First, a little background: I've had my PPL for 2 yrs. (Just did my BFR.) I have about 520 hrs, 400 of it PIC, with 112 hrs of cross-country time. I just finished my IFR training, and am polishing up while waiting for my IFR checkride scheduled in about 4 weeks. Most of my time is in my 98 Archer 3, which I purchased about halfway through my PPL training. I'm based at a towered (D) field, have flown in/out of Charlie airports quite often, always use flight following, and once flew in/out of San Diego Int (B) on Thanksgiving day. I'm comfortable with the radio and ATC. (Had a lot of radio experience in my previous occupation.)
Second, the situation: I promised to fly my daughter from Stockton CA to LA this Saturday (Oct 15) to spend the night with her friend in Redondo Beach to help her celebrate her friend's birthday. (I will stay in a hotel.) The next day, (Sunday) I am to fly her from LA to San Diego Int. and drop her off. (She will spend the week there. I will fly back and pick her up the following Saturday.)
My plans: Either LAX or KTOA (Torrance). Both are about equal driving distance to Redondo beach. (Will be picking up a rental car.) Admittedly, fuel and fees are cheaper at KTOA, but there are no real FBO services there ala Signature, Landmark, Atlantic, etc. But I don't mind the additional cost, and enjoy the convenience that the full service FBOs provide. And to be honest, I rather like the challenge and excitement of flying into Bravo airports. (Despite the additional costs.)
So, the question: What advice might you offer? What experience have you had flying GA into LAX? I plan to call ahead for advice. (Worked quite well when I flew into San Diego a couple years ago.)
Any advice would be appreciated.
Second, the situation: I promised to fly my daughter from Stockton CA to LA this Saturday (Oct 15) to spend the night with her friend in Redondo Beach to help her celebrate her friend's birthday. (I will stay in a hotel.) The next day, (Sunday) I am to fly her from LA to San Diego Int. and drop her off. (She will spend the week there. I will fly back and pick her up the following Saturday.)
My plans: Either LAX or KTOA (Torrance). Both are about equal driving distance to Redondo beach. (Will be picking up a rental car.) Admittedly, fuel and fees are cheaper at KTOA, but there are no real FBO services there ala Signature, Landmark, Atlantic, etc. But I don't mind the additional cost, and enjoy the convenience that the full service FBOs provide. And to be honest, I rather like the challenge and excitement of flying into Bravo airports. (Despite the additional costs.)
So, the question: What advice might you offer? What experience have you had flying GA into LAX? I plan to call ahead for advice. (Worked quite well when I flew into San Diego a couple years ago.)
Any advice would be appreciated.
