On May 21, 8:31*am, Denny wrote:
Well, thinking about doing a weekend in Washington DC... *I know we
have had this discussion in the past but I'm too lazy to look it up -
and things may have changed...

I ask the wisdom of the group which is the best airport to use?
Any suggestions on a hotel?
What are the 'must' touristy things to do?

I would cheerfully spend every minute at the Smithsonian or the
National Gallery of Art, however my signifcant other doesn't find that
very exciting, so I will need to adjust to her wants...

denny

There are 1/2 dozen airports that ring the city....Leesburg (JYO),
Manassas (HEF), Fredrick (FDK), and on and on. Some are within the
ADIZ, some outside. DO NOT attempt to get close by flying into one of
the DC-3 inside the FRZ. I live in No. VA and my plane is based at
JYO. Others prefer Maryland airports. I won't play tour guide here
and start listing the zillion things you should do as a DC tourist.
But please....do NOT become a local news items by busting the ADIZ and
giving GA pilots a bad name. An overhead camera shot of you lying
face down on the tarmac with Secret Service all around is not very
flattering. THe AOPA site has tons of info on what to do and what not
to do in and around the ADIZ. Its not overly hard or complicated but
there no slack is given if you screw up. If you have questions after
reviewing it, by all means come back and ask.

--Jeff