taking one of the guided tours?
One of the sentences in the article links posted I have to disagree with though. It said something along the lines of [you have to see the Grand Caynon from the air to truly appreciate it].
I have seen it from the air many times before (though high altitude) and I was awed when I finally saw it actually from the ground on my recent visit when moving from the west coast to OK. I think that you need to see it up close and personal before it can be truly appreciated!
USMCFLYR
One of the sentences in the article links posted I have to disagree with though. It said something along the lines of [you have to see the Grand Caynon from the air to truly appreciate it].
I have seen it from the air many times before (though high altitude) and I was awed when I finally saw it actually from the ground on my recent visit when moving from the west coast to OK. I think that you need to see it up close and personal before it can be truly appreciated!
USMCFLYR
06-24-2011, 01:26 PM
#5
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Some day.....
If possible, see the Canyon this way:
http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/v...n/PICT0164.jpg
http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/v...n/PICT0160.jpg
http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/v...n/PICT0164.jpg
http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/v...n/PICT0160.jpg
06-24-2011, 07:08 PM
#6
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USMC - I went on a helicopter tour as a kid and it was really amazing to fly over, I'd say better than seeing it from the ground, but as you said it is an amazing view from the ground. We priced going on airplane and helicopter tours and the cheapest we saw was $120 x 4 for like a 45 min flight, so I was thinking that if we could find a rental for even $140/hour I could do like a 1 hour checkout and 1.5 - 2 hour flight and still come out ahead and I could log it (and maybe even my dad too since I'm a CFI).
Tom - I would totally do that instead, but it would be a cold day in Hades before we get my mom in a raft lol, and we only have two days at the canyon
.
Tom - I would totally do that instead, but it would be a cold day in Hades before we get my mom in a raft lol, and we only have two days at the canyon
.
06-25-2011, 09:35 AM
#7
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If your "basing" this vacation in Phoenix, I would go to Westwind @ KDVT. Good airplanes, maintenence, SP 172's( about 129 plus 59 for instructor per hr), Arrow's (149 plus).. etc. If your going to be closer to Sedona, I would consider this route: www.sedonaairtours.com You cant fly it, but I have heard good things. And about 189 per person.
Also in KFLG the only FBO with aircraft to rent is Wiseman Aviation. But IIRC they have a stipulation in their rental contract against going to the "ditch". Plus they only have 2 172 N's (99 and hour i think...plus 45 for instructor).....with 160HP. Not gonna work with the seats full. Remember typical density altitude around those parts is 10k plus.
Just my 2 cents.
Also in KFLG the only FBO with aircraft to rent is Wiseman Aviation. But IIRC they have a stipulation in their rental contract against going to the "ditch". Plus they only have 2 172 N's (99 and hour i think...plus 45 for instructor).....with 160HP. Not gonna work with the seats full. Remember typical density altitude around those parts is 10k plus.
Just my 2 cents.
07-01-2011, 02:21 PM
#8
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one thing you need to consider also is that a lot of FBOs in the area (esp vegas) prohibit renters from flying near the canyon because its high risk to them. Make sure the FBO you are looking at doesnt have a policy like this...
07-02-2011, 02:18 PM
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Thanks for the replies though
07-02-2011, 03:29 PM
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We got to thinking about that and nixed our planes to fly it ourselves. A typical 172/archer isn't going to do what we would need it to be able to do lol, and I'm not going to want to pay for a checkout and rental on something more high performance even if there is an option available.
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