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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 |
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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 |
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Jeff, thanks for the comments... Just looking for comments on airports
outside the ring... I have ruled out the DC 3 just because I don't need the expense and hassle to go through the vetting process for a one time visit... And, sad to say, I no longer trust this administration, the HSA, and a whole host of other initials... Never thought it would come to this in my lifetime, but here we are... Were I retired and had the time I would actually look at mounting a lawsuit against the government for treating people flying light aircraft different from people driving... My gut feeling is that the HSA cannot withstand a constitutional challenge on this.. Anyway, looking at doing one of the guided tours on a Saturday, and leaving Sunday for being on our own and hitting at least one museum or art gallery for me... denny |
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On May 21, 10:02*am, Denny wrote:
Jeff, thanks for the comments... Just looking for comments on airports outside the ring... I have ruled out the DC 3 just because I don't need the expense and hassle to go through the vetting process for a one time visit... And, sad to say, I no longer trust this administration, the HSA, and a whole host of other initials... Never thought it would come to this in my lifetime, but here we are... Were I retired and had the time I would actually look at mounting a lawsuit against the government for treating people flying light aircraft different from people driving... My gut feeling is that the HSA cannot withstand a constitutional challenge on this.. Anyway, looking at doing one of the guided tours on a Saturday, and leaving Sunday for being on our own and hitting at least one museum or art gallery for me... denny There is a "DCPilots" group on Yahoo Groups. Most/All of us live and fly in and around the DC area. Once you have your basic facts on the ADIZ in hand, I'm sure folks would be happy to answer any specific airspace questions and offer advice on airports and hotels. But I think almost all of the 1/2 dozen or so that I referenced can provide rental cars and are near plenty of hotels along the way into DC. --Jeff |
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I ask the wisdom of the group which is the best airport to use?
We used Frederick, and enjoyed it immensely. Tour AOPA headquarters while you're there, and don't miss the crab cakes at the on-field restaurant! If you want to get even closer, flying into Dulles (and the ADIZ) is really no big deal, and they have a very nice FBO. They've probably never seen an Apache before, though. (They asked me what those big Ginsu knives were on the front of my little airplane...) ;-) -- Jay Honeck Iowa City, IA Pathfinder N56993 www.AlexisParkInn.com "Your Aviation Destination" |
#6
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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 Come the weekend of June 14th and you can actually be on display at the Smithsonian! /http://www.nasm.si.edu/becomeapilot/ Apply soon as the "apply to participate" page will vanish soon. email me at work nataliem (followed by) @ (followed by) si.edu if you have questions. It will be a GREAT day and you can RON at Dulles. What does your spouse find exciting. I suggest (other than the day at the fly-in) Start at the top of the Washinton Monument conservatory botanical gardens NASM (both locations) Duck boat tour There's LOTS of stuff in DC Plays, food, food, food Margy |
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Thanks for all the suggestions...
