Located on a tabletop mountain - aka Mesa: The approach and departure are spectacular! But be not distracted from these sights and be aware that high altitude, high temperatures, and high humidity impact aircraft and engine performance at 4,830 ft. High-density altitude conditions result in longer takeoff and landing distances and shallow climb gradients. After all, it’s mountain flying!
- High-elevation - check density altitude
- Calm wind runway is 03 for landing and 21 for departures
- Remember the runway slope! It does have an impact on your take-off and landing rolls
- Sedona has diverse weather throughout the year
- Expect turbulence even on calm, clear days
- Be a good neighbor and be noise-sensitive
- Sedona offers some great flying, but don’t get distracted by all the beautiful scenery
- Always have options! If things don’t look or feel right, go around or if the winds for landing conditions are just too much, Cottonwood, Flagstaff, and Prescott are good alternates.
A video explains the approach and departure procedures and also reminds pilots:
Sedona Airport is non-towered and located 2 miles southwest of the central business district of Sedona. Coordinates: 34°51′00″N 111°47′24″W. Sedona Airport does not host any commercial flights. Only small private planes or business jets have access to the airport. In 1952 an airstrip was created and in 1955 the first airplane landed. Read about the history of America’s Most Scenic Airport here: https://sedonaairport.org/history
Pilots are full of praise for the Red Rock FBO and the Mesa Grill restaurant, let alone the Sky Ranch Lodge and botanical garden directly at the airport entrance. There is also a fantastic hiking trail around the airport with marvelous views of the towering red rocks for which Sedona is famous. Visitors and hikers need a car or shuttle bus. Walking on the upper part of the mesa to reach the airport is not allowed! The road is rather narrow and pedestrians would be in danger. The lower, small parking spot is free (only 8-10 cars), the upper one, next to the airport is $3 for the whole day, and the restaurant parking is free for guests, the same for guests at the Sky Ranch Lodge.
Red Rock FBO
Besides fueling your airplane, they offer a great place for flight preparation and best of all: free coffee for pilots and passengers.
Helicopter Flights with Guidance Air
For non-pilots a great experience to see Sedona from the air. Knowledgeable pilots in the history of the area give passengers a lesson along the flight over Sedona and into the canyons. From the air, you can really take in the beauty of Sedona and its surroundings.
Sky Ranch Lodge and Botanical Garden at the Airport
The Lodge has built a reputation for providing friendly, efficient service combined with comfort and charm. Experience the historic charm combined with modern comfort, while enjoying the view from our scenic outlook or at their beautiful wine patio. There is also a saltwater, heated pool arranged with umbrellas and lounge chairs, and a Jacuzzi. Some rooms have even a fireplace for winter stays. And there are pet-friendly rooms ($25 per day pet fee). Their free shuttle brings you anywhere within a 5-mile radius of Sky Ranch Lodge between 2:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
The Sky Ranch Lodge has for sure the best views in town, but what I also found most amazing is the small botanical garden, surrounding the lodge. There is even a YouTube video about the certified botanical garden.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brojff4ZGOo
Mesa Grill
The inside interior is rather basic or as it is called: casual. Try to get a table on the patio for a view of landing/departing airplanes and the red rock butte. You can also bring your furry friend (dog) with you.
Breakfast is from 7:30 until 11 a.m. with a large variety of dishes such as Eggs Benedict, Yoghurt and granola Parfait, Smoked Salmon, or French Toast. Lunchtime is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering Southwest Caesar salad, Red Trout, Carne Asada Steak, and Baja Shrimp Ceviche. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. is dinner time and Chicken pasta or Chicken schnitzel, Fish & Chips, or Blackened Salmon can be enjoyed. Happy hour specials are offered every day from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. If you have a sweet tooth, Apple Cherry Crisp, Key Lime Pie, or Salted Caramel Gelato might be just what you like.
If you go: Come early or make a reservation on their website - and I mean it: Even during the week in the low season, don’t expect to get a spot for lunch or dinner, not even at the bar in the late afternoon or early evening. Between 4:00 and 6:00 hundreds of visitors come up to the airport to see the spectacular sunset and the flowing rock colors, and then storm the restaurant...
.
********
.
No comments:
Post a Comment