From: utzoo!decvax!cca!LRH@MIT-MC@sri-unix
Newsgroups: net.aviation
Title: flying into DCA
Article-I.D.: sri-unix.2535
Posted: Sat Aug  7 07:45:23 1982
Received: Sun Aug  8 00:23:35 1982

From: "Lyman R. Hazelton, Jr." 
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