denny |
#8
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"Denny" wrote in message
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? This probably depends a lot on what you intend to do and how long you intend to stay. My home base in Leesburg, VA (KJYO), for instance, is no sleepy town any more and offers the closest VFR access to DC (with minor limitations). Car rental and nice hotel accommodations are readily available, too. You'll need the rental car, though, as public transportation to/from DC is limited to buses and rush hour schedules. Manassas, VA (KHEF) offers easier access to public transportation (via Virginia Railway Express commuter rail), but that, too, is limited in schedule. Gaithersburg, MD (KGAI) is the most convenient to public transportation with a true Metro station (vice commuter rail) fairly close by. Any suggestions on a hotel? Let us know what airport you plan to use and we'll offer hotel suggestions. ![]() What are the 'must' touristy things to do? NASM's Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles (KIAD). There's an inexpensive shuttle bus from the downtown museum if you end up staying closer to downtown. This is the only place they can showcase the larger exhibits like the Enterprise shuttle, the Concorde, SR-71, Enola Gay, etc. The docent-guided tours are good, but I also enjoy just exploring. Walking the National Mall is an obvious "must" with stops at The Wall, Jefferson, Lincoln, Washington and WW2 memorials. The FDR memorial is, IMO, grossly out of scope. Any of the Smithsonian exhibits are obvious choices along the way, but the American History museum will be closed for renovation until Fall 2008. The Navy Memorial is also interesting and has a convenient Metro stop. If you have the time, a harbor dinner cruise on the Potomac is entertaining with nice views. Mount Vernon is a fairly short drive out of town and provides a nice respite from "the rush". I'd also recommend a tour of the Capitol. -- John T http://sage1solutions.com/blogs/TknoFlyer http://sage1solutions.com/products NEW! FlyteBalance v2.0 (W&B); FlyteLog v2.0 (Logbook) ____________________ |
#9
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John T wrote:
"Denny" wrote in message 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? This probably depends a lot on what you intend to do and how long you intend to stay. My home base in Leesburg, VA (KJYO), for instance, is no sleepy town any more and offers the closest VFR access to DC (with minor limitations). Car rental and nice hotel accommodations are readily available, too. You'll need the rental car, though, as public transportation to/from DC is limited to buses and rush hour schedules. Manassas, VA (KHEF) offers easier access to public transportation (via Virginia Railway Express commuter rail), but that, too, is limited in schedule. Gaithersburg, MD (KGAI) is the most convenient to public transportation with a true Metro station (vice commuter rail) fairly close by. Any suggestions on a hotel? Let us know what airport you plan to use and we'll offer hotel suggestions. ![]() What are the 'must' touristy things to do? NASM's Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles (KIAD). There's an inexpensive shuttle bus from the downtown museum if you end up staying closer to downtown. Sorry to say the shuttle between museums didn't make financial sense and was terminated a few years ago. You can get a $3.00 bus from L'enfant to Dulles and a $.50 bus to the museum from there. This is the only place they can showcase the larger exhibits like the Enterprise shuttle, the Concorde, SR-71, Enola Gay, etc. The docent-guided tours are good, but I also enjoy just exploring. The docent guided tours are excellent! (I'm the Docent Program Manager, so take that as you may). Another really good museum is the Marine Corp Museum at Quantico. Margy |
#10
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On Mon, 26 May 2008 09:34:40 -0400, Margy Natalie
wrote: John T wrote: "Denny" wrote in message 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? This probably depends a lot on what you intend to do and how long you intend to stay. My home base in Leesburg, VA (KJYO), for instance, is no sleepy town any more and offers the closest VFR access to DC (with minor limitations). Car rental and nice hotel accommodations are readily available, too. You'll need the rental car, though, as public transportation to/from DC is limited to buses and rush hour schedules. Manassas, VA (KHEF) offers easier access to public transportation (via Virginia Railway Express commuter rail), but that, too, is limited in schedule. Gaithersburg, MD (KGAI) is the most convenient to public transportation with a true Metro station (vice commuter rail) fairly close by. Any suggestions on a hotel? Let us know what airport you plan to use and we'll offer hotel suggestions. ![]() What are the 'must' touristy things to do? NASM's Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles (KIAD). There's an inexpensive shuttle bus from the downtown museum if you end up staying closer to downtown. Sorry to say the shuttle between museums didn't make financial sense and was terminated a few years ago. You can get a $3.00 bus from L'enfant to Dulles and a $.50 bus to the museum from there. This is the only place they can showcase the larger exhibits like the Enterprise shuttle, the Concorde, SR-71, Enola Gay, etc. The docent-guided tours are good, but I also enjoy just exploring. The docent guided tours are excellent! (I'm the Docent Program Manager, so take that as you may). Another really good museum is the Marine Corp Museum at Quantico. Margy Friday evening parade at 8th & I Marine Barracks is very interesting to watch. My father was in charge of the ceremonial guard detail , um I attended more than I needed.......... www.mbw.usmc.mil Regards Daveb |
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