On 16 Apr 2004 07:24:10 -0700, (Dave) wrote:

I live in Chicago (NW side) and recently purchased a Grumman Tiger.
Can anyone comment on the relative advantages/disadvantages of basing
it at 06C or PWK?

I have already done the research on costs, distance from home, airnav
info, etc., and am looking for comments from people with first-hand
experience as either based or transient pilots at either airport.

Congrats on your plane purchase. I base at 3CK and fly to 06C and PWK
occasionally. PWK is a much bigger and busier airport than 06C.
Personally, I like 3CK much better than either one of them, but it may
not be an option for you.

Here are a few thoughts:

Reasons to like PWK:
1. Multiple runways for crosswind landings
2. Instrument (including ILS approaches)

Reasons to not like PWK:
1. Very busy - seems like I always wait for multiple planes to
takeoff/land.
2. Towered, so each flight takes a few extra minute to get ATIS,
clearance, ground, tower communications.
3. Expensive. I paid well over $3.00 for fuel at Signature last
week.

Reasons to like O6C.
1. Non-towered.
2. Restaurant on field

Reasons not to like 06C;
1. No instrument approaches
2. Very close to ORD B airspace (limits height on approach/depature).
3. Strict noise regulations

If you can make the drive to Lake in the Hills, it might be a cheaper
place to keep a plane (T-Hangar rental is ~$350/mo). Tiedowns are
~$100/mo. Fuel is $2.96/gal. We have instrument approaches (VOR 26,
VOR-A, RNAV 8, RNAV 26). Several maintenance shops on field,
including an avionics shop.

-Nathan