Long Beach

GaryP1007

GaryP1007

Pre-takeoff checklist
Joined
Feb 21, 2018
Messages
131
Location
Chandler, AZ
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Display name:
GaryP1007
Flying from AZ to Long Beach in a few days. I'll be IFR but wondered if there are any gotchas with this airport ?
 
You're based in Chandler, so you're used to Phoenix Class B operations. SoCal is a bit busier, but the SoCal controllers are very good and very willing to help if you have questions. You're routing will look something like KCHD SACAT V16 BXK PSP DEWAY PDZ SLI KLGB. You'll most likely be flying the RNAV or ILS for RWY 30. You'll probably get vectored to MIDDS for the approach (both the ILS and the RNAV use that waypoint). I wouldn't worry to much. Familiarize yourself with the routing and enjoy the flight.
 
JEB said:
You're based in Chandler, so you're used to Phoenix Class B operations. SoCal is a bit busier, but the SoCal controllers are very good and very willing to help if you have questions. You're routing will look something like KCHD SACAT V16 BXK PSP DEWAY PDZ SLI KLGB. You'll most likely be flying the RNAV or ILS for RWY 30. You'll probably get vectored to MIDDS for the approach (both the ILS and the RNAV use that waypoint). I wouldn't worry to much. Familiarize yourself with the routing and enjoy the flight.
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Thanks. I had read some things that made me want to ask. Your reply helps.


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Yes, busy airspace for sure, lots of frequency changes to different controller sectors. The last 2 times I've been to LGB (from the east, Vegas area), on a STAR, then mostly vectors, and fairly close to LGB and SLI, the controller surprised me with "fly heading xxx to join Victor zzz." Without Victor airways on the STAR plate, it was kind of a scramble to pull up the chart, find the airway, etc. I don't recall if it was the same directive on both trips or not. Maybe locals know this "procedure" and can anticipate, but all you can do as an out-of-towner is maybe review airways and have the chart ready.
 
Jim Carpenter said:
Yes, busy airspace for sure, lots of frequency changes to different controller sectors. The last 2 times I've been to LGB (from the east, Vegas area), on a STAR, then mostly vectors, and fairly close to LGB and SLI, the controller surprised me with "fly heading xxx to join Victor zzz." Without Victor airways on the STAR plate, it was kind of a scramble to pull up the chart, find the airway, etc. I don't recall if it was the same directive on both trips or not. Maybe locals know this "procedure" and can anticipate, but all you can do as an out-of-towner is maybe review airways and have the chart ready.
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Jim, you're right. That "fly victor XXX to join VZZZ" definitely does happen. I've found that the controller tends to give these kinds of directions as you are leaving a VOR (PDZ probably in this case). You can usually identify a waypoint that they are aiming you at and just go D-> to that waypoint while monitoring things along the VOR radial. I guess that's a good example of local knowledge about things are done here.
 
Many the times, I've sat in the terminal watching traffic waiting for a commercial flight to SEA and I'm amazed that wake turbulance doesn't create a problem. Watched one plane wait for 30 minutes to get on the main runway. Saw a 150 take off that ended up on the beach 5 minutes later with an engine failure. Very, very busy and close in with the heavies.
 
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