May be flying from Redding, CA to Pahrump NV to visit my favorite firearms training facility ... Front Sight.... later this week (Thu - Monday).

Figuring on going Redding-Reno-Pahrump, basically following the 395 south along the eastern Sierra and then south to Pahrump. May have to stop in Vegas for a while also for business.

Wanted comments on the route -- it looks desolate, few to no airports out there, and lots of restricted areas / MOAs to negotiate between, etc. I'm also wondering about mountain wave coming off the Sierras. I know there are some BCP folks here who frequent that godforsaken, sparsely populated, and incredibly beautiful area.... I really love it.... but haven't been south of Mammoth on that road.

Alternative would be down the central valley of CA to Bakersfield, then again avoiding R-airspace and working my towards Vegas / Pahrump area. Longer / slower, but maybe a better route...?

Also, anybody know anything about the Calvada Meadows (NV74) airport in Pahrump? It's listed as private permission to land required. I've tried calling the number several times but nobody answers. Finally got ahold of some very kind old gentleman at the other airport in town who said -- "no problem, lots of people land there, no need for further permission."

Any comments / thoughts / advice would be appreciated by this 160 hour pilot in a Maule.

Thanks.

-rh

If'n it was me, I'd fly Redding, Susanville, west side of Pyramid Lake, and then straight shot down to Hawthorne (stay west of the R stuff at Fallon). From there just stay along the west side of Hwy 95 (not 395) and you're clear of all the restricted areas and have no big rocks to try and climb over.

It's big valleys all the way, and lots of places to land if you have any problems. That route also gives you a good view down into Death Valley as you pass Beatty, and puts you in good position to fly into North Las Vegas or Jean while avoiding all the Class Bravo crap.

Gump

Do you have a plan for ground transportation once you get there? My last time out to Front Sight I flew into Henderson so I could rent a car.

I have a couple friends at Calvada. They do require permission, parking is the biggest problem. The far end of the field has parking but a long walk to any where.

If you just show up and expect to park up by all the houses and hangars you may find a few unfriendlies. Gumps route is right, lots of places to land and several farms strips you can find from the air not on the chart.

Any idea who to contact for permission? I have tried calling the listed number(s) several times and can never get anybody. Either a "disconnected" type message or an answering machine. I will try again tomorrow I suppose.

Any more info is appreciated. I certainly appreciate your replies already.

ReddingRob

The number is 775-751-8525

It rolls to whom ever is on call that week. There are about 5 people that it goes between but you should get an answer on that line.

[quote="mr scout"]The number is 775-751-8525

It rolls to whom ever is on call that week. There are about 5 people that it goes between but you should get an answer on that line.[/quot


Try landing at Sandy Valley-much closer than Henderson . There are a number of strips in Pahrump area -mostly connected to red light houses . There may be a strip at Front Sight ? There's a private strip on south east end of "town" -right off the highway (160) with a hanger and windsock. Green 185 lives there.

thanks all for your help.

I got ahold of a very nice guy named Dan on the airport call for the week who filled me in with the appropriate details -- the numbers I'd gotten from another source connected me to Preferred Equities -- the airport was apparently bought from them in bankruptcy a couple of years ago, I guess no surprise they didn't answer the phone. Permission granted to land and come back again in the future. There is an Enterprise car rental in Pahrump that my friend has a reservation at. Biggest issue seems to be no fuel at Calvada Meadows so I'll have to get that in Jean, Sandy Valley, or perhaps Henderson (I might need to go there on business anyway).

can't wait. Looks like a beautiful flight. watching the weather closely now.

-rh

Reminds me of Blazing Saddles
"give the Governor a Hurumph"
What a great movie,classic..

In the movie Mars Attacks, there is a sign that sez Parrumpt Nevada in the scheme where the martians first land. You know how that one turned out... so be careful & keep your pistol handy.

Pistol always handy. Shotgun on board.

Front Sight Motto: You are the weapon, your pistol / rifle / shotgun is a tool.

or something like that....

-Redding Rob